Arsenal are hoping to secure the signing of Julian Alvarez to cap off a productive summer of incomings and boost their forward line as they look to defend their Premier League title. Alvarez is said to be open to the move having initially favoured a switch to Barcelona and he is the Gunners’ priority signing after their enquiries over Kenan Yildiz where shut down by Juventus.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are targeting a new winger with the need for more attacking options evidenced by their dramatic 2-2 draw with Newcastle on Sunday. They continue to pursue PSG’s Bradley Barcola who was left out of the squad for their game against Rennes while the Reds have seen two bids for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh turned down. This is perhaps a move closest to happening with Minteh having reportedly agreed personal terms. Real Madrid’s Endrick is also of interest.
Elsewhere, Manchester City have agreed a €100m deal with Lille to buy midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi while Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez were part of the squad to face Bournemouth despite interest from Spurs and Newcastle respectively. Interestingly, City are slso said to be interested in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo though no club-to-club talks have taken place yet.
Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez were also absent from Aston Villa’s matchday squad amid rumours that both players could be preparing for imminent exits with Watkins’ in particular looking very close to a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals below
Read MoreTottenham target Omar Marmoush included in Man City squad but Savinho absent
Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez left out of Aston Villa squad amid exit talk
Bradley Barcola left out of another PSG squad amid Liverpool and Arsenal interest
Transfer news - live updates
- Arsenal given Julian Alvarez hope in push to sign Atletico Madrid forward before transfer deadline
- Man City agree £85m deal for 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi
- City also interested in Liverpool's Cody Gakpo
- Reds discover price for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh
- Manchester United make contact with Barcelona over left back Alejandro Balde
- Tottenham reach verbal agreement for Omar Marmoush
- Why Ollie Watkins’ move to Saudi Arabia will tarnish his Aston Villa legacy
Arsenal given hope in push to sign Julian Alvarez before transfer deadline
07:00 , Miguel DelaneyArsenal have been given encouragement that a Julian Alvarez deal may be possible before the end of the window, as the Premier League champions actively work on a deal.
Atletico Madrid want €150m (£128.4m) for the attacker, who enjoyed a fine World Cup with Argentina, including an extra-time screamer to help down Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
There is still a long way to go before any deal is possible, but the London club are attempting to negotiate that price down, while the Kroenke ownership are taking the view they did on Vinicius Junior, which is that they are willing to back the right big move.
Arsenal given hope in push to sign Julian Alvarez before transfer deadline
Di Gregorio heading to Bournemouth
06:00 , Will CastleSky Sports News report that Bournemouth are set to sign Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
He’ll join on a season long loan with an option to buy at £12m plus add-ons.
If Bournemouth decide against triggering the option an additional loan fee of £1.3m will be applicable for the Premier League side.
Everton open to offers for O'Brien and Beto
05:00 , Will CastleEverton are expected to listen to offers for Jake O’Brien, who is attracting interest from clubs in England, Italy and France, according to The Athletic.
The Toffees are also anticipating offers for striker Beto, who is similarly on the radar of Italian clubs and could make a return to Serie A.
Tottenham close in on Marmoush
04:04 , Will CastleTottenham are closing in on the double signing of Savinho and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City.
Savinho’s deal has already been agreed by the clubs and Fabrizio Romano now reports that Tottenham have secured a verbal agreement over Marmoush’s transfer too.
That deal is for an initial loan move with an obligation to buy for £50m if certain conditions are met.
Jaissle has two-word response to Lewis Hall transfer rumours
03:00 , Will CastleMatthias Jaissle responded to rumours that Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall could leave the club this summer and possibly go to suitors Manchester United.
Speaking of the rumours the new manager said: “No chance, no chance.”
Michael Carrick’s Red Devils want to strengthen their left side and have their sights on Hall who played an outstanding game against Liverpool on Sunday despite a last minute error that led to a match-saving penalty for the Reds.
Jaissle was adamant that Hall is not for sale and with so many Newcastle outgoings already this summer the club is in a position to hold firm with their stance.
Gianni Infantino told ‘enough is enough’ as players accuse Fifa president of being blinded by power
02:00 , Will CastleHigh-profile current and former players – including a representative from a Fifa advisory body – believe that "change is necessary" in the governing body’s leadership as pressure builds on its president Gianni Infantino.
