As the 2025 summer transfer window approaches, many of the Premier League’s giants have begun to lay out their plans ahead of time, preparing to enhance their depth of squad and improve their overall combat effectiveness through reinforcements. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and other clubs have been in the spotlight for a series of recent transfer developments involving players such as Crystal Palace striker Mikel Mateta, Real Madrid winger Rodrigo, Barcelona’s Rafinha, and Barcelona youngster Fermín López, who is being eyed by Liverpool.
Arsenal eye Crystal Palace star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta
Arsenal are actively considering bringing in French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who now plays for Crystal Palace, Football Insider has revealed. The player has gradually gained a foothold since joining Crystal Palace and has been in fine form this season. Although he is not a superstar in the media’s attention, he is a very practical ‘workhorse’ type of striker – able to carry the confrontation, but also able to grasp the opportunity in front of the goal, very suitable for Arsenal to supplement the thickness of the front line.
Mata is currently 27 years old, is in the golden age of his career. He may not be the only target for Arsenal, who desperately need to improve the efficiency of their forward line, but he is definitely a cost-effective option.
Chelsea throws 120 million euros in pursuit of Rodrigo
Fichajes reveals that Chelsea are ready to put up 120 million euros to bring in Real Madrid’s Brazilian international Rodrigo, with the intention of adding another immediate player to the attacking end.
The 24-year-old winger, who made 45 appearances in the recent 2023/24 season, contributed 13 goals and 10 assists in a solid performance. Despite Real Madrid’s top players such as Mbappe, Rodrigo has held down a starting spot with his consistent play, showing a maturity that belies his age.
Chelsea are in desperate need of an attacking player who can tear through opposing defences and create chances on his own, and Rodrigo’s arrival could be a shot in the arm for the Blues.
Manchester City offers 100 million euros to bring in Rafinha
Another Brazilian star favoured by many clubs is Rafinha, who plays for Barcelona. Manchester City are showing a lot of interest in him and have already made an offer of up to 100 million euros (£84 million) for him.
Rafinha, 27, is a fast and technically gifted wing player. In 29 games for Barcelona this season, he has scored 20 goals and dished out 11 assists, showing a great attacking threat.
Not only Manchester City, Arsenal have also expressed concern about him, but their current offer is only around £67.5 million, which may be difficult to impress Barcelona, who are under a lot of financial pressure. Considering City’s financial strength and tactical system, it is highly likely that Rafinha will integrate quickly and play an important role if he joins Guardiola’s team.
Liverpool interested in young midfielder Lopez
Liverpool are not idle either, as they are keeping a close eye on Barcelona’s 21-year-old midfield starlet Fermín Lopez. The Spanish youngster has started to make a name for himself this season and has attracted the attention of a number of top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, with his excellent ball control and creativity.
According to El Nacional, Barcelona could consider releasing him after receiving an offer of €80m (£66.9m) or more. For the financial instability of Barcelona, the sale of youth players to obtain a large transfer fee may be a kind of ‘no choice’.
Lopez can not only play in the centre of the midfield, but can also play as a forward or even a winger, tactical adaptability is very strong. If Liverpool bring him to Anfield, this versatile player will add more variety to Klopp’s midfield.
Real Madrid may activate Xavi Alonso as skipper
Real Madrid’s future skipper candidate aspect also triggered the outside world hot discussion. According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, former Real Madrid player and current Leverkusen manager Xavi Alonso is the number one favourite for the new manager.
Alonso is currently in charge of the Bundesliga, leading Leverkusen to win the league title in the 2023/24 season and has also played well in Europe. If Real Madrid fail to go far in the Champions League this season, they could make a managerial change in the summer with Xavi Alonso replacing Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso is well loved by Real Madrid fans and with his evolving tactical philosophy, he does have the potential to coach the giants. If Real Madrid’s management is willing to give it a go, the young coach may be able to bring a fresh look to the Galacticos.
Manchester City search for De Bruyne’s successor, eyeing Gibbs-White
With De Bruyne scheduled to leave the club at the end of the 2024/25 season, Manchester City have begun a search for his replacement. Sky Sports have revealed that Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White has come into City’s sights for reinforcements.
Gibbs-White, 25, has made 27 Premier League appearances this season, scoring five goals and dishing out nine assists, and is a key figure in Nottingham Forest’s push for European qualification. He has been praised for his running ability and organisational skills in front of goal.
Apart from him, City are also interested in Florian Wiltz, a talented midfielder from Bundesliga rivals Leverkusen. Wiltz is younger, but has excellent creativity and dribbling ability, and has already proved his worth on the European stage on several occasions.
Summary: The 2025 summer window will see an escalation of the ‘giants’ arms race’
As competition in the European football world gets fiercer and fiercer, the traditional giants’ ‘arms race’ in the transfer market has also begun to heat up. Arsenal hopes to introduce practical scorer to solve the problem of powerlessness; Chelsea is sparing no expense to buy side breakthroughs; Manchester City hopes to strengthen the winger and midfield in one breath. Liverpool continue to look for ‘new blood’ in midfield, while Real Madrid could welcome a new tactical boss – all of which suggests that the transfer window in the summer of 2025 will be full of variables and surprises.
In this era of soaring player prices and increasingly complex tactical requirements, whoever can accurately reinforce and complete the rebuilding layout in advance will likely have the upper hand next season. The competition in the Premier League has extended from the field to the transfer market, and the next few months are not destined to be quiet.
