Dream Summer Signing For Every Premier League Club Before the Season Starts

Unrestricted by the normal bounds of reality, every Premier League club has a vision of their ideal summer signing, but perhaps lacks the means to necessarily make it happen.

Here, we'll take a look at who each club from the English top flight might hope to sign if they had free reign over matters. Bear in mind, however, that this list does still take a decent measure of realism into account in order to give results that have even a slight chance of happening.

For example, just because Crystal Palace are in need of a winger or attacking forward doesn't mean that Cristiano Ronaldo would be put down as their dream signing, as let's face it, the Portuguese striker is a dream signing for any club.

These ideal signings have been constructed based on the current squads of all English sides, meaning possible departures or incoming acquisitions mean little. Also, current players plying their trade are the only ones included.

With that established, let's take a look at that one key signing your Premier League club may just hope to pull off in the coming months.

Arsenal

Dream Signing: Lars Bender

Age: 24

Current Club: Bayer Leverkusen

Position: Centre Midfield

Earlier this week, The Guardian's Dominic Fifield reported that Bayer Leverkusen had rejected a €23 million (£18.5m) Arsenal advance for star midfielder Lars Bender.

The news came as slightly shocking, considering that no news had came of any prior Gunners interest the North London club may have had in Bender's services.

That being said, following the failed bid, it begins to make more sense as to why Arsene Wenger would want to add Leverkusen's well-rounded middleman to their ranks.

On the back of the offer, B/R's Sam Tighe delved further into Bender's talents, discussing just why the German international could make such an ideal fit at the Emirates Stadium.

In truth, Arsenal haven't truly replaced the presence once fulfilled by Alex Song, but might yet hope to lure an even better alternative to partner Jack Wilshere in the shape of Bender.

Aston Villa

Dream Signing: Hiroshi Kiyotake

Age: 23

Current Club: FC Nuremberg

Position: Attacking Midfield

As long as Christian Benteke remains at the club past August, Aston Villa will have succeeded in what was probably their biggest task coming into this summer's transfer window.

However, assuming the Belgian hitman does remain at Villa Park, the attacking midfield of Paul Lambert's side undoubtedly becomes their next big priority. A No. 10 to be more specific, that player capable of dropping off the main striker's shoulder, offering ammunition first and foremost, but also a consistent attacking threat himself.

For the Birmingham club, Nuremberg maestro Hiroshi Kiyotake, fits that particular bill with ease. The Japanese international made 30 Bundesliga starts last season, recording 11 assists but also pitching in with four goals of his own.

Sky Sports very recently reported of Villa's interest in signing the midfielder for a fee of £7.5 million, but that Kiyotake's German club are in no rush to sell.

Cardiff City

Dream Signing: Toby Alderweireld

Age: 24

Current Club: Ajax

Position: Centre-Back

Toby Alderweireld represents for Cardiff City what this article is all about: a signing who would fulfill exactly what the Welsh club are in most need of right now.

As is the case for most clubs coming up from the Championship, a certain injection of quality is needed across the park for the Bluebirds.

However, after The Guardian reported that a £7.5 million move had been completed for Danish starlet striker Andreas Cornelius, attention should turn to defence.

Not the most probable of signings, no, but Alderweireld would give Malky Mackay a leader of European quality in the middle of his defence, as well as a player who can do a job at right-back and even left-back if necessary.

These days, multifunctional players are a hot commodity, especially to a team such as Cardiff, who won't be selling an awful lot of players this summer.

Like his Belgian compatriot Jan Vertonghen, 24-year-old Alderweireld, who will soon be coming into the prime of his career, isn't aghast to the idea of attacking from the back, providing a platform for his more offensive teammates.

Chelsea

Dream Signing: Luis Suarez

Age: 26

Current Club: Liverpool

Position: Striker

Could it happen?

After being caught up in the second-most famous biting incident of his career last season, this one with Branislav Ivanovic, Luis Suarez isn't exactly an adored figure at Stamford Bridge.