Mikael Silvestre, the former Manchester United defender who forms part of Fifa’s Players’ Voice Panel, published a statement calling for reform at the top of Fifa on his X account on Monday, writing above it: "Enough is enough!"
Infantino told ‘enough is enough’ as players accuse him of being blinded by power
Gabriel Martinelli in talks over Saudi exit
01:00 , Will CastleArsenal are in talks with Al Hilal over a deal for winger Gabriel Martinelli, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports.
The Brazilian was not included in Arsenal’s squad for their opening Premier League win against Coventry on Friday and previously turned down a move to Galatasaray.
BBC Sport adds he is free to leave the club this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta making it clear to the attacker that he is not in his plans.
Unai Emery plays coy over Ollie Watkins' future
Tuesday 25 August 2026 00:00 , Will CastleUnai Emery was especially guarded when asked questions over Ollie Watkins’ future at Aston Villa.
Watkins did not travel to the Amex amid transfer interest from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. Watkins is reportedly keen on the move to Saudi Arabia though Villa do not want to sell him.
When asked if Watkins’ absence on Sunday was due to physical or transfer-related reasons, Emery replied: "Ask him. I only can answer it by silence."
Uefa boss Aleksander Ceferin rules out challenging Gianni Infantino for Fifa presidency
Monday 24 August 2026 23:00 , Will CastleUefa president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled himself out of the running to replace Gianni Infantino but warned the beleaguered Fifa chief that he must either quit or face a leadership challenge in March.
Infantino has come under increasing pressure to step down over his aborted plans to secure private investment in FIFA tournaments, with three continental confederations accusing him of “deception” and Uefa threatening a boycott of Fifa competitions.
Despite being widely seen as a potential challenger to Infantino, the 58-year-old Ceferin expressed his commitment to Uefa in an interview with The Rest is Politics podcast.
Aleksander Ceferin rules out challenging Gianni Infantino for Fifa presidency
Fabinho links up with Salah at Trabzonspor
Monday 24 August 2026 22:00 , Will CastleFabinho has joined former Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah by joining Turkish side Trabzonspor.
𝐅𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐡𝐨, Trabzon'da ❤️💙#FabinhoIsComing pic.twitter.com/JEFeFomCUi
— Trabzonspor (@Trabzonspor) August 24, 2026
Palace plan ambitious move for Bowen
Monday 24 August 2026 21:30 , Will CastleCrystal Palace are ready to make a £50m bid for West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, according to the Sun.
This is despite the Hammers captain recently committing his future to the club following their relegation from the Premier League.
Hurzeler says Brighton can cope without Minteh
Monday 24 August 2026 21:00 , Will CastleMore on Yankuba Minteh now, as Fabian Hurzeler believes Brighton’s 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa shows his side can cope without the winger.
“We know he has an issue with his ankle so we have to see how the next weeks are going, how this will develop because he’s an important player for us,” Hurzeler said of Gambia international Minteh, who is attracting the interest of Liverpool.
“But we saw we are able to replace him. It’s very important that we don’t rely on one player.
“Of course, these kind of players are so important, one against one, good speed. But in the end you need to face adversity, you need to find solutions as a team, and that’s what my team did. Hopefully Yankuba comes back as quick as possible.”
Liverpool discover Yankuba Minteh price after Brighton reject two bids for winger
Monday 24 August 2026 20:30 , Will CastleLiverpool will have to pay £70m to sign Yankuba Minteh from Brighton after seeing two bids rebuffed.
Brighton will hold firm to their valuation of the Gambian winger, The Independent understands.
Andoni Iraola is keen on the 22-year-old, who missed the Seagulls’ 4-0 win over Aston Villa through injury.
Liverpool discover Yankuba Minteh price after Brighton reject two bids for winger
Rangers closing in on Girona winger
Monday 24 August 2026 20:00 , PARangers appear to be closing in on a deal to sign Kim Min-su from Spanish second-tier side Girona.
Reports have linked the 20-year-old South Korean winger to the Ibrox club in a deal reportedly worth £8.5m as Derek McInnes continues to overhaul his squad.
One report emanating from Spain claims an agreement between the two clubs has been reached and the player is expected to travel soon for a medical.
Morita poised for Hull debut in Carabao Cup
Monday 24 August 2026 19:40 , Will CastleSummer signing Hidemasa Morita is poised to make his debut for Hull in Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup tie at Stoke.
