The only place to start this week is to reflect on the summer transfer window. It was a crazy deadline day, and the stand-out deal was undoubtedly Enzo Fernandez’s £125 million move from Chelsea to Manchester City.

No matter what you want to say about Fernandez, he's still a good footballer, and Chelsea would be devastated to lose him. He's not a Rodri replacement, because he's not a number six — I think he's a number eight, or someone who can play higher up that can get forward and get you goals.

Clinton was speaking courtesy of Free Bets, home of the best betting sites in the UK.

'Deadline day disappointment but a good window on the whole for Chelsea'

They’ve also brought in Ayyoub Bouaddi, who’s a fantastic young player. And we all know Elliot Anderson’s qualities in the centre of midfield.

It leaves Man City with a very strong squad, especially when you consider that they’ll have either Rayan Cherki or Phil Foden in the number ten role. There’s lots of competition for places, and it’ll be fascinating to see how Enzo Maresca fits them all into his team.

Meanwhile, it was a disappointing deadline day for Chelsea, but they’ve had a very good window overall.

They’ll be gutted not to have got in a replacement for Fernandez, as I know they were trying to sign Manu Kone from Roma and their manager didn’t want to let him go.

And then you look at Lamine Camara, who's a good player from Monaco. It seemed like they only wanted to sell one of Folarin Balogun or Camara, and both of them have ended up staying at the club.

Chelsea have still got Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson who play in that position, but I feel like they've left themselves one player short in that position.

A player like Camara would have added the energy that they need in midfield. These are all good footballers, but he gives you that energy going from box-to-box.

Looking elsewhere, and the situation surrounding Malick Fofana was crazy. I know Sunderland’s owner went out to Lyon to convince the player to join. In that situation, I wouldn’t say he was forced to choose Sunderland over Crystal Palace, but I think it was inevitable that he would make that decision in those circumstances.

But I do think that if Palace wanted him, why didn't they just go in earlier? Why are you waiting until the last minute? That's what annoys me with clubs. If you want someone and you think that's your number one target, go and get them earlier in the window. It's crazy how clubs just wait until the end of the window.

Fofana is someone I’ve seen play a lot for Lyon. He’s an exciting player and is a good signing for Sunderland. It is what it is - it was a crazy situation watching it unravel.

If I’m looking at who I think has been the best signing of the summer in the Premier League overall, I’d have to pick Bruno Guimaraes’ move to Arsenal for £75 million. I think he'll be a fantastic signing. That’s closely followed by Youri Tielemans move to Manchester United for £35 million, which seems like the cost of a cup of tea in transfer terms these days!

But I still Man United have left themselves short after this window, and they ultimately failed to bring in a left-back. Crystal Palace brought in Ben Chilwell, and that would’ve been a great option. But he’s only a couple of years younger than Luke Shaw, and they probably wanted a young and hungry left-back.

The one they really wanted was Lewis Hall at Newcastle United and were desperate to get him, so that was a big disappointment for Man United.

I still feel they need to make improvements right along that backline with a new right-back, left-back, and probably a new centre-half too.

In previous windows, they've focused on attackers first and looked at their midfield in this window. I think their focus in the next window has to be in the defensive positions.

Those defensive weaknesses are probably why they won't challenge to win the Premier League at this moment in time.

But the transfer window will soon become a distant memory, as we turn our attention back to the games on the pitch.

The stand-out Premier League game this weekend has to be between Arsenal and Chelsea, which will be the first big test for Mikel Arteta’s side this season.

It will be a massive game, because Chelsea's front three will cause Arsenal's defenders a lot of problems, but Arsenal's attackers will cause Chelsea's defenders problems. So it's an interesting game.

I'm not working, I'll be sat in front of the TV, chilling and relaxing, watching the game. I think it'll be a fantastic match.

We will see where Chelsea really are against the champions, and see whether they are ready to make a title challenge this season.

