12 players set to shape summer transfer window as Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal announce plans

The January transfer window has creaked shut without much drama and for the Premier League's big guns, attention has already shifted towards their summer recruitment. And that looks certain to be far more interesting. Arsenal's need for a new centre-forward remains, Mikel Arteta wanted a replacement for Gabriel Jesus this month, but after missing out on Ollie Watkins decided to stand pat. Chelsea will continue to be Chelsea. Liverpool, after a year of tranquillity, face likely upheaval with three of their biggest stars months away from becoming free agents.

Manchester City's position remains uncertain until the outcome of their 115 charges are revealed, while Manchester United must revamp their squad despite having little money to spend. Ruben Amorim needs big changes, but after just one senior signing in January, he will need to bide his time until the summer. And although there are still plenty of twists and turns before the window reopens, we already have an idea at some of the names certain to be at the centre of their own sagas. Here are 12 players set to dominate the headlines.

Newcastle must surely qualify for the Champions League if they are to keep a hold of the Sweden star who is enjoying a magnificent campaign. Arsenal have been keen and Mikel Arteta may well see him as his ideal No.9. The Toon are yet to tie him down to a new deal, having elected to sort out Anthony Gordon's contract this year, with PSR issues believed to mean Isak has to wait until the next set of accounts. If the Magpies fall short of the top four (or likely five) and don't claim a spot at European football's top table next term, expect Isak to be off.

Manchester United’s top target to solve their goalscoring woes. Ruben Amorim brought Isak’s compatriot to a new level at Sporting and the only real question mark is whether United have enough money to seal a deal. Amorim agreed not to poach any of his old players during January - a gentleman's agreement made when swapping Lisbon for Manchester - but that won't be the case in summer. Gyokeres may well be the ideal No.9 which the ailing Red Devils desperately need. But could others, Arsenal or Chelsea chief among them, make a move? It would certainly make some sense if he was on their shortlist as well.

A long-time target of Arsenal’s, the Slovenian will depart RB Leipzig at the end of the campaign, with a £55million release clause kicking in this summer for the impressive centre-forward. The big question for the Gunners is whether they would prefer Isak at a much higher price. There is no chance of them landing both. Does he stay or does he go? If the latter it could be a spectacular, silverware-laden conclusion for an Anfield legend.

Saudi Arabia is the obvious choice if he does not sign a new deal and the kingdom are going increasingly public in voicing their desire to take him to the Middle East. Few clubs in Europe can meet his wage demands. And if he does leave Anfield, then how do Liverpool replace him? Sure you save money that would otherwise be committed to his salary, but it's going to cost a big fee - and another decent whack in wages - to replace him effectively - if that's even possible.

It will hurt Liverpool if the homegrown star departs without a pound of 'pure profit' but it’s looking less and less likely that he will sign a new deal. If his heart is set on Real Madrid, he will earn a lot more going there as a free agent. Liverpool, meanwhile, will need to get creative to find a replacement for a player with few comparables. Arne Slot and the club's transfer chiefs will need to do some smart business to replace Alexander-Arnold's qualities. And, like Salah, that smart business is going to cost.

So many questions, so few hints at what the answers will be. If his loan to Aston Villa goes well, will they look to sign him permanently? What will that mean for the spending ability of both clubs in the rest of the window? If not, can he ever work his way back into Ruben Amorim’s plans at Manchester United? And will anyone else bother making a move for a player who must prove many doubters wrong.

Rashford has a huge four months coming up at Villa Park. How he does and what comes after will play a big role in both United and Villa's spending plans this summer. Chelsea explored the possibility of bringing him back to Stamford Bridge this winter and Newcastle remain big admirers. Crystal Palace insisted their captain was going nowhere but history suggests they may be unable to keep a hold of him come the summer - though they should really be making a healthy profit on one of England’s best defenders.

Tottenham put in a massive offer in the closing hours of the January window, and the race promises to be similarly intense at the end of the season. Arguably the best player in the Bundesliga right now, the German creator appears ready to leave Bayer Leverkusen but does he choose Bayern Munich or head abroad?. Arsenal previously looked at him but it would be a challenge to fit him into the same team as Martin Odegaard, while Liverpool might be an option. Smart money, however, is on a switch to La Liga unless he follows the well-trodden path to Bavaria.