Manchester City’s Midfield Interest
Manchester City are reportedly exploring a potential move for Chelsea’s Argentina midfielder, Enzo Fernandez. This development comes as reports suggest that Spain midfielder Rodri is anticipated to join Barcelona. Fernandez, who is 25, is a key figure in Chelsea’s squad, having recently returned to pre-season training.
The full Chelsea squad has now re-joined pre-season preparations, with players who participated in the latter stages of the World Cup linking up with Xabi Alonso’s team. Among those returning were existing Chelsea players Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, and Malo Gusto. New signings such as Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Valentin Barco, and Maxence Lacroix have also reported for duty.
Other Chelsea Player Movements
In other transfer news concerning Chelsea, Napoli is reportedly exploring a loan move for Chelsea and France centre-back Benoit Badiashile, who is 25. This indicates potential activity around Chelsea’s defensive line as well.
Meanwhile, Chelsea has also shown interest in Myles Lewis-Skelly. The club has made an enquiry regarding the youngster’s availability. However, it is understood that Arsenal, Lewis-Skelly’s current club, is reluctant to sell him to a Premier League rival. Reports suggest that Lewis-Skelly is content at Arsenal and is focused on securing a place in Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up for the upcoming season.
Chelsea recently concluded their pre-season tour, which included matches in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. The team is now back at Stamford Bridge and is scheduled to face Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Additional Transfer Market Activity
Across the Premier League, several other transfer stories are developing. Arsenal is reportedly interested in signing Cristian Romero, but Tottenham is expected to refuse to sell the Argentina centre-back to their north London rivals. Arsenal is also said to be looking at Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.
Liverpool has held preliminary discussions with Paris St-Germain regarding France forward Bradley Barcola, though there is a notable difference in their respective valuations of the 23-year-old. After missing out on Real Madrid’s Brazil forward Vinicius Jr, Arsenal has identified three alternative targets: Barcola, Atletico Madrid’s Argentina striker Julian Alvarez, and Everton’s Senegal winger Iliman Ndiaye.
Newcastle has informed Manchester United that 21-year-old England full-back Lewis Hall is not available for transfer this summer, having rejected an initial enquiry. Furthermore, Newcastle is reportedly interested in Marseille’s Denmark midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who is 31. Napoli is also looking to strengthen their attacking options with the potential addition of Arsenal and Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus, who is 29.
In the Championship, Burnley is set to sign Manchester City defender Max Alleyne on a season-long loan. The 21-year-old had a successful loan period with Watford in the first half of the 2025/26 season before being recalled by City, where he made seven first-team appearances, including in the UEFA Champions League.
Sheffield United’s pursuit of Australia international defender Harry Souttar is progressing, with a reported £10 million bid from the Championship club anticipated. Souttar has reportedly expressed his desire to leave Leicester this summer as they prepare for a season in League One.
Inter Milan’s pursuit of Djed Spence could see a deal struck in the region of €30 million (£25.6m), with the 26-year-old reportedly keen on the move. Meanwhile, Monaco has offered Paul Pogba a contract termination. Pogba returned to football in November after a period away and made six appearances for Monaco last season.
Arne Slot, who left Liverpool this summer, has stated his preference for daily involvement on the training pitch with players, a factor in his decision regarding a national team coaching role. He won the Premier League title with Liverpool just a year ago.
Aston Villa will be without Emiliano Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain, as they were given four weeks of rest after finishing their season on July 19.
Source: tntsports.co.uk