Liverpool target Yankuba Minteh could make the move to Anfield in January, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has revealed.

The Reds saw deadline day to its conclusion without securing the replacement for recently-departed Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah.

Andoni Iraola's men saw Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola join in the attack; however, neither are natural right-wingers. Now, the Brighton manager has revealed that Minteh may secure his move in the next transfer window, should he and the team be successful.

"Maybe he can fulfil his dream in the next transfer window," reveals Hurzeler

Liverpool were also in the market for Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr, however, that deal never materialised either, leaving him requiring time to recover emotionally.

Veteran attacker Cody Gakpo was linked closely to Manchester City in the window's final days, but the Reds opted to keep the winger to provide additional right flank coverage.

In a pre-match match press conference ahead of Brighton's clash this weekend versus Leeds United, Hurzeler revealed that Minteh may get his move in January.

"[Minteh] wears the Brighton colours, he wears the Brighton badge - he's been here for two years now," the German told reporters.

"We've achieved great things together. Therefore, it's also about him now to commit.

"In the end, we always say we want to be successful as a club, but then you can [also] shine as individuals. If we achieve things together, then attention will come to those players.

"This will be the case this season; if the whole team is successful, then Yankuba will maybe fulfil his dream in the next transfer window," Hurzeler concluded.

Replacing Salah was always going to be a tall order for Liverpool, but Minteh's Premier League-proven ability was clearly appealing to Iraola's side this window.

The Brighton attacker bagged seven goal involvements in 34 English top-flight games last season, and 10 in 32 the season prior.

Richarlison's future at Tottenham Hotspur is hanging in the balance, as the 29-year-old's transfer to Super Lig side Trabzonspor edges nearer.

The Brazilian previously rejected an Everton homecoming earlier this week, taking to social media to reveal that negotiations had broken down with the Toffees.

Now, Richarlison could join forces with Liverpool royalty in Mohamed Salah, as time ticks down on Super Lig deadline day.

Richarlison on verge of move to Trabzonspor, reveals Turkish transfer expert

The Brazilian was recently axed from Spurs's 25-man squad list, with boss Roberto De Zerbi confirming Richarlison had "said too many times that he wants to leave."

Earlier this week, it was reported by Turkish transfer expert Yagiz Sabuncuoglu that Richarlison had verbally agreed to move to Trabzonspor, and the deal has since progressed further.

September 4 is the Super Lig's deadline day, with hours remaining for the Turkish top-flight side to secure the Brazilian's services.

Sabuncuoglu provided an update via X (formerly Twitter) yesterday evening that clarified how close Trabzonspor are to pulling off the move.

"Trabzonspor will finalise the Richarlison transfer if they can send one foreign player from their squad before the transfer window closes," he wrote.

"Otherwise, the transfer will be cancelled," Sabuncuoglu concluded. The Super Lig's deadline day ends this evening at 11:59pm BST.

Trabzonspor recently signed another striker in their efforts to prevent Galatasaray from securing an unprecedented fifth-consecutive Turkish top-flight title.

That player is Franculino Dju, who moved from Danish Superliga club Midtjylland in a deal worth almost £15 million.

Trabzonspor appear to quietly be assembling a solid attack, led by Liverpool legend Salah who has scored three-in-three for the club domestically this term.

According to ESPN Brazil, the Egyptian even called Richarlison to convince him to join the Turkish top-flight side.

In that report, it is stated that Spurs have rejected a €20 million offer for their Brazilian forward, meaning that it is possible a fee has not been agreed upon, as of yet.

Richarlison, who is currently training with Tottenham Hotspur's Under-21s side, is pushing hard for the move.

The Athletic reported yesterday that Spurs had rejected a bid from Trabzonspor, claiming there was no guarantee that the Turkish club would try their luck again.

According to Sabuncuoglu, it appears that the deal has progressed since, as the hours tick down on Super Lig deadline day.

