With the 2025/26 season now in the books, clubs will no doubt already be turning their attention towards the next campaign as they look to achieve their objectives – whether that be lifting a title, building on the season just gone, or simply avoiding the drop.

In order to achieve those goals, all teams will need to be active in the summer transfer market to strengthen the squads already at their disposal. Needless to say, the World Cup is likely to slow negotiations down somewhat, but the Premier League is still expected to outspend every other league once again.

For that reason, it is difficult to know exactly where clubs will turn for new recruits. We’ve asked AI to come up with a rough guide to three signings every club could make this summer, and if it comes off, some sides could be in for a serious squad overhaul and a major step up in quality, while others could be left disappointed.

AI Predicts Three Signings For Every 26/27 Premier League Club

Arsenal – Julian Alvarez, Bradley Barcola, Carles Lukeba

Stan Kroenke and the rest of Arsenal’s hierarchy have already said they will do everything they can to ensure their first Premier League title in 22 years isn’t just a one-off. With that, the Gunners are expected to spend big to turn their fortunes into a dynasty, and signing Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, then arming him with Bradley Barcola, is one hell of a statement. Not sure another defensive signing is necessary, though, so where Carles Lukeba would fit in is anyone’s guess.

Aston Villa – Jonathan Rowe, Oscar Mingueza, Ibrahim Mbaye

Budgets are tight at Aston Villa right now, as proven by the fact they only spent £60 million last summer. But after Unai Emery led them to a Europa League triumph, he must be rewarded somehow, and giving him two pacey wingers in Jonathan Rowe and PSG youngster Ibrahim Mbaye could be just what the doctor ordered after Leon Bailey left last summer.

Bournemouth – Nathan Ake, Benjamin Nygren, Alvaro Rodriguez

Marco Rose has big boots to fill after Andoni Iraola’s exit. But with Marcos Senesi also leaving, a reunion could be on the cards for Nathan Ake, which could help bring some much-needed experience back to a squad that must learn to cope with the demands of juggling domestic and continental football next season. Both Nygren and Rodriguez could be gambles, but ones that have worked in the past for a progressive-thinking side.

Brentford – Said El Mala, Jannik Schuster, Matvii Ponomarenko

Reports suggest Brentford are already closing in on a club-record £39 million deal to sign Said El Mala from FC Koln. The 19-year-old scored 13 Bundesliga goals last season and could strike a formidable partnership with Igor Thiago, who could soon face competition for his place from young Dynamo Kyiv bagsman Matvii Ponomarenko.

Brighton & Hove Albion – Zadok Yohanna, Costinha, Charlie Cresswell

Brighton love to unearth hidden gems, and AI believes they could do just that again this summer. Zadok Yohanna is a Swedish winger, known for his directness, while Costinha is a more experienced Portuguese right-back. The most interesting acquisition they are predicted to make, though, is bringing Charlie Cresswell – a former Leeds academy prospect – back to England after his stint with Toulouse.

Chelsea – Mike Maignan, Maxence Lacroix, Morgan Rogers

It’ll come as a bit of a shock that Chelsea haven’t been tipped by AI to sign a winger or one of their former players, considering their penchant to keep dipping their toes into the market for just that. Instead, they are finally expected to part ways with Robert Sanchez, replacing him with one of the best goalkeepers in the world, while also adding Premier League-ready talent in the shape of Lacroix and Rogers.

Coventry City – Carl Rushworth, Caleb Taylor, Troy Parrott

Coventry City’s three signings offer a worrying insight into a recruitment plan that very much relies on Championship-level players stepping up to the big time. Carl Rushworth won the second tier’s Golden Glove last term with the Sky Blues and seems like the best option long-term in between the sticks, but Caleb Taylor and Troy Parrott certainly have a lot to prove.

Crystal Palace – Hayden Hackney, Danilho Doekhi, Jadon Sancho

Surely Jadon Sancho’s time in the Premier League is up? Well, not according to AI, who think Crystal Palace might be the next club to take a chance on him. Following his failures at Man United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, the Eagles can probably bet their bottom dollar on reaping more success from Hayden Hackney, Middlesbrough’s own Adam Wharton type midfielder, and Danilho Doekhi, Union Berlin’s powerhouse centre-back.

Everton – Ngal’ayel Mukau, Georgios Vagiannidis, Mohamed Amoura

Everton’s predicted trio of signings look, on paper, like a commentator’s worst nightmare. But, tactically, they all look to have the same physical traits of high energy, strength, and desire – this will no doubt help David Moyes in his transition away from the ageing players within his current squad.

Fulham – Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Isaac Price, Solly March

Top of Fulham’s to-do list is finding a new manager after Marco Silva honoured the final year of his contract before seeking a move to Benfica. Until a new head coach is decided, the Cottagers can’t make much progress in the market, and that’s perhaps why they’ve been tipped to have a pretty nondescript summer, focussing on signing players who already know their way around English football.

