Premier League: Who the Big Six could move for this summer
The transfer window has only been open for a matter of days at the time of writing, but deals are already being completed, and rumours are constantly swirling for the next big announcement.
As expected, the Premier League giants aren’t resting on their laurels—with Liverpool and Manchester United both acting fast before the dust has even settled on the 2024–25 season.
It’s the so-called ‘Big Six’ who often dominate the headlines during the summer and winter windows, so let’s take a look at the business they could each carry out as they look to improve for the next campaign—providing potential early signs for to back to win the title with your free bet or best free bet offers.
Liverpool
Where better to start than with the champions? Arne Slot surprised everybody in his first year at Anfield, taking a side supposedly in transition after the departure of Jurgen Klopp to Premier League glory for the first time since 2020.
The contract renewals of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk felt as good as a new signing when confirmed—months of nervously waiting were finally rewarded for Reds fans.
But while Salah and Van Dijk stay, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid on a free is a bitter pill to swallow.
Liverpool have moved fast to replace him with the dynamic Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for just £29.5m. His teammate, the highly-rated Florian Wirtz, is expected to follow suit, and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is another transfer reportedly in the making.
Arsenal
Going in table order, Arsenal finished runners-up in the league for the third straight season and Mikel Arteta’s side are now without a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup.
Their Champions League hopes were dashed by Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, leaving Gunners fans again wondering what might have been.
The lack of a consistent, elite striker has arguably been the missing piece. That’s surely something Arteta and the board will prioritise this summer.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is reportedly top of their shortlist, while Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres—who lit up the Primeira Liga—could offer a more physical option.
A world-class No.9 could be the final piece of the puzzle, and if they get it right, Arsenal may finally end their long wait for silverware next season.
Manchester City
Manchester City ended the season in third—a surprising finish given their pre-season billing as favourites for a historic fifth title in a row.
The fact they finished the campaign without a single trophy for the first time since 2016 will not sit well with Pep Guardiola.
Kevin De Bruyne’s departure is massive and replacing his creativity and leadership will be no easy task. Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, long seen as one of Europe’s brightest prospects, is the man City turn to in that regard.
They’re also reportedly in the mix for Rayan Aït-Nouri after his impressive season at Wolves, while talks are ongoing with AC Milan over midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who recorded 10 goals and got four assists in Serie A.
After an underwhelming season by their own standards, expect a re-energised City to be aggressive in the market.
Chelsea
After lifting the UEFA Conference League and returning to the Champions League, the Blues finally had something to celebrate in the Todd Boehly era. Now, the challenge is to trim the bloated squad and add quality where it’s needed.
Liam Delap has arrived after scoring 12 goals for Ipswich Town, joining for £30m after Chelsea triggered his release clause. He adds more firepower to a young forward line that still lacks a proven goalscorer.
The club are also eyeing a winger, with Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho—reportedly unhappy with his role—and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens both linked.
Defensively, a reunion with former academy product Marc Guehi is on the cards, although Real Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen has slipped through their grasp. Expect more movement in both directions at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United
It’s hard to describe just how bad the 2024–25 season was for Manchester United. A 15th-place finish marked a new Premier League low, and despite reaching the Europa League final, they were beaten by Tottenham Hotspur.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is wasting no time in attempting to reverse the club’s decline. Matheus Cunha has arrived from Wolves for £62.5m, a price that reflects both his ability and United’s desperation.
They’re also eyeing Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford, who contributed 20 goals and seven assists across all competitions. The Bees are holding firm at over £60m, but United are expected to press on.
With a rebuild clearly underway, the Red Devils could be one of the busiest clubs in the window.
Tottenham Hotspur
It was a season of extremes for Spurs. On the one hand, they claimed a long-awaited trophy by winning the Europa League. On the other, they finished just one place above the relegation zone.
The future of manager Ange Postecoglou remains uncertain, but Champions League football offers a vital carrot.
That European exposure could help them land Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze, who starred in the FA Cup final. They’re also in the running for Southampton wonderkid Tyler Dibling and could rival Manchester United for Mbeumo.
The key for Spurs will be building on the positives, stabilising the squad, and ensuring they don’t waste their hard-earned return to Europe’s top table.
