Arsenal are in talks to sign 19-year-old Lyon winger Malick Fofana as a potential replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, with Fofana agreeing personal terms. A deal with RB Leipzig has collapsed. However, Arsenal refuse to meet Lyon's €40 million asking price, and negotiations continue as the transfer window closes. Fofana is keen on the move, having rejected Crystal Palace for Champions League ambitions.
Everton have reached a full agreement with Monaco to sign American striker Folarin Balogun for a fixed fee of €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons and a sell-on clause. The 25-year-old has agreed personal terms on a four-year contract with a one-year extension option and is set to travel for a medical. However, L'Équipe reports the move may be in doubt due to delays in Everton's sale of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City before the transfer window closes.
Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández is in advanced talks to join Manchester City from Chelsea, with negotiations expected to progress within 24-48 hours. City plans an initial bid below Chelsea’s £120 million asking price, while Chelsea insists on the full valuation and seeks a replacement before selling. Fernández has given City the green light and was left out of Chelsea’s match squad, signaling the transfer’s final stages. The deal is one of the most anticipated moves of the summer window.
Barcelona is in advanced talks to sign Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal for a fee between €10-15 million, with reports indicating a deal is close to completion. The 29-year-old, under contract until 2027, is seen as a replacement for departing Robert Lewandowski. Multiple journalists confirm negotiations, with Jesus keen on the move and a medical scheduled. The transfer aims to bolster Barcelona's attack before the window closes.
Argentine striker Julian Alvarez is in a mental and professional crisis at Atletico Madrid after the club refused to negotiate his transfer to direct rival Barcelona. Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin rejected all offers, including a €100 million bid, and filed complaints with FIFA over alleged pressure from Alvarez's agent and Barcelona. Alvarez, booed by fans and at odds with coach Simeone, refuses Premier League moves and insists on Barcelona only. The deadlock threatens team cohesion and player value as the transfer window closes.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta achieved his 150th Premier League win in 249 matches, becoming the fifth fastest manager to reach that milestone in under 250 games. He trails only Pep Guardiola (204), Jose Mourinho (231), Jurgen Klopp (237), and Sir Alex Ferguson (247). Arteta also became the second person to play and manage at least 250 Premier League games, and ranks fourth in win rate among managers with 250+ matches.
Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have reached agreements in principle for a double transfer: Tottenham will sign Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for £60 million, while Richarlison is set to return to Everton for £35 million. The deals are separate and not directly linked, pending personal terms and medicals. However, reports indicate Richarlison has not yet agreed personal terms with Everton, stalling Ndiaye's move. Manchester City has also reopened talks for Ndiaye after their Cody Gakpo deal collapsed.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, 27, has decided to join Manchester City, rejecting Tottenham Hotspur. Personal terms are agreed, and clubs are negotiating a fee. Liverpool will only sell after securing a replacement, reportedly Bradley Barcola from PSG. Gakpo, who scored 18 goals in Liverpool’s 2024-25 title win, has struggled in 2025-26. City also agreed a €40m deal for Palmeiras winger Allan Elias.
Liverpool submitted a £50 million bid for Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr, which was rejected. The move follows failed negotiations for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh. Sarr's agent called for fair valuation of African players, while Sarr reportedly seeks a transfer. Crystal Palace considers Sarr crucial, with three years left on his contract, and only an exceptionally high offer would change their stance. Liverpool continues exploring other targets before the transfer deadline.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has designated Liverpool as his preferred destination and agreed personal terms, but PSG rejected an initial bid. Barcola was excluded from PSG’s squad to avoid injury risk. PSG lowered their asking price from €170 million to around €140 million, while Liverpool hopes to secure a deal for about £100 million. Talks continue, with Barcola refusing a contract extension and PSG open to selling if an acceptable offer arrives.
Newcastle United has reached a €60 million agreement with Lille for 21-year-old Belgian winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo, according to Fabrizio Romano. The deal includes performance-related add-ons, and the player has agreed to join. Earlier reports indicated Lille rejected a €60 million bid, demanding €70 million, but negotiations accelerated. Fernandez-Pardo had reportedly boycotted a match to force a transfer.
Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal is in advanced negotiations to sign Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli for a fee between £50-60 million. The 23-year-old Brazilian, who has one year left on his contract, has been told he is not in Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's plans and was omitted from recent matchday squads. Martinelli previously rejected a €45m offer from Galatasaray but is now open to moving to Saudi Arabia. Talks are ongoing, with personal terms still to be finalized.
On August 31, 2026, during the second round of the Premier League season, Manchester United defeated Ipswich Town 5-1 at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick (his second Premier League hat-trick and third overall for United) and added an assist, tying Cristiano Ronaldo's club record of three hat-tricks. This was the first hat-trick of the 2026/27 Premier League season, and Fernandes temporarily leads the scoring chart.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is on the verge of a transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, with reports indicating a final agreement after Villa rejected multiple bids, including a £45 million offer. Watkins, who missed a match and apologized to teammates, has agreed to personal terms and a tax-free $15 million annual salary. Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal is personally funding the deal. Villa is seeking replacements, including Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, as the move nears completion.
Juventus and Aston Villa narrowed their valuation gap for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, with Juventus offering up to €10 million (€7M fixed plus €3M add-ons) against Villa’s demand for a fixed €10M fee. Personal terms were agreed, but Juventus ultimately abandoned the deal, partly due to concerns over Martinez’s finger injury. Aston Villa then accelerated a €30M move for Parma’s Zion Suzuki as a replacement. Martinez remains at Villa, who will play in the Champions League.
AC Milan forward Rafael Leao is at the center of a transfer dispute, preferring a move to Turkish club Galatasaray over Aston Villa. Leao has rejected other offers and agreed personal terms with Galatasaray, but Milan rejected their €40 million bid, demanding €50 million plus bonuses. Aston Villa, facilitated by agent Jorge Mendes, is also interested but finds the fee high. Leao may stay until his contract expires if no deal is reached.
Tottenham Hotspur is finalizing a transfer for Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush from Manchester City, structured as a loan with a mandatory £50 million buy clause. Personal terms are agreed, and a medical is scheduled. The move aims to bolster Tottenham's attack under new manager Roberto De Zerbi after a poor season opener. Parallel negotiations for Savinho and Cody Gakpo also progress as the summer transfer window nears closure.
Manchester City are in final negotiations to sign 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a reported fee between €100-130 million. The deal follows the sale of Rodri to Barcelona and Bernardo Silva’s departure to Real Madrid. Bouaddi, a deep-lying playmaker who impressed at the 2026 World Cup and in the Champions League, is expected to sign a five-year contract until 2031. The transfer is part of City’s midfield rebuild under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion are close to finalizing a transfer for 22-year-old Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba. United’s offer is around £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons, slightly below Brighton’s valuation, but negotiations remain amicable. Personal terms are agreed, and Baleba is recovering from a minor ankle injury. The deal would bolster United’s midfield rebuild, following signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, amid Casemiro’s departure and Champions League return.
Chelsea has issued a Friday 5 PM UK deadline for Manchester City to meet their £120 million valuation for midfielder Enzo Fernandez, or the transfer will be off. City has expressed interest but is unwilling to meet the price. No formal offers have been received in two months, and Real Madrid has ruled out a summer move. Fernandez, a World Cup winner, has six years left on his contract and recently returned to training.
German striker Niclas Füllkrug, 33, has rejoined Werder Bremen on a one-year loan from West Ham United with no purchase option. After struggling at West Ham (relegated from the Premier League) and AC Milan, scoring only four goals in 46 appearances due to injuries, Füllkrug accepted a significant pay cut to return to his former club. Bremen hopes his familiarity, physicality, and leadership will boost their attack after scoring the fewest goals in the Bundesliga last season.
Liverpool have had two bids (£50m and £60m) for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh rejected, with Brighton demanding around £70m. The 22-year-old Gambian, sidelined 2-3 months after leg surgery, is open to joining Liverpool as a replacement for departing Mohamed Salah. Liverpool is preparing a third offer, but Brighton’s tough stance and interest from Manchester City complicate the deal. Alternative targets include PSG’s Bradley Barcola.
Manchester United lost 0-2 to promoted side Hull City in their Premier League season opener on August 22-23. Both goals came from set pieces, exposing defensive lapses criticized by captain Bruno Fernandes, defender Luke Shaw, and former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. Manager Michael Carrick’s tactics were questioned as the team struggled with possession, attacking sharpness, and physicality. The defeat highlighted recurring issues from last season, prompting calls for improved pressing, set-piece defense, and squad review.
