The summer transfer window is seeing significant activity from Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham, as the new season commences. Several deals are reportedly nearing completion or being pursued by these clubs.
Arsenal’s transfer pursuits
Arsenal are reportedly close to finalising the signing of Ezri Konsa for £51million. The club has also acquired Manchester United players James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye. In another development, Atletico Madrid has reportedly decided to sell Julian Alvarez, who has been a primary target for Arsenal throughout the window. While Alvarez had initially expressed a desire to join Barcelona, Atletico’s reluctance to deal with their LaLiga rivals could open an opportunity for Arsenal. Any deal for Alvarez would represent a club record, with Atletico having previously rejected bids of £85m and £130m from Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively.
Additionally, Arsenal are reportedly interested in Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, valued at over £60m by the Italian club. Negotiations could potentially involve Gabriel Martinelli moving in the opposite direction. Ezri Konsa is anticipated to make his Arsenal debut on August 31 against his former club, Aston Villa.
Manchester United and Chelsea’s movements
Manchester United are reportedly close to signing Carlos Baleba to bolster their midfield. They could also turn their attention to left-sided defender Edmond Tapsoba. Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has been a target for Manchester United since last summer. United recently made a £60m offer for the midfielder, and while Brighton is seeking a higher fee, an agreement is expected before the window closes.
Chelsea are preparing for a new bid from Manchester City for Enzo Fernandez. Xabi Alonso, Chelsea’s manager, stated that Fernandez is training well and preparing for the upcoming match against Fulham. Chelsea could also sell Pedro Neto and Tosin Adarabioyo, and have secured the signing of Alfie Osborne, beating Barcelona. Crystal Palace are nearing a loan deal for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, who is expected to undergo a medical on Friday for a season-long move. Chelsea’s sister club, Strasbourg, has completed the signing of Werder Bremen’s Karim Coulibaly on a five-year deal.
Liverpool and Tottenham’s transfer activities
Liverpool are reportedly reconsidering their interest in Ibrahim Mbaye due to slow progress in talks for Bradley Barcola. A bid for Yakuba Minteh was rejected. Liverpool’s pursuit of PSG winger Bradley Barcola has been ongoing, with PSG reportedly seeking around £145m. While Liverpool is not expected to meet that price, there is hope for a deal closer to £120m. Negotiations between the clubs are continuing, with a potential deal before the end of the month.
Tottenham have agreed an £85m deal for Savinho, and Omar Marmoush is expected to be their next acquisition. Manchester City has agreed to sell Savinho to Tottenham Hotspur for up to £85m. Omar Marmoush, who cost City £59m in January 2025, could join Tottenham for around £75m, bringing the combined fee for the duo to nearly £160m.
Other notable transfers and club updates
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan from West Ham, with a conditional obligation to buy. Leeds are set to sign Ditmir Hodja from Rabotniçki Skopje; the 18-year-old North Macedonia international will join the club’s academy. Aston Villa is reportedly considering Tosin Adarabioyo and Fikayo Tomori as potential replacements for Ezri Konsa.
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has stated that Adam Wharton will not be leaving the club this summer, following an approach from Manchester City. Fulham has brought in three new players: Shea Charles from Southampton, and Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios from Real Madrid. Fulham’s manager, Arbeloa, expressed satisfaction with the club’s business but indicated more work is needed to strengthen the squad.
The summer transfer window is set to close on September 1.
Source: standard.co.uk