In this comprehensive look at the Premier League transfer rumors – May 2025, we break down all the major stories, potential blockbuster deals, surprise links, and developing sagas that could shape the upcoming season.
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Manchester United: João Neves & Centre-Back Search
João Neves – The Midfield Maestro in Waiting?
Manchester United are expected to be one of the most active clubs this summer. With Casemiro aging and Christian Eriksen struggling for consistency, the Red Devils are targeting Benfica’s João Neves, one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe.At just 20, Neves has impressed with his composure, passing range, and intelligence. Portuguese media claim United have already met with his representatives, and although Benfica are holding out for his €120 million release clause, negotiations could heat up quickly.
Defensive Reinforcements Also a Priority
With Raphaël Varane's contract not being extended and Lisandro Martínez battling injuries, United are reportedly targeting Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton) and Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice) as potential center-back signings. Both fit Erik ten Hag’s system, and fans can expect at least one defensive arrival this summer.
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Chelsea: Outgoings Galore and New Midfield Plans
Fire Sale Incoming?
Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns are pushing Chelsea to offload multiple players. Reports suggest that Conor Gallagher, a standout performer this season, could be sold to Tottenham Hotspur or Aston Villa to raise funds.
Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja, and Romelu Lukaku are also expected to be sold. Lukaku, currently on loan at Roma, may finally leave permanently with interest from Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
New Targets – Zubimendi and Veiga
Chelsea’s midfield could be reshaped with the potential arrival of Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) or Gabri Veiga (Al Ahli). Both offer more control in possession and tactical discipline—qualities that Pochettino desperately wants.
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Arsenal: Osimhen & More Firepower Needed
Victor Osimhen – The Missing Piece?
Arsenal are once again linked with Victor Osimhen, as Mikel Arteta aims to solve their striker dilemma. Gabriel Jesus has been decent but not prolific, while Kai Havertz remains inconsistent in front of goal.
Osimhen, who scored 18 goals for Napoli this season despite injuries, has a £113 million release clause, and Arsenal are reportedly willing to match it. However, PSG and Chelsea are also interested, setting up a bidding war.
Backup Options: Ivan Toney & Viktor Gyökeres
Should the Osimhen deal fall through, Arsenal have other names on their radar, including Ivan Toney (Brentford) and Sporting CP's Viktor Gyökeres, both proven scorers with physical attributes ideal for the Premier League.
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Liverpool: Slot Era Begins with Midfield Overhaul
Teun Koopmeiners & Ederson Targeted
With Arne Slot set to take over from Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s style could evolve. Slot prefers dynamic midfielders capable of pressing and passing in tight spaces. That’s why Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta) and Ederson (Atalanta) are heavily linked with Anfield moves.
Slot has worked with Koopmeiners before in the Eredivisie, and reports in the Netherlands suggest a reunion is very possible.
Defender and Winger Also Wanted
With Joel Matip leaving and Mohamed Salah’s future uncertain, Liverpool are also scouting a new center-back and a right winger. Young stars like Antonio Silva (Benfica) and Pedro Neto (Wolves) are on their radar.
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Manchester City: Reinforcements Despite Dominance
Even the best can get better, and Manchester City are never satisfied. With Kevin De Bruyne entering the twilight of his career and Kalvin Phillips likely to leave, City may dip into the market for another central midfielder.
Names like Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) and Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig) are being floated. Meanwhile, Lucas Paquetá's deal—once on the table—could be revived if his betting investigation clears.
Pep Guardiola is also reportedly keen on a new left-back, with Valentin Barco (Brighton) being monitored closely.
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Tottenham Hotspur: Marc Guehi & Gallagher on the Wishlist
Defense First for Postecoglou
Tottenham are finally looking to fix their leaky defense. Ange Postecoglou is reportedly pushing hard for Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) as his primary defensive target. Spurs are willing to go as high as £50 million to secure the England international.
Gallagher Interest Grows
With Spurs looking for Premier League-proven talent, Conor Gallagher is another key target. He fits Postecoglou’s energetic, attacking system and could be a starter right away.
Don’t be surprised if Tottenham beat rivals to a few signatures early this summer.
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Newcastle United: Ambitious but Smart
Calvert-Lewin as a Backup Plan
Newcastle are looking to add squad depth ahead of a busy 2025/26 season. With Champions League or Europa League football expected, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has emerged as a reliable backup striker option.
Injuries are a concern, but at £30–35 million, he’s seen as good value.
Defensive & Midfield Reinforcements
With Sandro Tonali suspended, Newcastle are keen to add another box-to-box midfielder. James Ward-Prowse and Khephren Thuram have been scouted.
At the back, a young left-sided center-back is a priority, with Lloyd Kelly (Bournemouth) on a free transfer high on their list.
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Surprise Rumors: Brighton, West Ham & Aston Villa Moves
Isco to Brighton?
One of the more surprising rumors of May 2025 is that Isco, the Spanish playmaker, could join Brighton on a free transfer. After a solid year at Real Betis, Isco might be tempted by another Premier League adventure, especially with Brighton in Europe again.
Aston Villa Target Nico Williams
Unai Emery is pushing hard for Nico Williams, the electric winger from Athletic Club. Williams is valued at around £45 million, and Villa are hoping to wrap up a deal early to beat interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
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What Happens Next?
Transfer Window Timeline
- Pre-window negotiations are in full swing in May.
- The official Premier League summer transfer window opens in June 2025.
- Medicals, pre-agreements, and early signings often get announced late May or early June.
Expect more rumors to turn into real deals by the end of the month. With so many clubs needing reinforcements and FFP rules in play, May 2025 could be one of the most strategic months in recent Premier League history.
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The Premier League transfer rumors in May 2025 are already shaping up to be dramatic, exciting, and unpredictable. From potential megadeals like Osimhen to Arsenal to smart free-agent moves like Isco to Brighton, every club is strategizing to strengthen for next season.
Stay tuned to Soccer Row for the latest verified updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and full transfer coverage as the summer window opens up.
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