At season's end, Suarez came out with the news that he intends to leave England, with The Guardian further alleging that the Reds want their striker to honour his contract commitments.

So, here we have a very prolific striker who's a proven talent in the Premier League and another club in need of such a player with presumably lots of cash to spend.

You do the math.

All politics aside, the unfathomable could even happen involving a player-plus-cash deal with Fernando Torres moving back to his former stomping grounds, the last place where truly fruitful Torres club form was sighted.

While speculation around the likes of Edinson Cavani, Stevan Jovetic and Robert Lewandowski continues to swirl, Jose Mourinho could prove the ideal mentor for Luis Suarez, an ideal poaching target for the Blues to chase.

Crystal Palace

Dream Signing: Wilfried Zaha

Age: 20

Current Club: Manchester United

Position: Winger

Having sold Wilfried Zaha to Manchester United back in January, a big question on everyone's lips is who the Eagles should attempt to sign as his replacement.

The answer? Wilfried Zaha.

Following on from his side's Championship Playoff Final triumph, Ian Holloway was reported by The Guardian's Paul Doyle as saying that he would want to take the 20-year-old back to Selhurst Park on loan.

Such a deal would work in favour of all clubs concerned, Crystal Palace not having to splurge on a replacement until they see if their Premier League status is concerned while the Red Devils guarantee playing time for their youngster.

Of course, one could understand why David Moyes is keen to keep his new signing around the Theatre of Dreams, but Crystal Palace can still hope to tease the player largely responsible for their promotion back to South London.

Everton

Dream Signing: Kevin Strootman

Age: 23

Current Club: PSV Eindhoven

Position: Centre Midfield

Considering the list of heavy-hitting suitors allegedly in the race for Kevin Strootman's services, Everton may seem incredibly unlikely to lure the Dutch talent to Goodison Park.

However, that hasn't stopped the Express supporting the notion that the Toffees are in the hunt for the PSV Eindhoven star.

With speculation around Marouane Fellaini's future seeming to cool in recent weeks, Roberto Martinez may now seem more hopeful of hanging onto the Belgian international past this summer.

If that were to be the case, a Strootman/Fellaini pivot could work to disastrous effect in the middle of Goodison Park; a truly physical engine room made up of two multi-purpose utilities.

Given their defensive record last season, things don't seem all too grim at the back for Everton and with a more secure platform in the centre of midfield, the Toffees' attack would undoubtedly benefit further too.

Fulham

Dream Signing: Dusan Tadic

Age: 24

Current Club: FC Twente

Position: Winger

Having had a direct impact on 38 FC Twente goals across all competitions last season, it goes without saying that Dusan Tadic is currently one of the finest attacking influences the Eredivisie has to offer at the moment.

The 24-year-old finished the latest campaign with 12 goals and 15 league assists to his name, showing his knack for coming off the wing and moving through the central channels as a capable scoring threat himself.

With Damien Duff a little far on the wrong side of 30 and the likes of Alex Kacaniklic and Kerim Frei continuing their development, a reliable wing presence coming into his prime would be an ideal presence at Craven Cottage next season.

Having played on FC Twente's books for three years before managing in the Dutch top flight himself, Martin Jol may have some useful strings to pull in his native Holland.

Although the Cottagers aren't exactly known for their extravagant spending, Serbian international Tadic may be a talent worth splurging on given Fulham's requirements to supply Dimitar Berbatov with good ball.

Hull City

Dream Signing: Romelu Lukaku

Age: 20

Current Club: Chelsea

Position: Striker

After spending such a fruitful spell on loan with West Brom last season, it's nigh impossible that Romelu Lukaku would be farmed out to a promoted club this coming season, but a Tiger can dream.

Steve Bruce's side have already begun their attacking recruitment with the signing of Peterborough's George Boyd, but will need to rebuff their striking line further if they're to stage a successful bid for survival.

Aside from any wage percentage the club would need to pay, Lukaku would be a savvy, temporary investment given that Hull City already know the Belgian can succeed in the English top flight.

