The transfer market is abuzz with activity as Premier League clubs strive to finalize their summer signings.

As we look ahead to the 2024-25 season, numerous new talents will grace the Premier League. However, there’s also the potential for several well-known players to make their return to English football, based on the latest transfer speculations and rumors circulating in the media.

Below are six former Premier League stars who could be making a comeback to the league this summer, igniting excitement among fans and clubs alike.

Strengthening Arsenal’s Midfield: Mikel Merino’s Potential Move

Arsenal is reportedly setting its sights on Mikel Merino as they look to enhance their midfield options, especially after finalizing a deal for Riccardo Calafiori. Manager Mikel Arteta has long admired Merino, who, after an unremarkable stint in the Premier League, has truly flourished.

Having joined Newcastle United in 2017, Merino made only 25 appearances before moving to Real Sociedad, where he has thrived. His ability to control the midfield has not gone unnoticed, and Arteta sees him as a crucial addition to strengthen the squad.

Arsenal are prepared to advance in talks with Mikel Merino’s camp next week, after favorable contacts.

He’s not just on the list but well placed; price asked for by Real Sociedad will be essential.

Arteta values him; as soon as ESR leaves, Arsenal can continue. pic.twitter.com/Z9o91NrnMn

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2024

Now 28 years old, Merino has established himself as one of Spain’s most underrated midfielders, earning a spot in the La Liga Team of the Season for 2022-23 after contributing significantly to Sociedad’s Champions League qualification. This summer, he played a vital role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, scoring a crucial extra-time winner against Germany in the quarter-finals.

With only a year remaining on his contract at Sociedad, Merino could be available at a more favorable price, making him an attractive target for Arsenal.

Assessing Raphinha’s Future: Potential Transfer from Barcelona

As Barcelona navigates their summer transfer strategy, Raphinha appears to be a potential casualty, especially with the club actively pursuing signings for players like Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.

The Brazilian winger is attracting attention not just from the Saudi Pro League but also from various Premier League clubs eager to secure his services. Arsenal and Chelsea previously made attempts to sign Raphinha before his move from Leeds to Barcelona two years ago, and now Aston Villa and Manchester United are also rumored to be interested.

7 – Raphinha has opened the scoring in a @LaLigaEN match for Barcelona for the seventh time; only Robert Lewandowski (10) has done it more often for the club in the competition since the start of the 2022/23 season.

Key. pic.twitter.com/8pSKjzzmiR

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 30, 2024

During his productive time at Leeds, the 27-year-old scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists, showcasing his talent and leaving many clubs eager to secure his signature.

Ferran Torres: A Striker’s Dilemma Amidst Competition

Similar to Raphinha, Ferran Torres may find himself surplus to requirements at Barcelona as the club aims to add more attacking depth to their squad.

Despite Torres expressing a desire to remain at Camp Nou, the intensified competition for starting positions could influence his decision. After making just 12 starts in La Liga during the 2023-24 season, he may seek more playing time elsewhere.

At just 24 years old, Torres has already proven himself as a capable performer in the Premier League, having netted 16 goals in 43 appearances during his time at Manchester City. With a reported transfer fee of around €30m (£25.3m), he could be a wise acquisition for any club, with Newcastle showing strong interest recently.

Viktor Gyokeres: The Rising Star from Sporting Lisbon

Despite not having the opportunity to shine in the Premier League during his time at Brighton, Viktor Gyokeres is now a highly sought-after forward, thanks to his impressive performances in Europe.

After failing to make a league appearance for four seasons at Brighton, Gyokeres has experienced a remarkable resurgence at Sporting Lisbon, making him one of Europe’s most coveted center-forwards. His exceptional performance last season, where he scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 53 matches, has drawn the attention of several top clubs.

𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞

Os 4️⃣3️⃣ gols de @viktor_gyokeres de Leão ao peito em 2023/2024 pic.twitter.com/4mdZbMEH0O

— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) June 4, 2024

His impressive stats have made him a target for clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham, with confirmed interest from Arsenal also. However, with a hefty release clause of €100m (£84m), acquiring Gyokeres will not come cheap.

Arthur Melo: A Second Chance in the Premier League

It’s easy to forget that Arthur Melo once graced the Premier League, having joined Liverpool on loan during the 2022-23 season, where he played only 13 minutes due to injury setbacks.

After rebuilding his reputation with a successful loan spell at Fiorentina, where he made 48 appearances across all competitions, Melo is now being linked with a return to the Premier League. Clubs like Wolves, Everton, and Newcastle are reportedly monitoring the 27-year-old, who is not in the plans of Thiago Motta at Juventus.

If offered at the right price, Melo could be a worthwhile investment this summer, particularly considering his international experience with Brazil, where he has earned 22 caps and has been part of transfer deals exceeding €100m throughout his career.

Weston McKennie: Anticipated Departure from Juventus

Another player expected to exit Juventus is Weston McKennie, as the club seems to be restructuring their midfield this summer.

The American international made 38 appearances for the Bianconeri during the 2023-24 season. However, the arrivals of Khéphren Thuram and Douglas Luiz, along with interest in Teun Koopmeiners, suggest that McKennie may be pushed out of the squad.

Everton have an interest in both Weston McKennie and Arthur Melo from Juventus

(Source b- @CorSport) pic.twitter.com/iSt9V7cfub

— 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 (@EvertonNewsFeed) July 16, 2024

Fiorentina is reportedly interested in the dynamic 25-year-old, who had a brief loan spell at Leeds where he made 19 appearances. However, Premier League clubs are also keeping an eye on him, with Everton potentially looking to replace Amadou Onana after his recent £50m move to Aston Villa.

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

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

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The post Six players who could return to the Premier League this summer originally appeared on The Football Faithful.


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