The Premier League is widely regarded as the strongest league in world football, boasting many of the best players and managers that the beautiful game has to offer.
In financial terms, English clubs currently have a continental stranglehold over their European rivals and have managed to win the race for the signatures of some of the top talents from across the globe.
A plethora of players, ranging from teenage sensations to worldwide superstars, continue to be linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, including some from the top tier of Italian football.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look at three high-profile players who could make a summer switch from Serie A to the English top flight.
Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna)
© Reuters
One of the most sought-after strikers this summer is Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee, who notched up 11 goals and five assists in 34 Serie A matches last season to help the Rossoblu finish fifth and earn a shock Champions League qualification spot.
The 23-year-old has spent the last two seasons at Bologna having previously represented Bayern Munich, but the 6ft 4in striker has been heavily linked with a summer switch to the Premier League.
Indeed, Manchester United and Arsenal are thought to be the two English clubs battling for Zirkzee's signature, while AC Milan are also in the race and have allegedly agreed personal terms with the Dutchman.
A recent report claims that Zirkzee has become a "serious" target for Man United, who have moved ahead of their rivals and are ready to trigger his €40m (£33.8m) release clause following talks with his entourage.
However, the Red Devils are aware that the buy-out fee is only valid until the middle of August and Bologna could potentially ask for a higher price if no interested suitors activate Zirkzee's current clause.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
© Imago
Another in-demand goal machine plying his trade in Italy is Napoli talisman Victor Osimhen, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Man United all monitoring his situation along with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The 25-year-old has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in Europe in recent seasons, scoring 41 goals in 57 Serie A appearances since the start of 2022-23.
However, Osimhen is widely expected to seek pastures new this summer and newly-appointed Napoli boss Antonio Conte has revealed that 'agreements' have been 'clearly stated' to him regarding a summer exit for the striker.
As things stand, Osimhen has two years left on his Napoli contract that includes a €120m (£101.6m) release clause, which has proven to be a stumbling block for Chelsea, Arsenal Man United and PSG - four teams all keen to recruit a world-class centre-forward this summer.
However, according to the Evening Standard, Napoli are now prepared to lower their demands for Osimhen in a bid to accelerate his exit from the club which could result in a bidding war for the Nigeria international in the coming weeks.
Adrien Rabiot (Free agent - previous club Juventus)
© Imago
Adrien Rabiot has now officially become a free agent after his contract at Juventus expired on June 30, and the midfielder stated earlier this year that he 'still has the desire' to 'play in England' and 'evolve in the Premier League'.
A recent report claimed that Man United have held preliminary talks with Rabiot over a proposed switch to Old Trafford and they are currently the one Premier League team who are pushing to sign the 29-year-old, who spent a brief period in Manchester City's academy back in 2008.
However, it is understood that both Arsenal and Aston Villa - two teams competing in next season's Champions League - have recently joined the race for his signature, while Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest.
Rabiot will likely favour a transfer to the Premier League this summer, but Serie A champions Inter Milan could allegedly offer the Frenchman the chance to remain in Italy, while there has also been speculation over a surprise return to PSG for the midfielder.
During his five-year spell at Juventus, Rabiot played 212 times across all competitions, scoring 22 goals and providing 14 assists, and he won four trophies including the 2019-20 Serie A title.
