Premier League Transfer Rumours: Top 3 Targets for the Top 6 Clubs This Summer

Get ready for transfer-geddon, people. The English Premier League summer window is open and rumours are flying through it like a plague of frenzied, gossip-munching locusts.

Think of the two transfer windows like this: In January, clubs look to reinforce; in the summer, they look to rebuild and, in some cases, reinvent.

For Manchester City, winning the title was just the first step on their path to global domination. Expect Sheik Mansour to have spent the GDP of a reasonably sized nation by the end of July.

As for Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson surely has little choice but to wade into the transfer market this summer if he wants to win back bragging rights.

And then there's Chelsea—who may or may not start the new campaign as Champions League holders. Either way, Roman Abramovich is not a man to tip-toe quietly down football's shopping aisles.

Arsenal have already bought Lukas Podolski. Might they lose Robin van Persie? If they do, who will they spend the money on? If they don't, who will Arsene Wenger have to buy to keep RvP satisfied that the club has the requisite ambition?

Meanwhile, their north London rivals, Tottenham, will make it a priority to keep Gareth Bale from leaving. Harry Redknapp will be keen to strengthen and, if Chelsea lose to Bayern on Saturday, could yet have the lure of Champions League football next season to help his cause.

And what of Newcastle, who threatened Champions League qualification this season and harbor serious ambitions of making the top four next season.

Here are three possible signings for the Premier League's top six clubs.

Manchester City

Robin van Persie

Let's start with the obvious one. City are reportedly going after Arsenal's Robin van Persie, who scored 30 goals in the Premier League this season and was arguably the best player in England.

The Sun say City are preparing an opening offer of £20 million for the Dutchman, which won't be enough to convince Arsenal to sell.

But there's plenty more where that came from and if City keep going higher, Arsenal may ultimately be forced to accept there's good business to be done.

When you consider the volatility of Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez, not to mention the patchy form of Edin Dzeko, Van Persie would make perfect sense as a forward option for City.

Eden Hazard

Goal.com say City are firm favorites to land Lille's Eden Hazard this summer.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has confirmed he'll be making a move, and also said he expects to be playing in Manchester next season.

That makes it a straight race for the Belgian international between City and United—one that most expect City to win.

Here's what Hazard say of his future, as per Goal.com:

"

I have made my choice 90 per cent. There are always small things that can change everything. You will soon know where my future lies. 

City have won the title this year, and they have great players, a great coach and a nice project.

At United, we all know [Sir Alex] Ferguson and all the talented players he has in his squad.

"

If Hazard does arrive at City, Roberto Mancini would have more than a prospect at his disposal. Hazard was voted Ligue 1's Players' Player of the Year this season and has been consistently impressive in France.

Javi Martinez

Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez is also said to be on City's wanted list this summer. According The Telegraph, the defensive midfielder has a £28 million buyout clause in his contract, and is also being courted by Barcelona.

Martinez has been hugely impressive for Bilbao this season, and his ability to play as a defender or midfielder only adds to his value.

Here's Spanish football expert Graham Hunter, writing for ESPN.com, on what Martinez has to offer:

"

Martinez, who always modeled himself on Patrick Vieira, has done such an immense job of copying his French hero that a year ago he was already in a small category of players who have the technical skills to fit in any league in Europe.

Plus, he has the physical presence required to dominate in England or Germany.

"

Martinez would be an attractive proposition for Mancini at City—especially if Yaya Toure decides to leave the club this summer.

Manchester United

Shinji Kagawa

Borussia Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa has already met with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and a deal is looking increasingly likely for the 23-year-old.

Kagawa scored 13 goals and offered eight assists in the Bundesliga this season, as Dortmund saw off Bayern Munich to win the German title.

The Japanese international has a year left on his contract, but is said to be stalling on signing an extension.

He would certainly add some much-needed creativity to United's midfield. With Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs in the twilight of their careers, Ferguson's team have been crying out for added inspiration.

Luka Modric

Luka Modric is no stranger to the transfer gossip columns. The Croatian midfielder nearly left Spurs for Chelsea last summer, but Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy stopped the deal from happening.

According to the Daily Mail, Modric will wait until after Euro 2012 to decide where his future lies.

Modric would offer United a ready-made replacement for Scholes. A proven attacking midfielder with guile and artistry, the 26-year-old's arrival would be warmly received by United fans.

That said, if he is for sale, City and Chelsea could also be involved in the bidding.

Mathieu Debuchy

According to Metro.co.uk, Lille right-back Mathieu Debuchy is a possible summer target for United.

Ferguson is said to have traveled to France to watch the 26-year-old this season, and a £6.5 million bid may be enough to secure his services.

Debuchy has been named in the provisional French squad for Euro 2012, and would provide United with a solution to his right-back dilemma.

Newcastle United are also said to be keen on Debuchy.

Arsenal

Arsenal have already completed a deal for Cologne striker Lukas Podolski. Here's what the German international had to say about the move, courtesy of Arsenal.com:

"

Arsenal are a great club, here in Europe and all over the world. 

At the time the transfer negotiations started between the two clubs, the decision was made really quickly. I’m now looking forward to the challenge at my new club and cannot wait to start after Euro 2012.