Hull City – Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Joe Gelhardt, Lewis O’Brien

Before the season gets underway, Hull City will be most bookmakers’ favourites for the drop. Signing experienced players should be the priority as the Tigers prepare for a relegation dogfight, but they’ve instead been linked with players who have had a mixed bag of success in the Premier League, though Lewis O’Brien’s hardworking style could fit Jakirovic’s brand nicely.

Ipswich Town – Enzo Boyomo, Tim Iroegbunam, Victor Munoz

Osasuna will be sick of the sight of Kieran McKenna’s recruitment team if they are twice raided by Ipswich Town – firstly, to nab the Spanish club’s highly-rated defender in Enzo Boyomo, and then again for their young striker, Victor Munoz. They are also tipped to complete a trio of signings that could easily become the spine of their newlook squad with defensive midfielder Tim Iroegbunam.

Leeds United – Harry Wilson, Roony Bardghji, James Trafford

Signing Harry Wilson and Roony Bardghji could completely change Leeds United’s attacking fortunes, especially since they already have Dominic Calvert-Lewin lurking in the opposition box. Finalising their transfer window by bringing in James Trafford could mean Daniel Farke oversees one of the best summers the club has ever seen as they look to consolidate on last season’s successful survival mission.

Liverpool – Yan Diomande, Denzel Dumfries, Adam Wharton

None of Liverpool’s predicted signings need an introduction, which would ordinarily suggest they would be instant hits on Merseyside – particularly Yan Diomande, their priority to replace Mohamed Salah, and Adam Wharton, who has an innate ability to pull the strings from the middle of the park. However, last summer was also an expensive one for the Reds, and so anything could happen.

Manchester City – Elliot Anderson, Pedro Porro, Alexander Nubel

Elliot Anderson would be a very good signing for Man City, who are slowly but surely preparing for life after Rodri. The England international is one of the best system players in the world, and his tempo-setting for both club and country has been instrumental over the last couple years. But signing Pedro Porro looks to pose the same risks as Rayan Ait-Nouri, while Alexander Nubel’s likelihood of dethroning Gianluigi Donnarumma make his potential acquisition a non-event.

Manchester United – Mateus Fernandes, Carles Baleba, Lewis Hall

AI took inspiration from Michael Carrick’s wishlist to come up with three signings Manchester United could make, with the arrival of Mateus Fernandes, Carles Baleba, and Lewis Hall very much in the offing over the next couple months. With Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte leaving, and Ederson already joining from Atalanta, the Red Devils’ midfield could look completely different going into the upcoming campaign.

Newcastle United – Abde Ezzalzouli, Giorgio Scalvini, Hugo Bueno

After scoring 18 goals and registering a further 10 assists for Real Betis last season, Abde Ezzalzouli’s £51 million release clause could be daylight robbery for Newcastle as they look to deal with Anthony Gordon’s exit. The Magpies would then still have enough to profit from Wolves’ relegation to sign Hugo Bueno, while also acquiring the services of Atalanta’s 22-year-old, 6ft4in defender Giorgi Scalvini.

Nottingham Forest – Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jan Ziolkowksi, Maxime Esteve

Nottingham Forest raiding Crystal Palace for Jean-Philippe Mateta would surely be the final nail in the coffin for the latter’s respect for the former, after the same club denied them Europa League qualification two seasons ago. But Forest won’t mind one bit, with them copping a powerful, prolific striker, who can single-handedly turn games on their head surely helping the Tricky Trees rediscover their potential to upset the apple cart.

Sunderland – Yacine Titraoui, Jhon Lucumi, Soufiane El-Faouzi

Yacine Titraoui is a dynamic, press-resistant midfielder who could provide long-term cover for Granit Xhaka, Jhon Lucumi is a ball-playing defender, and Soufiane El-Faouzi is a highly-versatile, tireless midfielder. None of these signings will whet the lips of anyone, but if anyone can get the best out of the unknown quantities, it’s Regis Le Bris, who already has Sunderland punching above their weight anyway.

Tottenham – Savinho, Jan Paul van Hecke, Jonathan David

Tottenham fans will view many of their current players like new signings next season considering how many are returning from long-term injuries. The return of James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, and Mohammed Kudus could be enough alone to help the club avoid ever being dragged into a relegation dogfight again. But, just for safe measure, bringing Savinho, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Jonathan David in would put that notion beyond doubt.

Liverpool are set for a busy summer, as the club hierarchy are tasked with setting up a squad that can get the club back to the top of the Premier League table.

There has already been plenty of change in the background, with Arne Slot losing his job and Andoni Iraola set to replace him in the Anfield dugout.

Within the squad there has been some churn too, as Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate have confirmed their exits from Liverpool, as the Reds look set to step into a new era.

That means signings will be needed, not only to strengthen the team but to match the new intense style of play they will be expected to perform with.

Plenty of links have appeared before the transfer window opens, as Liverpool put their plan in place, with the latest being a centre-back option to replace Konate.

