Six players who could return to the Premier League this summer | OneFootball

The transfer merry-go-round is in full swing as Premier League clubs work behind the scenes to get deals done.

There will be plenty of new names in the Premier League in 2024-25, while some familiar faces could also return to English football if the latest rumours are to be believed.

Here are six former Premier League players who could return to the division this summer.

Mikel Merino

Arsenal are set to turn their attention to Mikel Merino once the Gunners get an imminent deal done for Riccardo Calafiori over the line.

Mikel Arteta wants to reinforce his midfield and is a long-term admirer of Merino, who has excelled since a short-lived and underwhelming spell in the Premier League. The Spaniard signed for Newcastle United in 2017 but made just 25 appearances for the Magpies before leaving for Real Sociedad.

The 28-year-old has since established himself as one of Spain’s most underrated midfielders in six seasons in San Sebastien, where he was named in the La Liga Team of the Season in 2022-23 after helping Sociedad to Champions League qualification. This summer, he formed part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024 and scored a crucial extra-time winner in the quarter-final win over Germany.

Merino has entered the final 12 months of his deal at Sociedad and could be available for a cut-price fee.

Raphinha

Raphinha looks likely to be a casualty of Barcelona’s summer business as the Catalans chase deals for Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.

The Brazil international has been linked with a high-profile exit amid interest from the Saudi Pro League, while Raphinha is not short of admirers in the Premier League.

Arsenal and Chelsea made moves to sign the winger before his transfer from Leeds to Barcelona two years ago, while Aston Villa and Manchester United have been named as options this summer.

The 27-year-old scored 17 goals and laid on 12 assists during a productive pair of seasons in a Leeds shirt. He’s unlikely to be short of suitors.

Ferran Torres

Like Raphinha, Torres could find himself ousted out at Barcelona as the club target attacking additions.

The Spain striker has insisted his preference is to remain at the Camp Nou but increased competition for places could change that stance, after just 12 starts in La Liga in 2023-24. A proven performer in the Premier League, Torres scored 16 goals in 43 appearances across an 18-month spell at Manchester City.

Still just 24 and with an ability to operate across the frontline, he could be a shrewd signing for any side at a reported price tag of around €30m (£25.3m). Newcastle have been heavily linked of late.

Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres never got his chance as a Premier League player, failing to make a league appearance during four seasons on Brighton’s books.

He was handed just eight competitive outings for the Seagulls but could return to the Premier League this summer as one of Europe’s most coveted centre-forwards.

A phenomenal season at Sporting Lisbon has made Gyokeres a top target, with Liverpool and Spurs the latest linked amid confirmed interest from Arsenal.

The Swedish striker plundered 43 goals and 15 assists in 53 appearances for Ruben Amorim’s team, who claimed the Primeira Liga title.

With a release clause of €100m (£84m), he won’t be cheap to prize from the Estádio José Alvalade.

Arthur Melo

It’s easy to forget that Arthur Melo was once a Premier League player. The midfielder joined Liverpool on loan in 2022-23 but featured for just 13 minutes during an injury-hit campaign at Anfield.

Melo rebuilt his reputation on loan at Fiorentina last season with 48 appearances in all competitions and has been linked with a second shot at the Premier League. Wolves, Everton and Newcastle are all rumoured to be monitoring the 27-year-old, who does not feature as part of Thiago Motta’s plans at Juventus.

For the right price, he could be worth a punt this summer, with Melo having earned 22 caps for Brazil at international level. He has been subject of transfers totalling in excess of €100m during his career to date.

Weston McKennie

Another expected exit at Juventus, Weston McKennie’s time in Turin looks set to come to an end this summer.

The USA international made 38 appearances for the Bianconeri in 2023-24 but a midfield rebuild that has seen Khéphren Thuram and Douglas Luiz arrive, with Teun Koopmeiners also targeted, looks set to squeeze McKennie out.

Fiorentina are targeting the all-action 25-year-old, who made 19 appearances on loan at Leeds in 2022-23. There’s rival interest from the Premier League, however, with Everton a potential option as the Toffees look to replace Amadou Onana, following the latter’s £50m move to Aston Villa.

Read – Five of Arsenal’s best ever signings from Serie A

See more – Ranking every Premier League club by their record signing

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