Premier League 'Big Six': Which Club Must Strike Gold in the Summer Transfer Window?

The 2025–26 campaign concluded in Budapest, where Paris Saint-Germain denied Arsenal their maiden Champions League title by eliminating the Premier League champions in a penalty shootout.

Fewer than two weeks stand between that final and the opening of the first summer World Cup since 2018, leaving players bound for the tournament with barely any recovery time, particularly with preparatory fixtures on the schedule.

The World Cup does throw a wrench into transfer planning and almost certainly ensures that several clubs will be pressured into overpaying late in the window. Even so, a significant drop in spending from the Premier League's wealthiest clubs seems unlikely.

It was undeniably a turbulent campaign for the so-called 'Big Six', and each club will feel there is work to be done this summer. Some more urgently than others, naturally.

Here's Sports Illustrated's ranking of the Premier League's 'Big Six', ordered by how urgently they need to act in the summer transfer window.

6. Manchester City

A period of significant transition looms over the sky-blue side of Manchester, driven largely by notable departures.

Pep Guardiola has stepped down as manager after presiding over a decade of City supremacy, and the club has also parted ways with long-serving figures John Stones and Bernardo Silva.

Enzo Maresca faces what many would consider the unenviable task of succeeding Guardiola in the dugout, and City are expected to strengthen their midfield with the acquisition of England international Elliot Anderson.


Beyond that, City will feel that much of the necessary squad-building for the new era has already been completed. They have invested heavily across the previous three windows in an effort to smooth their transition, making another massive outlay on multiple players this summer unlikely.

City are expected to pursue a right back to challenge Matheus Nunes for his spot, and may also move for a winger should Savinho leave amid reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

This remains an imperfect squad despite recent high-profile arrivals, but a couple of well-targeted additions should give Maresca a solid foundation for a promising start to his tenure at the club.

5. Arsenal

Arsenal's needs were evident throughout the 2025–26 season, right up to their agonizing penalty defeat in Budapest.

They addressed their squad depth concerns last summer. Now, the Premier League champions require greater quality in the attacking third.

Leandro Trossard delivered important contributions in the closing stages of the season, but the time has come for Arsenal to seek an upgrade. Viktor Gyökeres grew increasingly settled as the campaign wore on, yet his shortcomings were exposed on the biggest stage in the Champions League final.

Arteta must be decisive and oversee a significant overhaul in attacking positions to bring in the caliber of players that would allow Arsenal to genuinely challenge sides like PSG.

While their defensive solidity and set-piece expertise may continue to yield domestic silverware, Arsenal must sharpen their attacking edge if they are to earn broader recognition on the global stage.

4. Chelsea

A forgettable season allowed disillusionment to take hold at Stamford Bridge, but the arrival of Xabi Alonso as manager has reignited a sense of hope in west London.

BlueCo, having cycled through five permanent managers already, are taking the plunge and handing the Spaniard full control. Alonso is being granted the authority Maresca longed for, and he is expected to target seasoned professionals in the transfer market.

Chelsea's core is reasonably strong, but they are crying out for more creativity in wide areas. An additional center back is also a necessity, and the club could enter the market for a left back should Marc Cucurella depart.

The absence of European football means Alonso does not need an especially deep squad, with BlueCo's tendency to trade players having left his predecessors overwhelmed with options in certain positions.

The Spaniard may look to trim and refine his roster rather than simply add to it.

3. Manchester United

Manchester United fielded a starting lineup last season that was perfectly suited to a once-a-week schedule. The lack of European competition allowed the Red Devils to climb to third in the Premier League after appointing a capable manager who wasn't wedded to a rigid system.

Michael Carrick has performed admirably so far, but the real challenge now begins. With United back in the Champions League, they don't just need ready-made reinforcements for their midfield and full back positions.

Squad depth across the pitch will be essential if United are to compete on multiple fronts next season. They require another left-sided attacker and at least two midfielders following Casemiro's exit.

Atalanta's Éderson appears set to become their first summer signing, but the Brazilian alone will not be sufficient to meet their needs.

2. Liverpool

Despite committing to a record-setting summer outlay in 2025, Liverpool may find themselves needing to invest heavily once again ahead of the 2026–27 season.

The Reds' spending spree has yet to bear fruit, and former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola could be the man walking into a squad riddled with gaps following Arne Slot's dismissal.

Liverpool must find a successor to modern-day legend Mohamed Salah, and will also need to plan for life without Virgil van Dijk. With Ibrahima Konaté apparently on his way to Real Madrid, the promising pairing of Jérémy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni may not be adequate cover, particularly with the latter returning from a serious knee injury.

The full back positions also present a significant concern after Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong endured disappointing debut campaigns. The club will be banking on marked improvements from Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in their second seasons, and hoping that Alexis Mac Allister rediscovers his best form. Failing that, a midfield addition will also be on the agenda.

There is no shortage of challenges awaiting Iraola, or whoever ultimately takes the role, from the moment they walk through the door.

1. Tottenham Hotspur

Unsurprisingly, Tottenham Hotspur top the list as the most desperate for reinforcements.

There were extenuating circumstances behind their second consecutive 17th-place Premier League finish — and this one was even more alarming — including a crippling injury list and two disastrous managerial appointments. Even so, this Spurs squad is in dire need of an overhaul.

The club will feel they at least have the right man in charge after Roberto De Zerbi steered them to safety. The Italian has a clear picture of what needs to be accomplished this summer, having coaxed a respectable level of performance from a battered squad in the final stretch.

Spurs appear set to bring in a pair of free agents to shore up their defense in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, but there is considerably more work to be done. Improvements across the forward line and a creative presence in midfield are both pressing needs.

A replacement for Cristian Romero will also likely need to be identified, and there is no certainty that Antonín Kinsky will remain first choice should Guglielmo Vicario leave. Spurs should be looking to bring in another goalkeeper to at least push Kinsky for the starting spot.

Having spent months flirting with relegation, expect unpopular owners ENIC and those running the club in north London to at least make a visible effort to win back supporters this summer.