Tigers assistant boss Dean Holden told reporters before the second-round tie that Morita “will get some minutes”, adding: “The timing couldn’t be better because there are players that need minutes.
“It’s an ideal opportunity to try to get them up to speed and a chance to show what they’re made of.”
Newcastle nearing deal for Manchester City star to replace Bruno Guimaraes
Monday 24 August 2026 19:20 , Flo CliffordNico Gonzalez is getting closer to joining Newcastle as the north-east club are growing more likely to sign a replacement for Bruno Guimaraes.
While Newcastle are yet to agree a fee with Manchester City for the Spaniard, there is a growing expectation they will.
Gonzalez is set to join City’s midfield exodus this summer after Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri have already left the Etihad Stadium.
The former Barcelona player joined City from Porto in January 2025 for £49m and has gone on to make 59 appearances, scoring four goals.
But he was left an unused substitute for Sunday’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth, when centre-back Marc Guehi instead played in midfield.
Newcastle nearing deal for Manchester City star to replace Bruno Guimaraes
Farke refuses to comment on Mudryk
Monday 24 August 2026 19:00 , Will CastleDaniel Farke has refused to comment on speculation linking Leeds with a loan deal for Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk.
Farke, whose side return to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest in the the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, said: “Of course, I know Mudryk. There’s no doubt he’s a really good player, but like always, I never comment on any speculation on players at other clubs.
“We’ve made no secret that we want to give this club the best possible squad and to the last second we will stay awake.”
Villa eyeing surprise Watkins replacement?
Monday 24 August 2026 18:30 , Will CastleOllie Watkins could be nearing a move to Saudi Arabia as Al-Hilal hope to bring in the Aston Villa forward.
He did not feature for Villa during their woeful 4-0 defeat to Brighton on Sunday and Unai Emery may be considering keeping the striker after such a performance.
But, should he leave then Villa will need a replacement.
One of the names on the rumour list is Joshua Zirkzee who faces an uncertain future at Manchester United.
Zirkzee is well down the pecking order at Old Trafford and there is a willingness to let him leave - for the right price.
United would probably prefer a permanent deal with Juventus and Napoli alreaduy registering their interest in Zirkzee.
The likelihood though is that he goes out on loan with an option or obligation to buy. Would that tempt Villa to move for him?
Virgil van Dijk gives backing to Dominik Szoboszlai as future Liverpool captain
Monday 24 August 2026 18:00 , Richard JollyVirgil van Dijk has signalled that he sees Dominik Szoboszlai as his long-term successor as Liverpool captain and said Alexander Isak was not affected by the vitriolic reception he received on his return to Newcastle.
Isak was whistled and jeered in his first match at St James’ Park since his controversial £125m move to Anfield last summer.
Liverpool got a point in a 2-2 draw courtesy of Szoboszlai’s 99th-minute penalty – with the new vice-captain, rather than Isak, taking it, while the Sweden striker was quiet.
But Van Dijk felt the choruses from the Newcastle fans were not the reason, saying: “I wasn't [wouldn’t be] affected by it if I was him. I don't think he was affected by it. He tried to play his game. There were good moments and there were moments he could have done better, like all of us. I don't think that impacted him.”
Virgil van Dijk gives backing to Dominik Szoboszlai as future Liverpool captain
Pinnock set for Coventry switch
Monday 24 August 2026 17:40 , Will CastleCoventry City have agreed a £6m deal to sign Brentford centre-back Ethan Pinnock, according to The Athletic.
The Jamaica international has been given permission to travel for a medical.
Manchester United close to Carlos Baleba announcement
Monday 24 August 2026 17:20 , Will CastleAfter a dire opening game against Hull City, which they lost 2-0, Manchester United are in need of a pick me up.
They may get one in the coming days with the announcement of Carlos Baleba as a new midfielder.
The Red Devils agreed a £70m deal (£65m + £5m add ons) with Brighton to sign the midfielder who underwent a medical with United at the weekend.
There have been no updates since so we can assume Baleba passed the tests and is closing in on a switch to Old Trafford.
Baleba has long been of interest to United and he will join Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans as part of Michael Carrick’s midfield rebuild.
Liverpool’s alarming weakness is clear and signing a new winger won’t solve it
Monday 24 August 2026 17:00 , Mike Jones
Liverpool’s alarming weakness is clear and signing a new winger won’t solve it
The Reds drew 2-2 at Newcastle on Sunday, but Andoni Iraola is struggling for midfield balance, with Ryan Gravenberch’s role uncertain after struggling at St James’ Park, notes Richard Jolly.
