As the 2025 summer transfer window nears, clubs across Europe and beyond are already deep in preparation. Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea are laying the groundwork for key additions, while continental giants like Real Madrid are securing core players. Meanwhile, MLS sides are circling aging European stars as they seek marquee signings.

Arsenal: Arteta Targets Firepower and Flair

Mikel Arteta is preparing for another pivotal summer, with Arsenal pushing hard for two major targets. Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres tops the list. With 43 goals in 43 games this season, the Swedish international is in high demand. Though his release clause is set at £85 million (~$107 million USD), reports from Sky Sports, ESPN, and The Sun suggest Sporting may accept offers in the range of £55–£70 million (~$69–$88 million USD). Arsenal are reportedly ahead of Manchester United and Saudi club Al Qadsiah in the race.

Arsenal have also entered discussions with the representatives of Nico Williams, the highly-rated Athletic Bilbao winger. With a release clause of £48.4 million (~$61 million USD), Williams is open to a Premier League move. Arteta sees him as the perfect long-term addition to complement Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Other names linked with the Gunners include Alexander Isak (Newcastle), Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), and Matheus Cunha (Wolves), as Arteta looks to add further attacking depth.

Manchester United: Rebuilding and Real Madrid Interest in Fernandes

Manchester United are also eyeing Viktor Gyökeres, but have alternative options on their radar. One of those is Lorenzo Lucca, the 6ft 7in Udinese striker known as the "Tower of Pisa." With 12 Serie A goals and a valuation of £25 million (~$31 million USD), Lucca presents an affordable option.

The Red Devils are also interested in Liam Delap, currently at Ipswich Town. The 22-year-old has netted 10 Premier League goals this season. He was signed from Manchester City for £20 million (~$25 million USD) and is being tracked by Chelsea, Liverpool, and City. United may see Delap as a long-term replacement for Anthony Martial.

Meanwhile, United face pressure to keep Bruno Fernandes, as The Sun reports Real Madrid are preparing a £90 million (~$113 million USD) offer for the Portuguese playmaker. Despite the interest, United remain determined to retain their captain.

Chelsea: Youth and Opportunity

Chelsea are reportedly pursuing Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, a 20-year-old winger who has contributed to 10 goals in 27 appearances this season. As reported by ESPN, Chelsea view him as a key future asset in their youth-focused rebuild.

There are ongoing internal discussions about offloading homegrown talents like Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja, who could be sold or used in potential swap deals to help Chelsea meet Financial Fair Play targets after another high-spending year.

Real Madrid: Rüdiger Set to Stay

As they gear up for a Champions League showdown with Arsenal, Real Madrid are quietly working behind the scenes to lock down key players. According to ESPN, defender Antonio Rüdiger is in line for a contract extension. The German international has expressed his desire to stay at the Bernabéu, and Madrid view him as a vital part of their defensive core.

This follows UEFA’s decision to impose a suspended one-match ban and €40,000 (~$43,000 USD) fine on Rüdiger for post-match conduct. Kylian Mbappé was fined €30,000 (~$32,500 USD) and Dani Ceballos €20,000 (~$21,600 USD) all cleared to play in the quarter-final.

Thomas Müller and MLS: A Move on the Horizon?

Bayern Munich legend Thomas Müller is reportedly considering a move to Major League Soccer. With his contract set to expire, multiple MLS clubs have approached the 35-year-old, offering him a marquee deal to finish his career in the U.S. ESPN reports that Müller is seriously weighing the option as he looks ahead to his post-Bayern future.

 
Other Notable Rumors & Moves:

• Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season. The 33-year-old Belgian is being linked with lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and the MLS.
• N’Golo Kanté, currently in the Saudi Pro League, is reportedly in talks with Turkish giants Besiktas and could reunite with former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
• Sandro Tonali is a shock target for Juventus. The Italian club is planning a £33 million (~$41.5 million USD) cash-plus-player offer to bring the suspended Newcastle midfielder back to Serie A.
   

With big-name stars on the move and top clubs battling for elite talent, the 2025 summer transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory. Arsenal and Manchester United are leading the domestic charge, while Real Madrid and MLS clubs aim to secure their own statement signings ahead of next season.