Tottenham Hotspur is aggressively pursuing Brazilian winger Savinho from Manchester City, with offers up to £85 million (€100 million) reportedly submitted or agreed. The 22-year-old, who started only 14 of 36 games last season, has skipped training to force a move for more playing time and a higher tactical role under manager Roberto De Zerbi. Manchester City has delayed the sale until a replacement is secured, potentially Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez. Personal terms are broadly agreed, and a resolution is expected before the September 1 transfer window closes.
Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, 22, is expected to leave the club after being omitted from the squad for their La Liga opener against Elche. Agent Jorge Mendes met with sporting director Deco and Balde to discuss his future, with Manchester United reportedly preparing a €40 million bid. Balde’s playing time has been reduced by Joao Cancelo’s return, and head coach Hansi Flick questioned his commitment. Barcelona also discussed youth players Marc Casadó and Guille Fernández’s potential departures.
Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa, former Real Madrid teammates and close friends, both sacked as managers by Real Madrid last season, now debut as Premier League rivals. Alonso, appointed Chelsea manager in May 2026, leads his team against Arbeloa’s Fulham at Craven Cottage. Their intertwined careers include playing together at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Spain, winning Euro 2008, Euro 2012, and the 2010 World Cup. Both began coaching at Real Madrid’s academy before moving to their current roles.
Aston Villa suffered a catastrophic 4-0 away defeat to Brighton in the 2026 Premier League opener, conceding four goals in the first 31 minutes. New signing Joao Gomes was sent off on debut. Manager Unai Emery refused to explain star striker Ollie Watkins' unexplained absence, fueling transfer rumors to Saudi club Al Hilal. Emery criticized defensive errors and the referee, but praised the second-half response with ten men. He acknowledged the squad is still under construction with the transfer window ongoing.
Hull City defeated Manchester United 2-0 in their Premier League season opener, marking their first league win over the club since 1974. Both goals came from set pieces, a tactic specifically practiced after studying United’s defensive weaknesses. Manager Jankovic and owner Acun Ilicali praised the team’s desire and cohesion, with eight starters from last season’s promotion-winning squad. The victory counters relegation predictions and boosts morale, though injuries remain a concern.
Paris Saint-Germain’s €35 million transfer of Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma fell through after his agent demanded an illegal €3 million commission. PSG terminated negotiations, suspecting Aston Villa’s interference due to Premier League flexibility on agent fees. Suzuki’s medical was canceled, and Aston Villa has since officially contacted Parma, ready to match PSG’s offer. PSG will now rely on Matvey Safonov as starting goalkeeper.
Arsenal defeated Coventry City 3-0 at home in their Premier League season opener, with goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Ødegaard. Arsenal dominated possession (65%-35%), outshot Coventry 20-4, and recorded an expected goals (xG) of 1.80 versus 0.28. Individual stats highlighted Saka’s goal and dribble, Ødegaard’s 93% pass accuracy and key passes, Havertz’s efficient scoring, and Skelley’s high pass accuracy. The comprehensive victory gave Arsenal a perfect start to the new campaign.
This period's Premier League activity centered on a final flurry of transfer dealings and a key league fixture. Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur all completed or agreed on significant signings, while Manchester United firmly held onto captain Bruno Fernandes. On the pitch, Arsenal edged past Aston Villa with a goal from Bukayo Saka, as manager Mikel Arteta reached a personal milestone.
Everton have reached a full agreement with Monaco to sign American striker Folarin Balogun for a fixed fee of €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons and a sell-on clause. The 25-year-old has agreed personal terms on a four-year contract with a one-year extension option and is set to travel for a medical. However, L'Équipe reports the move may be in doubt due to delays in Everton's sale of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City before the transfer window closes.
Juventus has reached a verbal agreement with Newcastle United to sign midfielder Nick Woltemade on a season-long loan for a fee of £3.5 million, with no option or obligation to buy. The deal, reported by multiple sources including Fabrizio Romano and Craig Hope, is nearing completion but awaits the player's final approval. Other clubs including Napoli, Fiorentina, and Borussia Dortmund had expressed interest.