Goal.com's Greg Stobart recently wrote that Jose Mourinho is unlikely to send Lukaku out on loan this season, preferring to keep the youngster around as an extra striking option at Chelsea.

Liverpool

Dream Signing: Julian Draxler

Age: 19

Current Club: Schalke 04

Position: Attacking Midfield

Given the club's interest in Ajax's Christian Eriksen and Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan, it seems evident that creative midfield is an area Brendan Rodgers is hoping to strengthen this summer, and rightly so.

The Guardian's Andy Hunter has reported that the Reds can still be hopeful of signing the latter, however there is another investment which could make even more sense.

Were it not for the fact that Julian Draxler had penned a contract extension with Schalke just two months ago, his departure from Gelsenkirchen might seem all the more plausible too.

However, as ESPN have stated, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder now has a €45 million release clause in his contract, the largest in the Bundesliga.

While The Miners may settle for a fee less than that, the extension until 2018 is a big sign of intent from Draxler, saying that he wants to continue progressing in his current habitat.

A versatile midfielder capable of playing behind the striker, out wide, or even in a more supplemental role closer to the middle of the park, Draxler's acquisition would be a dream coup for Liverpool this summer, although that could change should Luis Suarez leave Anfield.

Manchester City

Dream Signing: Marco Reus

Age: 24

Current Club: Borussia Dortmund

Position: Attacking Midfielder/Supporting Striker

Having lost Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez to Italian opposition in the last two transfer windows, it's attacking signings that continue to fill the speculation pages around Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City.

The Chilean still has a bevy of offensive wonder at his disposal with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, David Silva and the newly acquired Jesus Navas all set to fulfill a certain responsibility this season.

However, Tevez most regularly provided that link between the midfield and attack at the Etihad Stadium, a role that Marco isn't unfamiliar with at Borussia Dortmund.

Although the former Borussia Monchengladbach star only moved back to Signal Iduna Park last summer, Rolls Reus fits the bill in terms of what City require in that attacking midfield area.

Having been reported by Real Madrid's official website as Carlo Ancelotti's first signing as manager at the Bernabeu, Isco is no longer a viable candidate to move to Manchester, but the Black and Yellows' star could be just as effective.

Manchester United

Dream Signing: Cristiano Ronaldo

Age: 28

Current Club: Real Madrid

Position: Forward

Who else would Manchester United fans rather sign this summer?

Granted, there may be other areas of the pitch arguably in greater need of remodeling than those which Cristiano Ronaldo occupies, but it would take a stern man to turn down the return of one of football's greatest ever players.

Four years on from the Portuguese international's departure from Old Trafford and rumours are as rife as ever that the 28-year-old will return to the Theatre of Dreams.

According to Matthew Morlidge of the Daily Mail, Ronaldo has or is set to meet up with United officials with the view to discussing a return to the club where he truly began his rise in the world's eye.

While Robin van Persie already led the goal assault for the Red Devils last season, there are a few attackers who've proved less reliable to Manchester United of late, and Ronaldo would go a long, long way in providing one more consistent outlet.

Newcastle United

Dream Signing: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Age: 24

Current Club: AS Saint-Etienne

Position: Striker/Forward

According to Sky Tyne and Wear, Borussia Dortmund are the club currently in pole position to land St-Etienne forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

However, until the Yellow and Black of Die Borussen is held above the Gabon international's head, the Magpies can still hold a hope of tempting the Ligue 1 talent into a Premier League switch.

After such a fruitful debut season on Tyneside, Papiss Demba Cisse's latest campaign proved too much for the striker to bear alone, and an endless list of injuries didn't help Alan Pardew either.

Able to play either the wing or up front, Aubameyang is a quick and malleable attacking asset, on whose value is surely suggested by Borussia Dortmund's apparent interest.

Norwich City

Dream Signing: Josip Ilicic

Age: 25

Current Club: Palermo

Position: Attacking Midfield/Striker

Given that the club recorded one of the lowest goal counts in the 2012-13 Premier League term, the offensive side is certainly where resources seem required for Chris Hughton.