Man Utd target Alejandro Balde wants to fight for Barcelona place
Monday 24 August 2026 16:40 , Mike JonesManchester United target Alejandro Balde wants to remain at Barcelona this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo in Spain.
Signing a left back remains a priority for United this summer, following the 2-0 opening day defeat at newly promoted Hull and there has even been contact between the clubs.
But the 22-year-old Spain international Balde wants to remain at this boyhood club and fight for his place in the team this season.
Tottenham put midfielder Pape Matar Sarr up for sale?
Monday 24 August 2026 16:20 , Mike JonesTottenham will listen to offers for midfielder Pape Matar Sarr before the deadline, according to transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
Sarr, who was not involved in the opening day defeat to Brentford due to a hamstring injury, is the subject of interest from Galatasaray.
Tottenham have spent heavily on upgrading their midfield this summer with £180m spent on Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes alone.
The three key positions Man United need to upgrade to win Premier League
Monday 24 August 2026 16:00 , Chris WilsonThe potential arrival of Carlos Baleba means Michael Carrick’s midfield rebuild might be complete, but there are glaring gaps elsewhere in the squad as the new season continues.
The three key positions Man United need to upgrade to win Premier League
Gary Neville blasts Wirtz and Isak after Newcastle draw
Monday 24 August 2026 15:40 , Mike Jones"He [Florian Wirtz] needs to sort himself out. Enough’s enough now, we’ve talked about him enough. He’s young and he’s come to a different country – and I’m all for willing him on," Gary Neville stated on the Gary Neville Podcast.
He went on to speak about both Wirtz and Alexander Isak adding: "The big thing for Liverpool is they’ve got this quarter-of-a-billion-pound front two, Isak and Wirtz and bloody hell, we’ve been kind to those two.
"They’re going to have to start playing sooner or later or else, to be fair, they’re going to get quite a lot of criticism. I think they are going to have to start delivering.
"They have both had a bit of a free ride. Obviously Isak was injured last season but Arne Slot loses his job, and Wirtz has played like that, so let’s be clear, this has got me to start some real focus now."
Palmeiras manager on Allan
Monday 24 August 2026 15:20 , Mike JonesManchester City are being linked with Palmerias winger Allan and his current manager, Abel Ferreira, has spoken about the rumours.
"These teams want a player like Allan because 90% of wingers don't do what he does: attack and defend. They're going to have to pay,” he said.
“I know how Man City plays. At Chelsea, there's a player named Pedro Neto: if they want to go after him, they're going to have to pay €100M. Top teams don't buy half a player, they buy players who attack and defend. When one comes along who can track back, play right-back, slot into a back three out wide and drift inside for rotations, everyone wants that kind of player.
“But you have to educate them, develop them and, if necessary, lose a few games along the way…”
Di Gregorio heading to Bournemouth
Monday 24 August 2026 15:00 , Mike JonesSky Sports News report that Bournemouth are set to sign Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
He’ll join on a season long loan with an option to buy at £12m plus add-ons.
If Bournemouth decide against triggering the option an additional loan fee of £1.3m will be applicable for the Premier League side.
Chelsea's Jamie Gittens stance after Roma approach
Monday 24 August 2026 14:46 , Mike JonesChelsea have ruled that Jamie Gittens will stay at the club this season after rejecting an approach from Roma to take the winger on loan, according to TalkSport.
Gittens was a £51m signing from Borussia Dortmund last summer but opportunities could be limited this season, with no European football under Xabi Alonso, and with Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto all competing for places alongside Joao Pedro.
Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk are among the attacking players that Chelsea will try and move on before the deadline, but Gittens, who scored one goal in 27 appearances last term, is set to and fight for his place.
The Michael Carrick question sparked by Man United’s dismal Premier League start
Monday 24 August 2026 14:27 , Richard Jolly“They hire me to be kind and calm with the players, and then at the first sign of trouble along the way, that’s the very characteristic they point to as the problem.”
Carlo Ancelotti had only won three Champions Leagues when he argued he could be fired for the same qualities for which he was hired. Ancelotti could afford to be philosophical about it, which underlined his innate calmness, and Real Madrid, having sacked him once, rehired him and he won a further two Champions Leagues, before they sacked him again.
