The Transfer DealSheet: Latest on Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid and more
Welcome to the 11th summer 2026 window edition of The Transfer DealSheet.
Our team of dedicated writers will take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on in what promises to be an extremely busy few months. This includes the players who could arrive and the ones on their way out across the Premier League.
The information in this article has been gathered in line with The Athletic’s sourcing guidelines. Unless stated, our reporters have spoken to more than one person briefed on each mooted deal before offering the clubs involved the opportunity to comment. Those responses, when they were given, have been included. Sources were granted anonymity to protect their positions.
In this edition, we have The Athletic’s One To Watch and updates on Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
We aim to bring you analysis you can trust on what is happening at Europe’s leading clubs and the latest information we’re hearing from across the market.
This article is long but detailed, so enjoy it all — or search for the team or player you want to read about.
The Athletic’s One To Watch
Rodri’s situation appears to hold the key to movement in the midfield market. Were he to leave Manchester City, it could unlock a sequence of midfield moves across the Premier League this month and potentially even beyond.
First, the situation as we understand it with Rodri.
The Spanish midfielder has attracted interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, with his preference — if he is to leave — being to join Barca. City have already rejected an offer from the Catalan club and, so far, Barcelona have not come close to matching City’s valuation of the player.
So, what are the options in response?
City like Ayyoub Bouaddi, who shone at this summer’s World Cup. The Moroccan midfielder is a target, but the club are yet to reach an agreement with Lille for the 18-year-old.
City might also be dealing with a second departure. Tijjani Reijnders is the subject of interest from clubs in the Premier League and clubs outside Europe.
Reijnders has interest from elsewhere (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
If Reijnders were to leave City, then Enzo Fernandez is a further candidate — although his current club, Chelsea, expect him to stay at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentinian midfielder enjoyed a strong relationship with Enzo Maresca when the now-City head coach was in charge at Chelsea, and that remains the case, but Chelsea’s position remains much as it was. Despite Fernandez’s discontent last season, which culminated in him being suspended for two games in April in response to public criticism made towards the club’s hierarchy, Chelsea insist that he remains part of their plans. They set a price for him, in May, of no less than £120m, but it is now closer to the start of the season.
There has been a lot of interest from different clubs in Fernandez this summer, but given the stage of the window, Chelsea expect Fernandez to stay — and that £120m valuation would not apply after a certain point. For example, they would not want to unsettle Xabi Alonso’s squad once the action has begun.
Man City interested in Enzo Fernandez
Sam Lee
Despite the fact that Chelsea’s focus for the rest of the summer will be departures, especially following the signing of Morgan Rogers, there is a belief at Stamford Bridge that Fernandez is now more likely to stay than leave.
Another player not likely to move is Alexis Mac Allister, who has been linked with various clubs over the past week. Mac Allister joined Liverpool’s pre-season on Monday having had an extended post-World Cup break and is expected to be a key part of the squad this season.
With Curtis Jones’ future uncertain, it’s unlikely the club would listen to offers for a second senior midfielder so close to the new season, even with Mac Allister only having two years left on his contract.
Seb Stafford-Bloor, Pol Ballus, Mario Cortegana, Simon Johnson and Gregg Evans
Would signing Fernandez help City if they had to replace Rodri — and if they can get him?
City have already gone a long way to preparing for the possibility of life without Rodri with the signing of Elliot Anderson. While the 23-year-old would struggle to instantly replicate Rodri’s unparalleled influence when it comes to passing the ball into dangerous areas, his energy and ability to cover ground in midfield will help to ease City’s vulnerability to opposition counter-attacks when they lose the ball.
Their possible interest in Enzo Fernandez, who Chelsea expect will stay at Stamford Bridge, would suggest that they are looking for a midfield partner who can share some of the tempo-setting responsibilities at the base of midfield, but also time his forward runs into the box to get on the end of cutbacks and crosses. Both players would have the ability to rotate positions between the deeper No 6 and the more advanced role, much like Fernandez and Moises Caicedo complemented each other under Maresca at Chelsea.
As we can see from the pizza chart below, while Fernandez would bring that increased goal threat, Anderson covers Rodri’s crucial defensive work that would often quietly hold the team together.
The potential arrival of Ayoubb Bouaddi would only add more versatility and press-resistance in midfield, as City would try to put together the sum of Rodri in lavishly assembled parts.