Given that Norwich City have already signed Ricky van Wolfswinkel from Sporting Lisbon, the club have at least gone some way to curing that stigma but may yet make other moves in attack.

The Canaries' next priority is improving that link between midfield and attack, ensuring that van Wolfswinkel at least receives ammunition to succeed in his new surroundings.

As a result of their relegation, Palermo may be forced into selling some of their better players this summer. Josip Ilicic managed to score 10 goals last season, playing from both attacking midfield as well as a supporting striker role at times, the versatile sort Norwich fans should like to see.

Of course, Ilicic is another example of a player quite simply too far out of Norwich City reach, but a player of the same mould is required, which is perhaps why Sky Sports can report that a deal is near for PSV's Ola Toivonen.

Southampton

Dream Signing: Scott Sinclair

Age: 24

Current Club: Manchester City

Position: Winger

Were this two weeks ago, a star centre-bac would undoubtedly remain as Mauricio Pochettino's biggest need for the summer transfer window.

However, since then the Daily Mail has reported on Dejan Lovren's £8.5 million switch from Lyon to St. Mary's, meaning the Argentine manager can now turn his attention to other areas.

Most specifically, it's the Saints' wide areas which might do with improvement if the club can hope to better the decent goal tallies racked up by Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez last season.

Scott Sinclair's time on the Manchester City bench could easily come to its end this summer should the right offer come in for the wide man's services.

The former Swansea City winger rotted on the sidelines of the Etihad Stadium for the majority of the last term and could find solace in a move down south, either on a temporary or permanent deal.

Prior to his Manchester City move, Sinclair was a rising gem of the British setup quite possibly tipped for a bright England future. A year on, the speedster's development may have stagnated, but at just 24 years of age, could easily be resumed with some frequent first-team football.

Stoke City

Dream Signing: Siem de Jong

Age: 24

Current Club: Ajax

Position: Attacking Midfield/Centre Midfield

Earlier this week, BBC Sport announced the £3 million Stoke City capture of PSV Eindhoven left-back Erik Pieters.

Given the quality shown by the player in his last two seasons, such a fee can be considered a great deal for the Dutchman and there may yet be more value to be found in the Eredivisie.

Just how likely such a move can be considered is up for debate but Ajax utility midfielder Siem de Jong represents everything Mark Hughes should be seeking to inject into his side right now.

At just 24 years of age, de Jong is already experienced in European football and has shown great leadership qualities in Amsterdam, eventually earning several caps for the Holland national team.

Capable of playing as a central midfielder but also in more advanced positions, the middle man scored an impressive 12 goals and made eight assists in his 34 league outings for the Godenzonen last term.

With several big (but largely ineffective) strikers at the club, a strong impact is needed in the middle of Hughes' setup, one who can seamlessly link play going forward with the ball, a void de Jong could fill quite happily.

Sunderland

Dream Signing: Antonio Di Natale

Age: 35

Current Club: Udinese

Position: Striker/Centre Forward

No matter what the preconceptions between athletes and age may be, Antonio Di Natale appears to have lost his copy of 'The Rules."

At 35 years of age, the former Italian international remains as potent a scoring threat as ever, and his experience only serves in benefiting the forward further.

Dynamic, ever-aware and as energetic as they come, the veteran is everything Sunderland have lacked in their striking ranks for the last couple of years now.

Also, it helps that the Udinese frontman hasn't failed to score at least 20 league goals in a season since 2009.

In a system with a sole striker holding up the forward line on his lonesome, it's important that man has the ability to not only hold up play for others, but to drop and make things happen independently.

Steven Fletcher, Danny Graham and Nicklas Bendtner have all tried their best to do just that with varied results. In fact, Danny Welbeck has been one of the more fruitful faces to have played as a forward at the Stadium of Light, living up to the standards set by the likes of Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan at times.

Already, this summer has shown the links Paolo Di Canio has with certain Serie A clubs. Although the Italian stalwart is unlikely to shift at this stage of his career, now would be the time to use any he might have with Udinese in order to lure Di Natale to the Premier League.