 

"

Yann M'Vila

The Daily Mail say Arsenal have already agreed a deal "in principle" for Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila. They claim a figure of £17 million has been discussed, with M'Vila deciding to choose the Gunners over a possible move to Inter Milan.

Arsene Wenger is either playing this one coy, or it's not going to happen. Wenger is quoted at ESPNsoccernet saying, "There is no interest right now."

The 21-year-old M'Vila is a defensive midfielder who has reportedly been on Wenger's radar for at least the last 12 months.

Junior Hoilett

With Blackburn relegated, winger Junior Hoilett seems certain to leave the club this summer and seek a bigger stage to further his career.

Hoilett will be available on a free transfer, so there could be plenty of competition for his signature.

Metro.co.uk say Arsenal will have to fight off Tottenham and Bayern Munich to capture the 21-year-old.

Tottenham

Jan Vertonghen

Goal.com claim Tottenham have agreed personal terms with Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen, but the two clubs are still in dispute over his transfer fee.

They say Spurs are willing to pay around £8 million, considerably less than Ajax's £13 million asking price.

Here's what Vertonghen had to say about the potential deal, quotes as per Goal.com:

"

Tottenham are absolutely my favourite. Tottenham is a fantastic football club that has the tradition I want. They buy young, eager, offensive-minded players.

[But] the Ajax board are asking for a very big amount for a player whose contract is running out in a year. I trust that both Tottenham and Ajax will put some water in the wine and they will soon reach an agreement.

"

When you consider Ledley King's fragile physical condition and the advancing years of William Gallas, Vertonghen would represent a possible long-term solution for Spurs. 

Loic Remy

The likelihood is that on-loan Emmanuel Adebayor will return to Manchester City this summer. Meanwhile, Louis Saha's future is unclear, with the 33-year-old unsure of whether Spurs will extend his six-month deal.

All the signs suggest Tottenham will be in market for a striker this summer, and that man could very well be Loic Remy.

The Evening Standard say Spurs are in "pole position" to sign the Marseille forward. Spurs reportedly had a bid turned down in January, but could be ready to enter back into negotiations.

The 25-year-old Remy has scored 12 goals for Marseille in Ligue 1 this season, and has been included in the provisional France squad for Euro 2012.

A rumoured fee of around £20 million would break the club's transfer record.

Kasper Schmeichel

Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is reportedly a target a Spurs this summer.

The Sun say Schmeichel, the son of Manchester United great Peter, is wanted by Spurs and German side Schalke—with a fee of £2 million likely to be enough to secure his services.

Spurs have relied on veteran stopper Brad Friedel this season, but the 41-year-old can't go forever.

Schmeichel would represent a buy for the future.

Newcastle United

Luuk De Jong

According to the Daily Telegraph, Newcastle are keen on FC Twente striker Luuk De Jong.

De Jong could be bought in as a replacement for Demba Ba, should he exercise a release clause in his contract (more on that in the next slide).

The 21-year-old De Jong scored 25 goals in the Dutch Eredivisie this season, and has already picked up a handful of caps for the Netherlands.

Olivier Giroud

Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud is another who's been linked with a move to the northeast. 

Here's what Frenchman Giroud had to say about a potential move to England, as per Eurosport-Yahoo!:

"

I don't want to drop a bombshell by saying I want to leave. English clubs make me dream, but I'm not obsessed by England.

"

The Eurosport-Yahoo! report claims Giroud's agent has already been in talks with Bayern Munich about a possible deal, so Newcastle could have their work cut out.

Giroud has scored 21 goals this season in Ligue 1, helping his team to the brink of the title.

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa

Talksport.co.uk say Newcastle are also after Montpellier's 22-year-old defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

They may have to battle with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Borussia Monchengladbach to get him, however.

Yanga-Mbiwa has been named in the provisional France squad for Euro 2012.

Chelsea

Hulk

According to a report at ESPN.com, Hulk's agent has confirmed the highly rated striker will leave Porto this summer.

Hulk scored 16 goals in 23 games for Porto this season, helping his side to the Portuguese Liga title and strengthening his already impressive reputation.

The Brazilian has been heavily linked to Chelsea, with caughtoffside.com claiming a deal is already place for the 25-year-old.

When you consider Nicolas Anelka has already gone to China, Didier Drogba may be off this summer and Fernando Torres is yet to justify his £50 million price tag, a big-money move for Hulk makes perfect sense for Chelsea.

Radamel Falcao

Another striker being linked to Chelsea is Atletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao.

The Daily Mail claim Chelsea may even be ready to offer Torres in part-exchange for the Colombian, who starred in his team's Europa League final victory against Athletic Bilbao.

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has since said he wants to keep Torres though.

Falcao scored 24 goals in La Liga this season, and is one of the hottest forwards in Europe right now.

Demba Ba

And then there's Newcastle United's Demba Ba, who was a revelation in the Premier League this season—scoring 16 goals after joining the club on a free transfer in summer 2011.

Goal.com say the Senegal striker is ready to quit the Toon this summer, with Chelsea leading the race for his signature.

Ba reportedly has a £7 million buyout clause in his contract, which will not be enough to put off Chelsea.