As the transfer window quickly approaches, clubs will be aggressively pursuing their plans to improve their squads ahead of the Premier League. The league season is back.
Telegraph Sport experts tell us what every club needs to do this summer to improve their chances.
Arsenal
Arsenal are looking to add another striker to their attacking options and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesco is a strong target. Left-sided back is also on the agenda with the club having a long-term interest in Ajax teenager Yorrell Hato. Given the uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey's future, a new midfielder may also be needed. Arsenal's financial strength will depend, to some extent, on the amount of money they can generate for players such as Aaron Ramsdale, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah.
Aston Villa 
Ross Barkley to join Aston Villa in July Photo: Reuters/Peter Ciborra
Aston Villa are in for a Champions League but also a summer of smart trading as the club adheres to strict PSR rules. Unai Emery will target a new right-back, two midfielders and a striker. The future of Douglas Louis is uncertain. Ross Barkley will join the team in July when Villa activate his £5 million release clause at Luton Town.
Bournemouth
With Lloyd Kelly out of contract and talks over a move to Newcastle underway, Andoni Iraola will be in the market for a left-back. The ex-Bournemouth captain played at left-back and centre-back for five years at the Vitality Stadium. A backup goalkeeper is also needed as New Zealander Alex Paulsen arrives from Wellington Phoenix. Forwards Enes Unal and Luis Sinisterra turned their loan spells into permanent contracts. They could use a centre-forward as they rely solely on Dominic Solanke.
Brentford
Brentford have already committed around £30 million to sign striker Igor Thiago from Club Brugge. He will join the club in July and is seen as a replacement for Ivan Toney, who is expected to leave this summer. Brentford have been trying to find a quality striker in their forward line for a long time now without success. Could this be the moment when they finally achieve their main goal at this position?
Brighton & Hove Albion 
Brighton have completed the £16m deal for Ibrahim Osman. Photo: Getty Images/Lars Ronbog
Brighton completed their first major deal in February when they completed the £16 million transfer of FC Nordsjaelland striker Ibrahim Osman. He will join the club this summer. Central midfield is an area where they have few options and have previously expressed interest in Leicester City's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. A more urgent task is to find a new coach after the departure of Roberto De Zerbi.
Chelsea
The amount of business Chelsea receive will likely depend on how well they sell players. Defender Tosin Adarabioyo has already signed on a free transfer from Fulham and Chelsea would like to add at least one more striker to their squad. Chelsea are among the teams pursuing RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesco and remain interested in Michael Olisa.
Crystal Palace
Much will depend on the future of Marc Guehi, Michael Oliseh and Eberechi Eze. How many of the three will leave and how much will the club receive in transfer fees? Guehi is expected to leave, while Palace are close to signing Real Betis defender Chadi Riyad for £14m. They have been heavily linked with a move for Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada, who played for Lazio last season, on a free transfer.
Everton 
Everton will be desperate to hold on to Jarrad Branthwaite (in center). Photo: Getty Images/James Gill
The smart money is that Sean Dyche would love to see young Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana shine at Euro 2024, allowing Everton to pretend he is not for sale while secretly encouraging significant bids. Dyche will then need a replacement at central midfield, although Andre Gomes’s departure means he needs one anyway. Everton will be genuinely desperate to snatch Jarrad Branthwaite away from Goodison. If he goes, replacing the centre-back will be high on the agenda. Dyche has also had to rely too much on Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He caught fire at the end of the season, but more strikers are needed with Arnaud Danjuma leaving at the end of his loan spell. What Everton need most is stable, deep-pocketed new owners.Fulham =true&id=262cda29-3b49-4930-9d0a-09aafd456d45&template=articleRendererHTML' class='tmg-particle embed wrp-262cda29-3b49-4930-9d0a-09aafd456d45' title='Writer Introductions: Sam Dean' data-business-type=' editorial' loading = 'energetic' scroll = 'no' Frameborder = '0' allowed = 'web share' style = 'width: 100%; min-width: 100%; border: none; position: relative; display: block; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;'>
Marco Silva is keen to bolster his attacking options this summer and Fulham are keen on signing Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal amid uncertainty over Willian's future. Fulham may be looking to bolster their centre-back role following the departure of Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer (he is close to joining Chelsea). Can Fulham keep hold of Joao Palhinha? He is of interest to other Premier League clubs.