Swansea City

Dream Signing: Alvaro Negredo

Age: 27

Current Club: Sevilla

Position: Striker

With Wilfried Bony and Bafetimbi Gomis reported by the Daily Mail as favourable targets for the South Wales side, it appears obvious that Swansea City are in the hunt for a quality striker capable of leading their line this summer.

However, with all his links to La Liga, it's surprising to see that interest hasn't arisen from Michael Laudrup in Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo, a player who fits the Dane's needs just about perfectly.

Last season, the Spaniard netted 25 goals in 34 league starts for his club, just three behind the prolific Radamel Falcao, a player who more recently completed a £50 million move to Monaco.

With Michu reverting to his more natural position of attacking midfield, or closer to a trequartista in style, Negredo would be sure to receive good service from a Swans lineup procuring more Spanish flavour by the transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur

Dream Signing: Robert Lewandowski

Age: 24

Current Club: Borussia Dortmund

Position: Striker

Given the raft of creative talent at White Hart Lane these days, it seems all that truly prevents the North London side from breaking that upper echelon of elite English clubs is a reliable and prolific striker.

In Emmanuel Adebayor, Jermain Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko, the club have attempted to find the solution to their striker troubles since Dimitar Berbatov left the club, but are yet to really hit the nail on the head.

Enter Robert Lewandowski.

The Polish striker has just come off the back of an ultimately fruitless Champions League tournament and Bundesliga campaign—losing out to Bayern Munich in both—but still sees his stock remain sky high nonetheless.

After all, any forward who can net four goals against Real Madrid can't quite be awful.

At Signal Iduna Park, Lewandowski plays in a similar 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation to the one that has been and is bound to still be utilized by Andre Villas Boas for the next campaign.

With just a year remaining on his contract, Bayern Munich are one of the biggest names looking to sign Jurgen Klopp's hitman, as The Guardian supports, but selling to an indirect rival would certainly be a better option for the Black and Yellows.

That being said, Lewandowski would almost certainly not move to a club offering less than Champions League football, but that doesn't mean he's any less of an ideal target for Spurs right now.

West Brom

Dream Signing: Wilfried Bony

Age: 24

Current Club: Vitesse Arnhem

Position: Striker

Just as Romelu Lukaku did whilst on loan from Chelsea last season, West Brom again require a strong, self-sufficient striker heading into the new season.

Therefore, it's of little surprise to see Wilfried Bony, a man linked with what seems like a majority of Premier League teams this summer, pop up as a speculated acquisition.

According to The Mirror's Ian Edwards, Steve Clarke might hope to pick up the Eredivisie striker, who netted no less than 31 league goals last season, for a fee of £10 million.

Considering Bony is only 24 years old and assuming the sum is even close to accurate, such a signing could prove incredibly lucrative for the Baggies, on a par with Aston Villa's savvy business in signing Christian Benteke.

West Ham

Dream Signing: Ivan Rakitic

Age: 25

Current Club: Sevilla

Position: Centre Midfield

A very possible departure from the Sevilla squad this summer, Ivan Rakitic has made no bones about making his feelings clear regarding his future at the La Liga club.

Speaking to 24sata (h/t Sky Sports) regarding the rumours linking him with a move to Liverpool, the central midfielder recently stated: 

"

I'm really flattered that I'm being linked with such a big club like Liverpool. I heard that something is happening, but for now there is no concrete offer.

My brother, who is taking care of my career, is doing all the business about my future. But I will repeat what I said before: I will only stay at Sevilla if they will strengthen the team. I made it quite clear about that and they know that they have to buy some good players.

"

Having already gone some way to rebuffing his attacking line with the signing of Andy Carroll, Sam Allardyce may now look to improving his midfield, currently relying heavily on the exploits of Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan.

Able to also play out wider and in a more attacking role, Rakitic is the versatile presence needed in the Hammers' engine room, and the Croatian midfielder might even be considered as available following such strong comments.