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a permanent deal to sign Chelsea center-back Tosin Adarabioyo for a fixed fee of £7 million plus add-ons, according to multiple reports. Personal terms are settled, and the 28-year-old is set for a medical. The transfer follows Kevin Danso’s desire to leave and Chelsea’s surplus of defenders. Tosin, a former Fulham and Manchester City player, started eight Premier League matches last season. This is the first direct first-team transfer between the two London clubs since 2009.
This period's Premier League activity centered on Manchester United's 5-1 home win over Ipswich Town, where Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick to lead the scoring chart. The same match featured a controversial uncalled handball by Harry Maguire, sparking debate over new rules. In transfer news, Chelsea reached a verbal agreement for Atalanta defender Oneste Ahanor for over €40 million, with the player set to be loaned out until 2027.
This period's Premier League activity centered on transfer developments and on-pitch results. Liverpool drew 2-2 at home with Nottingham Forest, failing to beat them at Anfield for a third consecutive season, while forward Cody Gakpo decided to join Manchester City with clubs negotiating a fee. Chelsea is in advanced talks for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernández, and rejected Roma's loan offers for winger Jamie Gittens. Additionally, Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee is close to a loan move to Fiorentina, and Liverpool's £50 million bid for Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr was rejected.
This period's Premier League activity focused on transfer market developments and on-pitch results. Ecuadorian defender Joel Ordóñez's move to Crystal Palace collapsed after a failed medical, while Aston Villa continues to seek defensive alternatives. Manchester City secured a 4-1 victory, with new signing Rayan Cherki maintaining his strong form, while Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez is locked in a standoff after a blocked move to Barcelona.
This period's Premier League transfer window activity centered on three potential deals involving major clubs. Enzo Fernández's move to Manchester City is in its final stages, with the player left out of Chelsea's match squad. AC Milan forward Rafael Leao prefers a move to Galatasaray, but Milan is holding firm on a €50 million-plus asking price, while Aston Villa remains on the sidelines. Liverpool's Cody Gakpo has drawn interest from both Tottenham and Manchester City, though any deal hinges on Liverpool first securing replacements.
Following the previous period's focus on Aston Villa's forward-line reshuffle, attention has shifted to the goalkeeping position. Juventus came close to signing Emiliano Martinez but ultimately abandoned the deal due to a gap in the fee structure and concerns over the player's finger injury. Aston Villa then moved swiftly to secure Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki for €30 million as a replacement.
Arsenal defeated Aston Villa 1-0 in a Premier League match on September 1st, with Bukayo Saka scoring the winning goal in the 59th minute off an assist from Calafiori. Saka’s goal marked his 62nd in the Premier League, tying him with legends David Beckham and Robert Pires, and was his first time scoring in consecutive league matches since November 2024.
Spanish club Valencia has formally contacted Liverpool to sign midfielder Harvey Elliott, with personal terms reportedly agreed. The 23-year-old Englishman, who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, is not in new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola’s plans. Valencia is pushing for a loan deal, while Liverpool may extend Elliott’s contract (running until 2028) to protect his value. Negotiations continue ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.
Nottingham Forest has agreed a £22 million deal with Crystal Palace to sign Colombian right-back Daniel Muñoz, including a £20 million base fee and £2 million in add-ons. The 30-year-old will reunite with head coach Oliver Glasner, who previously coached him at Palace. Muñoz has been given permission for a medical and will sign a three-year contract with an option for an additional year.
Manchester United has firmly declared captain Bruno Fernandes not for sale after Galatasaray prepared a €50 million bid, including add-ons. However, Fernandes rejected a contract extension offering only a €500,000 annual raise, raising the possibility of leaving as a free agent next summer. United holds a one-year extension option and has initiated new renewal talks, aiming to finalize a deal before year-end.
Juventus is pursuing a loan deal for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, with negotiations intensifying as the summer transfer window closes. The proposed transfer includes a buy option that Tottenham wants to make mandatory, valued around €28-30 million. Sarr, a 22-year-old Senegalese player, prefers joining Juventus for more playing time. Competition from Monaco, Besiktas, and Premier League clubs exists, but Juventus has submitted a verbal offer and is close to finalizing the agreement.