Thom Harris
What else we’re hearing
- Aston Villa remain in talks to sign Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich. Villa have been in negotiations over a loan deal for the midfielder, 31, for nearly a month, having wanted to recruit in that position following the long-term injury to Amadou Onana. Bayern are currently asking for a fee of €30m, either to facilitate a permanent transfer or as part of an option at the end of the loan. Jacob Tanswell and Seb Stafford-Bloor
- Hamburg are confident of completing a deal for Leeds United’s Belgian defender Sebastiaan Bornauw this week. Bornauw moved to Leeds last summer, having previously spent six years in the Bundesliga with Koln and Wolfsburg. Seb Stafford-Bloor and Beren Cross
- Crystal Palace are in the process of finalising a deal to sign Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Khalaili completed a medical on Sunday as Palace work to complete an agreement with RUSG for a fee of around £21million. Personal terms are in place on a five-year deal through to 2031, with the option of a further 12 months. Nottingham Forest and Inter had been close to completing a deal for Khalaili this summer, but Palace are instead on course to seal the transfer. David Ornstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor
- Rangers are among the clubs interested in signing Aston Villa full-back Kosta Nedeljkovic. It remains a possibility that the 20-year-old could leave Villa this window, either on loan or permanently, with Rangers exploring a potential deal. Jacob Tanswell
Arsenal
What has happened this week?
Arsenal completed the £75million signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United. The Brazilian international has signed a four-year contract with an option for an extra year, and was unveiled at the Emirates Stadium before Sunday’s friendly against Dortmund.
Mikel Arteta got less positive news on the other Brazilian Arsenal were pursuing: Vinicius Junior has reached an agreement with Real Madrid to extend his contract. Arsenal felt they presented a credible, compelling offer to the winger, but ultimately he chose to stay with Madrid.
How should Vinicius Junior staying at Madrid impact Arsenal’s plans?
Arsenal must decide whether to pivot to an alternative attacking target, or persist with their current attacking options.
A refocused pursuit of a new left-winger could have implications for Gabriel Martinelli. Arsenal are open to trading the 25-year-old if they can secure an appropriate replacement. Martinelli is under contract until 2027, with the club holding an option to extend until 2028.
Galatasaray have enquired after the Brazil international, but as yet there are no significant developments regarding his future.
Arsenal are open to trading Martinelli if they can secure a replacement (Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League)
What positions/players are they looking at?
As well as the front line, Arteta would like Arsenal to strengthen at the back. William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are both currently injured, so Arsenal would like to supplement the right side of their defence.
Arsenal maintain an interest in Ezri Konsa, but there is a significant gap between Aston Villa’s £60million valuation and Arsenal’s, which is closer to £40million.
There is admiration at Arsenal for Cristian Romero, but Tottenham are unwilling to countenance a sale to their north London neighbours, and Atletico Madrid are currently the likelier destination for the Argentinian international. Jacobo Ramon, whose Como side visit the Emirates Stadium for a friendly this week, is another centre-half on Arsenal’s shortlist.
Away from first-team priorities, Arsenal continue their drive to recruit emerging talent. Arsenal are among the clubs interested in 18-year-old Leicester City midfielder Louis Page, but currently trail Manchester United in the race for his signature.
Forward Mylo Bernard, 16, has agreed to join Arsenal from Crystal Palace. His schoolboy registration contract at Palace has now expired, leaving him open to join Arsenal on a training compensation deal.
Which players could be leaving?
Arsenal and West Ham are in talks about a possible deal for Reiss Nelson. Discussions between the two clubs over the structure of a deal are ongoing, but Nelson, who was an unused substitute for Arsenal’s friendly defeat to Dortmund, must decide whether he is willing to drop down to the Championship.
The arrival of Illan Meslier on a free transfer means 20-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford is expected to leave on loan to further his development. Las Palmas are among the suitors, although a final decision is yet to be taken. England Under-21 international Setford has also attracted interest from England and elsewhere in Spain.
One player not moving for the time being is teenage defender Marli Salmon. Salmon will turn 17 in the final week of the window, at which point he would be eligible for a loan move. At present, Arsenal intend to keep him at London Colney until at least January.
In any transfer window, however, things can change quickly. Should Arsenal land the experienced defender Arteta is looking for, their stance on Salmon could shift.
James McNicholas
Chelsea
What has happened this week?
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah completed his move to Serie A side Como on a permanent deal. The England international, who has signed a five-year deal, has joined for an initial £25million with a further £5m in potential add-ons.
The club are on the verge of announcing the signing of left back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano. The 28-year-old has already agreed personal terms.
Meanwhile, new manager Xabi Alonso confirmed he is happy with Robert Sanchez, Mike Penders and Teddy Sharman-Lowe being his three keepers for the campaign. As reported in the Transfer Dealsheet last week, Chelsea have no interest in Porto’s Diogo Costa. The Athletic also explained that Sharman-Lowe, as well as Gaga Slonina, are being assessed for the third-choice goalie role. Sharman-Lowe is expected to get the nod.
Chelsea have an agreement in place with LA Galaxy for 16-year-old midfielder Vicente Garcia worth an initial $3m. He will complete the switch when he turns 18.
Chelsea have sold Chalobah to Como (Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Is it becoming clear which players Xabi Alonso won’t want in his squad?