The Michael Carrick question sparked by Man United’s dismal Premier League start
Spalletti wants more from Kolo Muani
Monday 24 August 2026 14:07 , Mike JonesJuventus boss Luciano Spalletti has demanded more from new signing Randal Kolo Muani.
Kolo Muani is back for his second spell at Juve after a lacklustre season on loan at Tottenham.
"We went out and signed him (Kolo Muani), we've looked after him and we know his worth, but he needs to realise he hasn't played for two years and there must be a reason for that," Spaletti told DAZN.
"Sometimes you think you're at an exceptional level, but then you've left something behind and you have to go and get it back.
"Kolo knows how to hold onto the ball, find space and is physically strong, but these are the sort of matches where he needs to score goals."
Andoni Iraola's frustration in Liverpool's search for winger
Monday 24 August 2026 13:47 , Mike JonesLiverpool head coach Andoni Iraola admitted he is short of wingers ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Reds had a new bid of £60m for Yankuba Minteh rejected by Brighton on Friday night and remain far apart in Paris Saint-Germain’s valuations of Bradley Barcola, with the Champions League winners wanting £145m for the France international. They also reportedly enquired about the availability of Real Madrid’s Endrick.
Liverpool have brought in one winger this summer, in Victor Munoz from Osasuna, but are yet to replace Mohamed Salah, while there are no plans to replace Curtis Jones after he was sold to Inter.
“As a manager, it’s an easy one for me,” Iraola said. “I wanted the players from the first day on July 13, I wanted everyone here, all the positions doubled with top-level players. But you understand how the competition works and the market is open when you start the competition, we have to adapt as coaches to this situation.
“I hate these two weeks or 10 days that we have because there is a lot of uncertainty but not (just) in Liverpool but everywhere. You are asking what we need, there are certain situations that for me are clear, especially on the wing because we don’t have enough players specifically to play in those positions.”
Pierre Sage wants Ismaila Sarr to stay at Crystal Palace
Monday 24 August 2026 13:27 , Mike JonesCrystal Palace manager Pierre Sage wants Ismaila Sarr to stay at Crystal Palace amid interest from Galatasaray.
The Turkish giants made an offer for the Senegal winger which was rejected by Palace, who deemed it far below their valutation.
“We don’t want him to leave, he is under contract with us for three years and he will be with us on Monday,” Sage said.
“That’s the most important information for me and for you.”
Sarr was left out of Palace’s squad for the defeat to Everton at the weekend, due to injury.
The Eagles aim to get £50m out of any potential deal and TEAMtalk report that Manchester United are also monitoring the situation.
Early contender for signing of the season?
Monday 24 August 2026 13:09 , Mike JonesWhile most focussed on Spurs being Spurs, Mamadou Sangare proved exactly why Brentford spent the big bucks on him in Saturday’s curtain-raiser at the Gtech.
An absolutely scintillating performance, picking up two assists as he dazzled the Bees fans.
Club-record signing for a reason, it looks like - could he be this season’s breakout superstar?
Newcastle closing in on move for Gonzalez
Monday 24 August 2026 12:47 , Mike JonesSky Sports News says that Newcastle are making progress in their talks for Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez.
City value the midfielder at £50m and there is optimism that a deal could be arranged between all parties.
Gonzalez was named in City’s squad for the win over Bournemouth but remained an unused substitute with Marc Guehi and Rico Lewis taking turns in midfield instead.
Aston Villa collapse against Brighton after summer of upheaval
Monday 24 August 2026 12:28 , Jamie BraidwoodThere were empty seats in the Villa end after they went into half-time down to 10 men as Unai Emery’s side started the season in calamitous fashion.
Worst start in Premier League history? Aston Villa collapse after summer of upheaval
Nkunku heading back to Leipzig
Monday 24 August 2026 12:08 , Mike JonesSky Sports News says that Christopher Nkunku is closing in on a move back to RB Leipzig.
A verbal agreement has been reached between AC Milan and Leipzig over a loan fee of £3.4m with an option to buy for £24m.
Nkunku has been offered to a number of clubs including Newcastle in the Premier League.
He played for Leipzig for four seasons from 2019 to 2023.
Arsenal given Julian Alvarez hope in push to sign Atletico Madrid forward before transfer deadline
Monday 24 August 2026 11:57 , Miguel Delaney, Chief Football WriteThe Argentina forward had been thought to prefer a switch to Barcelona, but tension between the Spanish clubs could alter things ahead of next week’s deadline.
