The summer transfer window is intensifying as clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Liverpool engage in discussions for significant deals. Pre-season preparations are underway, and teams are looking to bolster their squads.
Arsenal are reportedly pursuing Bruno Guimaraes and Morgan Rogers, with both midfielders said to be keen on joining. Guimaraes, the Newcastle captain, has reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year contract. Progress on the Aston Villa star, Rogers, is expected after the World Cup. Additionally, Bradley Barcola is a target, and Christos Tzolis is also being considered.
Manchester United have reportedly ended their pursuit of Ederson from Atlanta due to fitness concerns. The club may now turn its attention to Manu Kone, Carlos Baleba, or Alex Scott, with Scott also attracting interest from Chelsea and Arsenal. Michael Carrick is also said to be an admirer of Crysencio Summerville.
Manchester United’s transfer activity and other club movements
Manchester United are reportedly nearing the signings of Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow as they aim to accelerate their summer transfer business. While full agreements are not yet finalised for either player, there is an expectation that both deals will be completed soon. Reports indicate that United have agreed to pay Chelsea for midfielder Santos, with an announcement anticipated imminently.
In other developments, Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has confirmed his five-man backroom staff, including Jamal Alioui, Damien Della Santa, and Sandy Guichard, who are joining from roles in France. Alioui previously served as Sage’s assistant at Lyon. These new additions will work alongside established staff members Andy Quy and Paddy McCarthy. Nottingham Forest has also confirmed that three members of Oliver Glasner’s backroom staff from Crystal Palace, Michael Angerschmid, Emanuel Pogatetz, and Michael Berktold, will join him at the City Ground.
Tottenham are reportedly leading the race for Marcus Rashford, who is set to return to Old Trafford after a loan spell at Barcelona. The Catalan club did not make his stay permanent. Reports from Italy suggest Spurs are frontrunners to sign him, ahead of some Italian clubs.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in signing Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida to strengthen their right-back options. Neither side has made an approach yet, but Geertruida is a player to watch following the Netherlands’ early exit from the World Cup.
Chelsea made a last-gasp approach for Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand. Hjulmand had reportedly agreed to join Atletico, and despite Chelsea’s late approach, the player, who has an Arsenal tattoo, had already committed to moving to Madrid.
Midfield targets and financial considerations
Xabi Alonso reportedly wants Chelsea to sign Eduardo Camavinga, with reports in Spain suggesting Real Madrid would be willing to listen to offers for the French player. The final decision may rest with the player, who could be prompted to leave after Aurelien Tchouameni extended his deal.
The transfer of Joao Gomes from Wolves to Atletico is reportedly facing difficulties. A club-to-club agreement had been reached, but talks have stalled, leading Wolves to believe the move is off, according to one report.
The Premier League’s prominent clubs continue to seek talent from domestic competitors. Arsenal made a verbal offer for Bruno Guimaraes, while Chelsea had a bid for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka rejected and are interested in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, similar to Arsenal’s interest. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is also attracting attention from Manchester United and Arsenal.
Clubs like Aston Villa are facing financial considerations, including a UEFA settlement agreement that could lead to a one-year ban from European competition if breached. This agreement limits their losses and necessitates improving finances in the coming seasons. While they will benefit from Champions League revenue this season, they incurred a significant loss in a previous season when they were in the competition.
Bournemouth is also grappling with UEFA restrictions, having qualified for European competition for the first time. The club was profitable in 2024-25, and this trend is expected to continue. However, they are now subject to UEFA’s squad cost ratio rule, which could pose challenges despite increased turnover and player sales. Bournemouth maintains that Alex Scott is not for sale and is attempting to secure a new contract with him. Scott has two years remaining on his current deal.
Newcastle has made significant player sales in recent windows, including Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona, which was partly to generate funds for squad investment. These sales, along with others, have reportedly improved their financial standing. Newcastle’s absence from Europe for 2026-27 means they only need to comply with the Premier League’s squad cost threshold rather than UEFA’s stricter requirement, though they aim to return to European competition in subsequent seasons.
Portugal has confirmed Jorge Jesus as the new head coach of the national team, succeeding Roberto Martinez after the team’s exit from the World Cup last-16. Jesus has primarily managed in Portugal and Saudi Arabia, having left his most recent position at Al Nassr earlier this year.
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Source: standard.co.uk
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”