Ipswich
Ipswich have made their biggest signing yet with the new signing of Kieran McKenna. The first port of call is testing whether credits from the championship promotion campaign can make it back to Portman Road. Chelsea midfielder Omari Hutchinson is ready for the Premier League, Bournemouth's Kieffer Moore matches McKenna's style of play and Brighton's Jeremy Sarmiento is an exciting prospect. They want a goalkeeper to support Vaclav Hladky and will be looking for lucrative Premier League loans or permanent contracts for those who want regular football, such as Eddie Nketiah.
Leicester City
Leicester head into the unknown after returning to the Premier League, with the possibility of a potentially significant drop in points. Signing will be limited and Leicester will try to raise money before June 30 by selling players to avoid financial irregularities in the future. Jamie Vardy will sign a new contract, which will be a major boost for the new head coach.
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Will Liverpool wave goodbye to Mohamed Salah this summer? Photo: Reuters/Phil Noble
If Saudi Arabia continues to fill its league with Liverpool legends, Arne Slot's mid-June needs could change radically by late July/early August. At this point, the roster balance only requires a few additions. Although Wataru Endo has performed admirably at times throughout the season, Liverpool are without a holding midfielder of the caliber of Rodri and Declan Rice. An upgraded backup left-back would also be useful, and Joel Matip's summer departure would certainly ensure that central defenders will be actively sought – if not in the summer of 2024, then certainly in 2025. Virgil van Dijk won't be able to carry a back four with him forever. .
Manchester City
The Premier League champions are in little need of a makeover after yet another title win in the Pep Guardiola era. Their arrival will depend on which players leave City this summer. There was interest in Lucas Paqueta, but that ended after the FA charged him with betting-related offences. Pedro Neto is another player they are considering, but is a replacement if Bernardo Silva leaves. Likewise, Bruno Guimarães will be on their radar if Kevin De Bruyne is tempted by the Saudi Pro League. Ederson is also in demand in the Middle East and will need to be replaced with a strong number one.
Manchester United
Raphael Varane's departure from Manchester United means they are looking for a centre-back. They want an experienced Premier League striker to provide competition and support for Rasmus Hoylund in attack, and if Casemiro leaves, they will be looking for a central midfielder. Luke Shaw needs a left-back, most likely a young one. Diogo Dalot's excellent season has made the task of finding a right-back easier. They will be constrained by the rules of profit and sustainability.
Newcastle United
Newcastle are prioritizing the signing of a right winger and goalkeeper, but manager Eddie Howe also wants a right centre-back and a new centre-forward if Callum Wilson leaves. Midfield is also a possibility if Sean Longstaff is sold.
Nottingham Forest 
Murillo is a target for a number of clubs in England and Europe. Photo: Getty Images/Mark Atkins
Forest are keen to continue to reduce the average age of their squad and will be looking to re-sign the likes of Murillo, Danilo and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Murillo is a target for a number of clubs in England and Europe but Forest will demand at least £60m. Forest will be looking for a new goalkeeper, a creative midfielder, a right-back and a striker.
Southampton
A lack of goals was Southampton's big problem when they were relegated in 2023 and it is still unclear whether Adam Armstrong, their final play-off hero, can carry his Championship scoring record into the top flight. He deserves his chance but will need more quality in attack. Adam Lallana was also in talks to return to the club where he started his career and helped win two promotions.
Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou has made it clear he wants to make major changes to his Spurs squad but it could take longer than the summer transfer window. Striker, midfielder and defender are the priorities this summer. Conor Gallagher remains a target, but he is being monitored by a number of clubs and Eberechi Eze is also being monitored.
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Julen Lopetegui is keen to sign the entire squad as West Ham face a busy summer. The plan is to move towards a more progressive style of play and they will need players who can do that. Palmeiras winger Luis Guilherme is on their radar, but they are also in need of a new striker, midfielder, centre-back and right-back. Lucas Paqueta's future remains uncertain after the FA accused him of match-fixing – with West Ham expecting to receive £85 million for him this summer. Mohammed Qudus may show interest from other players.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Gary O'Neill will prioritize the new No.9 this summer after missing out on previous windows. Finances will be tight and while there is no need to raise money, Wolves could look to make one big sale to attract funding. Pedro Neto is admired by Manchester City and Newcastle, and Wolves will demand £60m despite his injury problems last season.
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