Kylian Mbappé, who this week was named the best forward in the world among ESPN FC's 100 best players, will not move to the Premier League, as Real Madrid has officially signed him. But England's clubs will be busy doing business during this summer's transfer window, which opens for the Premier League on June 14 and the rest of Europe on July 1, hoping to improve their squads while remaining within financial regulations.
So, in the spirit of fantasy football, here's a guide to the player every Premier League club should sign this summer.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
Newcastle striker Alejandro Isak could be the missing piece of the puzzle as the Gunners look to usurp Manchester City and clinch that elusive first league title since 2003-04. The Swede's grace, clinical finishing and intelligent movement earned him 21 league goals last season, and similar results in north London could be enough to topple Pep Guardiola's side.
Since Villa will be playing in the Champions League next season, they should think big. The impressive winger of Napoli Jvicha Kvaratskelia is available and would give them a new dimension.
Whoever replaces outgoing coach Roberto De Zerbi must end his experiment in rotating goalkeepers. Why not convert Arsenal's restless man between the sticks? Aaron Ramsdale, your undisputed number one? It is clear that he will see very little action at Arsenal now that David Raya has established himself as the clear starter.
Their style of play is pleasing to the eye, but Bournemouth concede too many goals. The solution, then, is to sign an uncompromising defender like the one from Brentford. Ethan Pinnockwho rarely has a day off.
The bad news? Brentford look certain to lose their talisman Ivan Toney during the summer window. The good news, or at least the positive side? It will give the Bees a war chest to rebuild. They should consider signing the top scorer in LaLiga with 24 goals, Artem Dovbyk from Gerona.
Any transfer fee would be high, but it would be worth it.
Who knows what might happen next in the soap opera that is Stamford Bridge? There may have to be high-profile departures (like Conor Gallagher?) to meet financial targets, but Ivan Toney It seems like a sensible signing to boost his offensive power. It's only a matter of time before he rediscovers his scoring talent.
Coach Oliver Glasner has an exciting team when everyone is fit. His problem is that the excellent Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise struggle to stay off the physio's table, so Glasner needs cover. Arsenal in disgrace Emile Smith-Rowe It would fit perfectly.
Finances are a sensitive issue at Goodison Park after the Premier League handed out two separate points deductions to the club for breaching financial regulations. But they will need to spend some money to solve their main problem: the lack of goals. Blackburn Rovers Sammie Szmodicswho scored 27 goals in a struggling Championship team during the 2023-24 campaign, could be the right player at the right price.
Willian has been a fabulous signing, but he is in the veteran stage of his career. To fill their positions, Fulham should consider a blatant bid for Callum Hudson-Odoi. He has risen through the ranks at Nottingham Forest, becoming a constant attacking threat and scoring goals.
Every promoted club needs an improvement or two, and one idea here is Ross Barkley, who regained their best form despite Luton Town's relegation. Barkley wants to stay in the top flight and Ipswich would do well to oblige him.
Barcelona's finances are in such bad shape that the Catalan giants are having to offload players. The Foxes could take advantage of this opportunity by bidding for raffin either Ferran Torresboth with experience in the Premier League.
New manager Arne Slot will know all about West Ham's magnificent performance Mohammed Kudus. He was in the Ajax team facing Slot's Feyenoord in Holland.
Kudus is a threat and seems like a Liverpool type player to me.
2:37
How Slot can use Ten Hag's struggles to adapt to the Premier League
Mario Melchiot shares his advice for Arne Slot ahead of his first Premier League season as Liverpool manager.
Who could improve City, who have just won their fourth consecutive Premier League title? Pedro Neto. Yes, he is injury prone, but when he is fit he can be a quick train on Wolves' right flank. If he were to join City, Neto would combine with Jérémy Doku on the left flank to further improve City. A terrifying thought.
This season, the Red Devils looked too vulnerable at the back. Despite their tremendous (and let's face it, surprise) FA Cup victory over City, they still need to strengthen their defence. The answer could be that of Barça Ronald Araújo. He and centre-back Lisandro Martínez would give United a more stable look.
1:44
What are the 'Ratcliffe rules' if Manchester United appoint a new manager?
Gab Marcotti and Stewart Robson analyze Sir Jim Ratcliffe's views on whether Manchester United start looking for a new manager.
If Isak leaves the club this summer, Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke could be the way to go. He is coming off his best season with 19 league goals, and has been trained to be less of a team player and more selfish in attack, much better at breaking down defenses.
There are few (if any) problems with their attacking options, but defensively they remain vulnerable. How much they have to spend could be an issue (you imagine they will be on a pretty tight budget), so Peterborough's stylish young central defender Ronnie Edwards is a suggested option. He has many admirers.
With all three promoted clubs relegated at the end of last season, the Saints must strengthen to have a chance of surviving in the Premier League. One way to do this would be to sign a versatile midfielder. Nicolas Seiwald of RB Leipzig, who could also star in this summer's Euro Cup with Austria.
Spurs are looking to expand their attacking options. Could this be the right time to convince? Mark Rashford Leaving Manchester United after a troubled season at Old Trafford? A change of scenery could revitalize his career and help Tottenham stay in the top four.
With Lucas Paquetá's future in doubt after he was accused of breaking betting rules, the Hammers need a new playmaker. forest Morgan Gibbs-White It wouldn't be cheap, but it would be ideal to open the locks in position number 10.
When everyone is fit, they have a decent team. But manager Gary O'Neil will want to finish in the first half next season. To get there, they could sign the forward Elias Adebayo. He scored 10 goals despite Luton's relegation and a long injury absence, and would give Wolves more of an aerial threat and physical presence up front.