Arsenal given hope in push to sign Julian Alvarez before transfer deadline
Endrick to remain at Real Madrid
Monday 24 August 2026 11:48 , Mike JonesLiverpool’s stagnating quest for a new winger saw them turn to Real Madrid’s Endrick and enquire of the possibility of a deal.
However, the Brazilian winger prefers to remain in Madrid and fight for his place in Jose Mourinho’s squad.
That has been his view all summer with Endrick also rejecting a loan move to Aston Villa explored a loan move, and a potential transfer to Roma.
That door looks firmly shut here for Liverpool.
Tottenham reach verbal agreement for Marmoush
Monday 24 August 2026 11:30 , Mike JonesTottenham are closing in on the double signing of Savinho and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City.
Savinho’s deal has already been agreed by the clubs and Fabrizio Romano now reports that Tottenham have secured a verbal agreement over Marmoush’s transfer too.
That deal is for an initial loan move with an obligation to buy for £50m if certain conditions are met.
Romano also adds that Marmoush will travel to London and undergo a medical today.
Unai Emery plays coy over Ollie Watkins' future
Monday 24 August 2026 11:13 , Mike JonesUnai Emery was especially guarded when asked questions over Ollie Watkins’ future at Aston Villa.
Watkins did not travel to the Amex amid transfer interest from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. Watkins is reportedly keen on the move to Saudi Arabia though Villa do not want to sell him.
When asked if Watkins’ absence on Sunday was due to physical or transfer-related reasons, Emery replied: "Ask him. I only can answer it by silence."
Enzo Maresca provides update on Jack Grealish
Monday 24 August 2026 10:55 , Mike JonesManchester City pulled off a remarkable win against Bournemouth oon Sunday, scoring twice inside the final 10 minutes of play to come from behind to win 2-1.
Jack Grealish played a role having come on as a second half substitute but there are still questions over whether he has a place at City in the long term.
Man City boss, Enzo Maresca, provided a quick update on Grealish’s situation saying: "Jack (Grealish), again, until the day he isn't here, it's my duty to try and coach Jack and to try to get the best from him.
"It's one more week to go (until the transfer window closes) and we'll see what happens, not only with Jack, but with more players."
Villa eyeing surprise Watkins replacement?
Monday 24 August 2026 10:36 , Mike JonesOllie Watkins could be nearing a move to Saudi Arabia as Al-Hilal hope to bring in the Aston Villa forward.
He did not feature for Villa during their woeful 4-0 defeat to Brighton on Sunday and Unai Emery may be considering keeping the striker after such a performance.
But, should he leave then Villa will need a replacement.
One of the names on the rumour list is Joshua Zirkzee who faces an uncertain future at Manchester United.
Zirkzee is well down the pecking order at Old Trafford and there is a willingness to let him leave - for the right price.
United would probably prefer a permanent deal with Juventus and Napoli alreaduy registering their interest in Zirkzee.
The likelihood though is that he goes out on loan with an option or obligation to buy. Would that tempt Villa to move for him?
Liverpool discover Yankuba Minteh price after Brighton reject two bids for winger
Monday 24 August 2026 10:22 , Richard JollyThe Reds have seen two bids, with the highest £60m, rejected for the Brighton winger as Andoni Iraola assembles his squad for a debut campaign after an opening weekend draw at Newcastle.
Liverpool discover Yankuba Minteh price after Brighton reject two bids for winger
Dominik Szoboszlai insists Liverpool ‘should have won’ after salvaging a draw against Newcastle
Monday 24 August 2026 10:17 , Chris WilsonLiverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai insisted that his side “should have won” against Newcastle United despite needing a 99th-minute penalty to salvage a draw.
The Reds began a new era in the Premier League under manager Andoni Iraola, though they found themselves a goal behind within five minutes after Anthony Elanga raced clear and slid past Alisson.
Dominik Szoboszlai insists Liverpool ‘should have won’ against Newcastle
Yildiz to Arsenal rumours shut down
Monday 24 August 2026 09:58 , Mike JonesA possible alternative to Julian Alvarez was identified by Arsenal in Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz.
But he will not making the move to the Emirates and his manager, Luciano Spalletti, has shut down any speculation.
Of the 21-year-old’s potential transfer her said: "I am perfectly relaxed, because dealing with Yildiz is easy for me.