This is not just an Alonso decision, as all choices regarding the squad are made on a collaborative basis with the sporting leadership team.
Players such as Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Marc Guiu have already been given the message they are not part of the plans after being left out of the pre-season tour to Australia and Asia.
The Transfer DealSheet has previously reported that strikers Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson are for sale. The duo did get to feature in the friendlies — Jackson arrived for the second week due to a post-World Cup holiday — but their game time was predominantly with other fringe players or the Under-21s on the trip.
Alonso has also made it clear that he wants to work with a maximum of four or five centre-backs. They currently have double that, so this means half need to go before the deadline.
What positions/players are they looking at?
With Chavarria about to become the ninth player to join this summer — this includes the Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha deals that were put in place last year — the focus is on exits right now. While Chelsea’s business is not officially over, any subsequent arrivals will depend on who goes.
For example, Chelsea have plenty of midfield options right now, and it is unlikely that they will make a signing in that position, especially as Reece James can play there too. As highlighted above, there is an increasing expectation that Fernandez will stay at the club despite interest from elsewhere. He is a part of their plans. A further indication of that is Fernandez paid his first visit to the training ground on Monday even though he was scheduled to have his first training session following his post-World Cup holiday on Wednesday.
Emegha is one of nine arrivals this summer (Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Which players could be leaving?
Pedro Neto is the subject of interest from four Premier League clubs. Just like Fernandez (£120m) and Malo Gusto (£75m), he was left off the ‘not for sale’ list going into the summer window but is still a highly regarded member of the squad. It will take a very large bid to prise the Portugal international away from Stamford Bridge.
Neto joined Chelsea for £51.4m in 2024. The 26-year-old has been a first-team regular ever since, making 103 appearances in his first two seasons.
Mykhailo Mudryk is the subject of loan enquiries. A decision is likely to be taken on what to do with the winger, who has just returned to full training after serving a doping ban since late 2024, closer to the end of the window.
Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is on the verge of completing a loan move to Strasbourg. The Denmark international told Chelsea at the end of last season that he wanted to leave in order to get more first-team football. He was given permission to fly home from the pre-season tour early to find a new club.
Strikers Delap, Jackson and Guiu are all in contention to be sold. Chelsea want more than the £30m they paid Ipswich Town for Delap last year. The asking price for Jackson is £65m, and Aston Villa are among the clubs who like him. Guiu is valued at £25m, but a transfer is not close yet. Emegha’s role has not been clarified yet.
Chelsea are demanding £25m for defender Axel Disasi. Benoit Badiashile has a £30m valuation, with interest from around Europe.
Mamadou Sarr has been earmarked for a loan and is attracting enquiries from abroad as well as in England. Aaron Anselmino is also in contention for a loan. The defender limped off in the club’s friendly against Johor Darul Ta’zim on Sunday, but he was taken off as a precaution, and there is hope it is not as bad as first feared.
Highly rated Under-21 winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen is going to join Portsmouth on a season-long loan. The deal should be completed this week now that the 17-year-old has returned from being with Chelsea in Australia and Asia.
Midfielder Reggie Walsh is also going to head out on loan. Talks are ongoing with Wigan Athletic, and there is an expectation that an agreement will be reached.
David Datro Fofana (permanent), Caleb Wiley (loan), Deivid Washington (loan or permanent), Omari Kellyman (loan) and Shumaira Mheuka (loan) are also expected to leave before the deadline.
Simon Johnson
Liverpool
What has happened this week?
Liverpool have completed a deal to bring in Ronald Araujo on loan for the season in the first move of the summer to tighten up the defence. The 27-year-old joins from Barcelona with a €55m option to buy next summer and provides experience and competition across the central and right side of defence.
Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola’s first game at Anfield ended in a 3-2 defeat to Monaco, although there were welcomed returns for Alisson and Virgil van Dijk. Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak connected well in attack, and Victor Munoz made his debut.
Discussions over bringing Bradley Barcola in from Paris Saint-Germain have continued, but Liverpool remain no closer to agreeing a fee, with the two clubs’ valuations still considerably apart.
Liverpool are still in discussions over Barcola (Bertrand Guay/AFP via Getty Images)
Do Liverpool need to speed up their business?
If the preferred targets take a little longer to get over the line, then it may be worth being patient. Liverpool had to wait until the final day of trading last summer to secure the record signing of Alexander Isak, so if there’s a chance to land a game-changing recruit, it can certainly hold until September 1.
That said, it’s getting towards the point where they may need to walk away from the Barcola pursuit if PSG do not lower their asking price of around £145million. Liverpool are not prepared to go that high and could end up focusing on other targets if the valuation is not reduced.
Of course, the sooner they top up the squad with at least one, but ideally two new attackers, the better. At least the arrival of Araujo will help plug the defensive gap that had started to become a concern.
What positions/players are they looking at?
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