The summer transfer window has become increasingly busy as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham all work on major deals while the new Premier League season gets under way.
Arsenal have completed the signing of Ezri Konsa and continue looking at other opportunities, including Julian Alvarez and Kenan Yildiz. Manchester United are moving closer to Carlos Baleba, Chelsea are considering several departures, Liverpool are weighing up alternatives for their attack and Tottenham continue spending heavily under Roberto De Zerbi.
Several negotiations could still change quickly, with clubs trying to strengthen key areas before the market closes.
Arsenal complete Konsa signing and make Alvarez contact
Arsenal have officially signed Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa after agreeing an initial fee of £51m, with another £4m potentially payable through bonuses.
The 28-year-old England international has signed a four-year contract that includes an option for another season. He will wear the number 15 shirt, previously used by Jakub Kiwior and, during the Emirates era, by players including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Denilson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Konsa provides Mikel Arteta with an important defensive option at a time when Jurrien Timber and William Saliba are unavailable through injury. Their absences had left Arsenal short of experienced options on the right side of the defence before the beginning of the campaign.
The Gunners have also strengthened their youth ranks by bringing in Manchester United pair James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye.
Arsenal’s business may not stop there. The club have reportedly made direct contact with Atletico Madrid to discuss Julian Alvarez.
According to Fabrizio Romano, representatives from the two clubs met in London. Arsenal are interested in the Argentina international, although they currently believe Atletico’s asking price is too high.
Recent reports suggest Atletico could now be willing to sell Alvarez, potentially opening the door for further negotiations. Kenan Yildiz also remains among the attacking names being monitored by Arsenal.
Manchester United close in on Carlos Baleba
Manchester United are attempting to complete another major part of their midfield rebuild by signing Carlos Baleba.
Personal terms with the midfielder are reportedly moving in the right direction, leaving United focused on reaching an agreement at club level.
If the Baleba deal is completed, attention could then turn towards the defence. Edmond Tapsoba has emerged as one of the players being considered for a left-sided defensive role.
United’s recruitment strategy appears focused on adding athleticism and quality to central midfield before deciding whether another defensive addition is required.
Chelsea consider loans and further squad departures
Chelsea continue working on reducing the size of their first-team squad and are prepared to consider loan proposals for Dario Essugo.
The club have informed potential suitors that the Portuguese youth international could be available for a season-long move during the 2026-27 campaign.
No final decision has been made to send Essugo out on loan. Chelsea have instead made other clubs aware that suitable proposals will be considered as they attempt to create more space within Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Mykhailo Mudryk is another player who could temporarily leave Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have already rejected an approach from Leeds after deciding that the proposed terms were considerably below their expectations.
Discussions between the two clubs have nevertheless taken place over a possible season-long loan. Coventry are also interested in the Ukraine international.
Mudryk is understood to prefer remaining in England if he moves. Chelsea share that view because they want the winger to regain regular first-team rhythm after a lengthy absence.
The Ukrainian recently returned following the end of a long doping suspension and played his first Chelsea minutes in almost 20 months earlier in August.
Chelsea have also completed the signing of Alfie Osborne despite competition from Barcelona.
Further departures remain possible. Manchester City could make another approach for Enzo Fernandez, while Pedro Neto and Tosin Adarabioyo have also been linked with moves away.
Liverpool reassess attacking targets after Minteh bid fails
Liverpool continue searching for additional options on the wings.
Progress in negotiations for Bradley Barcola has been slow, while the club are reportedly reconsidering their interest in Ibrahim Mbaye.
That uncertainty appears to have encouraged Liverpool to look elsewhere. A surprise £50m offer for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh has already been rejected.
The Reds are believed to need more depth and creativity in wide positions, especially on the right side.
Manager Andoni Iraola has also spoken publicly about the need for more options on the wings. He believes Liverpool currently lack sufficient numbers in those areas.
At the same time, Iraola does not want the club to sign players simply to fill positions. His preference is to remain open to opportunities that genuinely improve the overall quality of the squad.
Liverpool already possess several established players, meaning any new arrival must reach the required standard rather than simply provide additional numbers.
Tottenham spending could move beyond £300m
Tottenham remain one of the most aggressive Premier League clubs in the market this summer.
Spurs have reached an agreement to sign Manchester City winger Savinho for £75m, with another £10m potentially included in bonuses.
If all clauses are triggered, the deal would be worth £85m.
The transfer would take Tottenham’s summer spending above £300m after the club already broke their transfer record twice during the window.
Mateus Fernandes arrived for £85m before Spurs completed a £100m move for Sandro Tonali from Newcastle.
Jan Paul van Hecke has also joined as Roberto De Zerbi reshapes his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Tottenham’s recruitment is not expected to stop with Savinho. Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush is another major target, while Spurs have previously shown interest in Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo.
De Zerbi confirmed that further activity is expected without discussing Savinho directly before the transfer becomes official.
The Tottenham coach said he is pleased with the club’s work but made it clear that their business in the market is not complete.
Savinho pushing to leave Manchester City
Savinho’s desire for a new challenge appears to have played an important role in Manchester City’s willingness to negotiate with Tottenham.
City manager Enzo Maresca explained that keeping a player becomes difficult once that player has clearly expressed a desire to leave.
According to Maresca, Savinho communicated from the beginning that he wanted a transfer, leaving City waiting for the situation to be resolved.
The coach compared the circumstances with Rodri’s situation and acknowledged that players can seek changes for several reasons.
Those reasons can include a desire for more playing time, a different sporting challenge or the opportunity to play in another country.
For Savinho, Tottenham now appear to be the club closest to completing a deal.
Crystal Palace work on Magassa transfer
Crystal Palace are also active in the final stages of the market and have opened talks over Soungoutou Magassa.
Reports in France suggest discussions have been taking place for some time, with Palace now attempting to push the negotiations towards an agreement.
The move would give the Eagles another option as they look to strengthen their squad for the new season.
With several Premier League clubs still involved in negotiations, the coming days could bring further major transfers as teams attempt to finalise their squads.
Arsenal have already completed one important piece of business with Konsa, while United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham all have significant deals that remain unresolved.