"They can offer whatever they like, I want Yildiz here and will always put him on the field. He's a perfect lad to talk to, he's mature, and knows he doesn't need to rush anything. His future is already important staying at Juventus, not because there are other clubs who want to spend €100m for him.
"We are all convinced that we can show the total potential of Kenan, and he is a potential phenomenon of football. The fans are convinced too."
Jaissle has two-word response to Lewis Hall transfer rumours
Monday 24 August 2026 09:38 , Mike JonesMatthias Jaissle responded to rumours that Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall could leave the club this summer and possibly go to suitors Manchester United.
Speaking of the rumours the new manager said: “No chance, no chance.”
Michael Carrick’s Red Devils want to strengthen their left side and have their sights on Hall who played an outstanding game against Liverpool on Sunday despite a last minute error that led to a match-saving penalty for the Reds.
Jaissle was adamant that Hall is not for sale and with so many Newcastle outgoings already this summer the club is in a position to hold firm with their stance.
Gabriel Martinelli in talks over Saudi exit
Monday 24 August 2026 09:19 , Will CastleArsenal are in talks with Al Hilal over a deal for winger Gabriel Martinelli, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports.
The Brazilian was not included in Arsenal’s squad for their opening Premier League win against Coventry on Friday and previously turned down a move to Galatasaray.
BBC Sport adds he is free to leave the club this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta making it clear to the attacker that he is not in his plans.
What's going on with Bradley Barcola?
Monday 24 August 2026 09:00 , Mike JonesWill Liverpool sign PSG winger Bradley Barcola? That’s been one of the lingering questions throughout the transfer window and there still isn’t a definitive answer.
Signs point to it being a possibility as Barcola was left out of PSG’s two most recent matchday squads but a report from RMC Sport says that PSG boss Luis Enrique is not including him, nor Ibrahim Mbaye, until their transfer situations are resolved.
Both players have been linked with Liverpool.
However, in Barcola’s case the French champions aim to receive £140m plus for the winger while Liverpool want a much lower fee.
French media have said that an offer between £111m and £128m could be negotiated. In either case Liverpool will be paying a premium for the forward so they move ahead with their pursuit.
Arsenal learn Alvarez price
Monday 24 August 2026 08:45 , Mike JonesArsenal will need to offer close to €150m for Julian Alvarez if Atletico Madrid are to consider selling their forward, that’s according to The Athletic.
The Spanish club will not sell him to Barcelona, which is good news for Arsenal, but the Premier League champions will not move until they have spoken to Alvarez’s camp.
They want to be sure he is willing and happy to move back to the Premier League before committing to the transfer and negotiating with Atletico.
Manchester United close to Carlos Baleba announcement
Monday 24 August 2026 08:40 , Mike JonesAfter a dire opening game against Hull City, which they lost 2-0, Manchester United are in need of a pick me up.
They may get one in the coming days with the announcement of Carlos Baleba as a new midfielder.
The Red Devils agreed a £70m deal (£65m + £5m add ons) with Brighton to sign the midfielder who underwent a medical with United at the weekend.
There have been no updates since so we can assume Baleba passed the tests and is closing in on a switch to Old Trafford.
Baleba has long been of interest to United and he will join Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans as part of Michael Carrick’s midfield rebuild.
Julian Alvarez open to Arsenal switch
Monday 24 August 2026 08:20 , Mike JonesJulian Alvarez has been rumoured to favour leaving Atletico Madrid this summer and was jeered on his return to the pitch against Villarreal yesterday.
Barcelona and Arsenal are the main parties interested in his signature but it seems as though Atletico will not sell him to a LaLiga rival.
That opens the door for a move to the Gunners which Alvarez now seems open to.
Fabrizio Romano says talks between Arsenal and Atletico took place on Friday to try and get a deal done. They understand Alvarez’s preference to move to Barca but want to remain up to date over the next week in case an agreement can be made.
It doesn’t as though a move is near but this could progress quickly as deadline day approaches.
Good morning!
Monday 24 August 2026 08:03 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of the summer transfer window.
There’s plenty happening as the window moves closer to deadline day with Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City still doing business to bolster their squads for the new campaign.
Though Arsenal and City began the season with wins, there’s improvements to be made by Liverpool and United who may need to strengthen over the next week.
We’ll have all the latest rumours, gossip and confirmed deals throughout the day sto stick with us.