Liverpool Eye Maxime Esteve Transfer

As links continue to surround Liverpool and some possible market movements, TeamTalk reports that Burnley defender Maxime Esteve is of interest to the Merseyside outfit.

The 24-year-old has been a key player for the Clarets, with exactly 100 appearances made for the club, but relegation from the Premier League could see the centre-back move on.

While Esteve signed a new long-term deal last year, Burnley are claimed to be resigned to losing the defender as teams begin to circle around a move.

Liverpool are joined by Chelsea and Crystal Palace as the teams listed as interested parties, while a deal from the Reds will be dependent on an internal discussion.

The club hierarchy need to hold transfer discussions with Iraola upon his arrival to decide whether Esteve is the player both the manager and recruitment team want to sign.

It’s unclear how much Burnley value Esteve at, though their move to potentially sign Dael Fry as a free agent replacement suggests a move is coming either way.

Who Is Maxime Esteve?

Maxime Esteve may be a name who isn’t particularly familiar with all Liverpool fans, given the time he has spent in the Championship as well as the Premier League.

The 24-year-old is a left-footed centre-back who was born in Montpellier, France, coming through the youth academy of his home city before featuring in the senior side.

He featured in the French youth teams, playing at under-20, under-21, and under-23 levels, but is yet to make an appearance for the senior side.

Burnley signed Esteve on an initial loan deal in the winter window 2024, which was made permanent that summer, with some impressive performances coming in that time.

The defender has over 160 professional appearances to his name, with 50 of those coming in the Premier League, where he equalled an unwanted record this season.

In a clash with Manchester City, Esteve was unfortunate enough to score two own goals, a rare feat that has only happened five other times in Premier League history.

One of the other players to do that is Jamie Carragher, who suffered the same fate in 1999 in a 3-2 defeat to fierce rivals Manchester United.

Fortunately for Carragher, that mistake didn’t go on to define him, and if Esteve can go and join Liverpool and follow in his footsteps, then it will be a fine move indeed.

As Manchester United enter the summer transfer market, all eyes are on what they will do in the midfield, with the engine room set to take up the majority of the budget.

While the central ranks will take priority for obvious reasons, as Man United close in on the signing of Ederson, there is another area that will need some attention.

That is the goalkeeping department, which has seen plenty of change in recent years, but could be set for further moves in the weeks ahead.

Last summer’s arrival of Senne Lammens worked as planned, having taken the number one shirt with some calm and considered performances, but it is beyond him that change is needed.

There may be three deals in the works for Man United that would take the side’s development to the next level, while providing a financial boost, too.

Man United Need Goalkeeper Exits

With Lammens sealing the first-choice spot in goal at Old Trafford, Man United now have a dilemma surrounding what to do with the players behind him in the pecking order.

Andre Onana was the number one for a while before Lammens arrived, but left to join Trabzonspor on loan for the campaign in search of regular playing time.

The Cameroonian shot-stopper is set to return from Turkiye, but his future remains uncertain, meaning he could look to leave the club this summer.

The 30-year-old has two years left on his deal at Old Trafford, having played 102 times for United since joining, but with options seemingly unclear for what could come after.

He isn’t the only one, however, as Altay Bayindir has been linked with a return to Turkiye, as he has also struggled to secure a starting spot at the club.

The 28-year-old is into the final year of his contract at the club, though there is a one-year extension option, having made just 17 appearances since joining back in 2023.

With both goalkeepers in the mix, it means Man United have four to call upon, when they could do with reducing that to just three, making for an awkward situation.

The pair could leave, forcing the club to enter the market again, but that would be a financial boost with funds raised from two exits, only to be replaced by one option.

As Lammens is the current number one, it would make sense to land a number two who won’t be quite as costly, creating a strong goalkeeping union once again.

And there are plenty of options that could be on the market.

Man United Need A Second-Choice Goalkeeper

If both Onana and Bayindir are to leave Man United this summer, then it would make sense to enter the market for a second-choice goalkeeper to bridge the gap between Lammens and Tom Heaton in the squad’s ranks.

That would see a third transfer deal completed in that position, but one that may be needed, and there are some top options that may be available.

Aaron Ramsdale, for example, could be on the cards. The 28-year-old is returning to Southampton at the end of his Newcastle loan spell, where he couldn’t quite break in to become the side’s number-one.

Ramsdale has plenty of quality, and while he may want to become a number-one elsewhere, he would certainly be one of the best backup goalkeepers in the league.

Beyond him, looking at the relegated sides could be an option, with experienced shot-stoppers Jose Sa and Martin Dubravka both offering plenty of quality from their time at the very top.

Then there’s the possibility of looking at potential, someone who could push Lammens in the long-term, but may require some time to be his understudy.

That may expose Man United more, especially if the promising arrival has to be thrown in for some key games for any particular reason.

But in all, a second-choice goalkeeper arrival would help secure the shot-stopping ranks for a while, and there would be a financial boost in landing some much-needed transfer fees for those who leave with just one replacement coming in.