The Premier League is back but that will not stop the transfer madness bubbling away in the background with more than a week remaining in the window.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has admitted that he is short of wingers, which has seen two offers for Yankuba Minteh, the latest for £60m, rebuffed by Brighton, as they step up their search for a successor to Mohamed Salah. Curtis Jones has left for £30m, joining Inter. And the Reds would like two wide players, Minteh and then, perhaps, Bradley Barcola, but Paris Saint-Germain are looking for £145m. Real Madrid’s Endrick has also been floated as an option this weekend.
Arsenal are exploring a move for Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz as Mikel Arteta seeks to complete his transfer plans for an assault on both the Champions League and Premier League for the new season. The Gunners have announced the signing of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, with attention now turning to the left side of attack and the 21-year-old Turkey international is high up on their list of targets.
Manchester United have a deal in place to sign Brighton’s Carlos Baleba for £70m, ending a pursuit that begun last summer, while Tottenham have agreed a deal to sign winger Savinho from Manchester City for an initial £75m, with Omar Marmoush tipped to follow the Brazilian. While City have identified Brazilian winger Allan as a possible replacement.
Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals below
Unai Emery admits Ollie Watkins could be sold as Emiliano Martinez asks to leave Aston Villa
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has conceded that Ollie Watkins may become the latest high-profile departure from Villa Park this summer, while confirming that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has requested a transfer.
Although Villa turned down four separate offers from Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal for Watkins this week, Emery refused to rule out a potential exit for the England forward, who could join Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Youri Tielemans in departing the club.
With Ezri Konsa’s transfer to Arsenal confirmed on Friday afternoon, Emery acknowledged an "issue" regarding Watkins, noting that a sale remains possible if the financial conditions are suitable.
Transfers that could still happen: Enzo Fernandez to Man City
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was booed on his return to Stamford Bridge after a turbulent summer that ended in a sending off and a defeat in the World Cup final. The Argentine has previously suggested he’d be happy to leave the Blues, and new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca is a big fan of his former midfielder. However, Chelsea previously set a deadline of 5pm on Friday 14 August for clubs to bid for the midfielder, and with that deadline having passed the club expect him to stay at Stamford Bridge. Xabi Alonso recently stated that Fernandez is “training really well” as he prepares for the new season, but City could yet test Chelsea’s resolve before the end of the window, especially if they were to make an offer at or near the Blues’ demands of £120m.
Arsenal explore move for Kenan Yildiz after missing out on Vinicius Jr
Arsenal are looking into whether a deal for Juventus' Kenan Yildiz is possible in this window, as Mikel Arteta seeks to complete his transfer plans for an assault on both the Champions League and Premier League for the new season.
Arteta has long identified the left side attack as a priority position to upgrade, with Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr having been the ideal target. The Brazilian's decision to stay at the Bernabeu caused Arsenal to reconsider the situation, and some thought has been given to waiting until either January or next summer when other deals could become possible.
Konsa speaks on Arsenal move
“I know he loves defenders who can really defend and defenders who are calm on the ball. His style suits me so I can't wait to get going,” said Ezri Konsa today when asked about playing under Mikel Arteta and signing for Arsenal.
“It's a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world. So yeah, a lot of emotions have gone through my head, but I think it will really kick in on the first matchday.
“I want to keep winning, [I’m] hungry to win and that’s what I’m here for.
“I'm here to win. I'll do everything in my power to continue bringing success to this club,” he added.
The defender has joined the Gunners for a fee of £51m and is their fifth signing of the summer, and he could make his debut against his old club next week.
Arsenal consider Victor Osimhen?
Now this would be audacious, Arsenal in for Victor Osimhen?
It’s hard to imagine Mikel Arteta doing that one, with Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus still in the building, but the former Napoli striker has long since been linked with the Premier League, which could suit his all-action style.
Villa prepare Jackson bid
Chelsea are braced for a bid from Aston Villa for Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson.
The 25-year-old had a lively World Cup off the back of a disappointing loan spell with Bayern Munich.
But the Telegraph reports that Unai Emery could look to add the Chelsea striker with an offer close to the £65m valuation.
Atletico Madrid are seemingly out at that price, despite their lofty £150m valuation of Julian Alvarez with Barcelona and Arsenal keen.
Liverpool make Real Madrid enquiry after Minteh bid rejected
Liverpool are active with just over one week until the transfer deadline day.
A £60m bid for Yankuba Minteh has been rejected, but now the Times are reporting the Reds have made an enquiry to Real Madrid for Brazil forward Endrick.
The 20-year-old spent last term at Lyon and was a squad player for Brazil at the World Cup, though his future is unclear with Jose Mourinho in charge.
Man Utd agree Baleba deal before Premier League opener
It’s a big day for Man Utd, who kick off their Premier League season against Hull at lunchtime.
But the news overnight of a deal in place to pay £70m for Carlos Baleba will also boost Michael Carrick.
The Brighton midfielder to undergo a medical this weekend.
Sky Sports reports there is a five-year deal on the table, with a sell-on clause for the Seagulls too.
Barcola to Liverpool? Alvarez to Arsenal? Ten big transfers that could still happen before deadline day
The summer transfer window closes on 1 September as clubs across Europe aim to wrap up their summer business ahead of the 2026/27 season.
There have been several notable moves throughout Europe over the summer, with Barcelona’s capture of Rodri and the transfers of Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson and Bruno Guimaraes making headlines.
But while some teams will feel their business is done this summer, most clubs – especially some in the Premier League – know they need more arrivals if they’re to compete this season.
Chris Wilson has the rundown:
Curtis Jones’ Liverpool exit confirmed in €30m move to Inter
Liverpool could also make a further is €5m in achievable add-ons for the midfielder, while they have a 10 percent sell-on clause.
Jones was in the final year of his contract at Anfield and Liverpool risked losing him on a free transfer if they did not sell him this summer.