The World Cup in North America wrapped up a few weeks ago, and now the real games begin — the summer transfer scramble. With the Premier League kicking off August 21, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham are all hunting for upgrades. Some big names have already moved, like England midfielders Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson fetching monster fees. But the market stays open until September 1, and there’s still serious business to do.
Here’s a look at five players who stood out in the tournament and could end up strengthening London’s top clubs.
Midfield muscle Arsenal might need
Arsenal’s midfield situation is a little complicated. Declan Rice has been managing nerve pain in his hamstring for six months. Martin Zubimendi faded badly late last season because he was exhausted. And Christian Norgaard’s future is uncertain. So the Gunners are shopping for another body in the middle.
Manu Kone made four starts for France at the World Cup and played 45 minutes against Spain in the semifinal loss. He’s a strong ball-carrier who adds physical power. Manchester United is reportedly keen on the Roma midfielder, but Arsenal has also asked about availability. The asking price might be lower than other targets, too. Newcastle wouldn’t budge on their valuation of Bruno Guimaraes, so Kone could be a more realistic plan B.
A winger who torched an Arsenal defender
Ivory Coast got knocked out in the round of 32, but Yan Diomande used those games to boost his stock. In the first match against Ecuador, he absolutely wrecked Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie. Hincapie got dribbled past four times in that game alone — he only got beaten 19 times all of last season for the Gunners. That stat got people’s attention.
Arsenal missed out on Morgan Rogers, but Diomande is more of a pure winger anyway. With Leandro Trossard sold and Gabriel Martinelli’s spot not guaranteed, wide pace is the priority. RB Leipzig will probably ask north of £100 million, and PSG and Liverpool are also circling.
Spurs might need a striker upgrade
Tottenham isn’t exactly short on forwards, but Richarlison has been inconsistent and Dominic Solanke can’t stay healthy. Interest in both has been quiet actually. If Spurs can sell one of them to fund summer spending, they’d need a replacement.
Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey had a strong first Premier League season last year — seven goals in 31 appearances, plus a reputation for bullying defenders physically. He scored an 80th-minute equalizer at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that still stings for Spurs fans. At the World Cup, he bagged three goals for the Netherlands as they won their group before Morocco sent them home in the round of 32. He’s only 24 and could be a serious upgrade.
A goalkeeper option that makes sense
Tottenham just gave Antonin Kinsky a new contract and it looks like he’ll be the starter next season. Guglielmo Vicario is probably leaving. But Spurs might still add another keeper. They’ve been linked with James Trafford, but Japan’s Zion Suzuki is an interesting alternative.
Suzuki was born in America but chose to play for Japan. He made seven saves in a 2-1 loss to Brazil in the round of 32, including a gorgeous tip that kept Vinicius Jr.’s close-range shot off the post until Brazil scored in stoppage time. He’s 23, physically imposing, good on crosses, and comfortable with distribution. Parma has him under contract, but Premier League clubs are already sniffing around. He could push Kinsky for minutes.
A young center-back for Chelsea’s rebuild
Chelsea is shopping for a center-back this summer. Joel Ordonez is on their list, and his World Cup performances only helped his case. Ecuador got bounced by co-host Mexico in the round of 32, but they looked solid defensively. PSG’s Willian Pacho is the main guy, but Ordonez impressed with his speed and aerial game.
He had a tough day against Mexico and got subbed at halftime. But at 22, he’s considered one of the brightest young defensive talents in Europe, and his progressive passing fits the modern game. Chelsea’s scouting department has him on the board, and the tournament probably confirmed what they already suspected.
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