If it wasn't enough for Manchester City to break the British transfer record on ex-Chelsea man Enzo Fernandez, willingly handing him Kevin De Bruyne's shirt number rather than retiring it, even just temporarily, tells you everything you need to know.

Premier League fans have had it easy when it comes to making that claim, yet the Cityzens keep giving them ammunition.

If being the defining figure across six English top-flight title wins isn't enough for a statue, a temporarily-retired shirt number, or a dedicated wing at the training ground, what is?

Enzo taking De Bruyne's shirt number so soon is wrong

There will be a section of angry Man City fans that will argue De Bruyne's legacy is not being tarred, and that he will forever be respected, regardless of whether his shirt number is in another player's possession.

But it's the principle: if you secure two PFA Players' Player of the Year awards, six Premier League titles, four Playmaker Awards, all as the cornerstone of City's golden era, that number belongs to you.

Whether De Bruyne himself minds or not, it's a show of respect that any serious clubs should offer to the legends that define them.

And before the question is raised: yes, Manchester City are different to other clubs that didn't retire the shirt numbers of other defining legends, such as Wayne Rooney's '10', or Steven Gerrard's '8'.

That is because, in the grand scheme of history, De Bruyne is more akin to icons at Liverpool and Manchester United in the 20th Century. Besides, '17' is far easier to retire as a number than the aforementioned pair.

The club does not possess the same history as its closest rivals, and it is De Bruyne who will go down as one of the first-ever Manchester City legends that raised the club to its ever-growing present.

But to give his number away within two years, to the first player that asked for it? Not even a buffer period, or to a player who has earned the right to 'stand where he stood'?

Nobody is asking for the Belgian's '17' to be withheld indefinitely — although, it's not the worst idea — but to give it to Enzo?

The same Enzo disciplined for singing homophobic and racist chants with his national team, who wielded an anti-Falklands banner in the summer after beating England, and got himself sent off by turning Pau Cubarsi into Simone Biles in the World Cup final?

The same Enzo who practically begged for a Real Madrid move while at Chelsea, and was removed from the squad ahead of an FA Cup quarter-final?

What has always held Manchester City back from being taken as seriously as their Premier League peers, is the idea that players who arrive there do so for money, not for the badge.

It's the idea that Manchester City, more so than their rivals, pay to see success, rather than breed it by creating a culture and environment that superstars would virtually pay to join.

And it's why the Manchester club time and time again are branded by opposition fans as soulless.

But one thing is for certain, the Cityzens have failed to honour one of the few players that nobody doubts adored their club.

If the Belgian's statue is being constructed behind the scenes, they better start carving the stone quicker.

Arsenal are protecting their long-term interests in teenage midfielder Ethan Nwaneri.

The Gunners have reportedly inserted a recall option into Nwaneri's season-long loan move to Borussia Dortmund.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, writing for CaughtOffside, the Gunners have the right to break the loan agreement early and bring the 19-year-old back to North London during the January transfer window should they choose to exercise it.

Clarity on Ethan Nwaneri's Arsenal future

The deal is also structured as a straight loan with no option or obligation for the Bundesliga club to buy.

Consequently, Dortmund will not likely have the resource, or opportunity, to sign Nwaneri on a permanent basis at the end of the season, in contrast to other loan agreements that feature purchase clauses.

The inclusion of the January recall clause is another clear indication that Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy still see a future for Nwaneri at the Emirates Stadium.

However, both the manager and the board acknowledge that the player was unlikely to receive the regular minutes required to further his development at his parent club during the 2026/27 campaign.

To avoid a scenario where the midfielder's progress stalls on the bench, Arsenal have opted to sanction a temporary departure to Germany. And having seen previous young loanees suffer from a lack of minutes, the Gunners wanted to ensure they retained full control of the arrangement, allowing them to step in if Nwaneri's game time in Germany does not meet expectations.

A serious knee injury to Dortmund's new, creative midfielder Giannis Konstantelias on his debut motivated the Bundesliga club's late-in-the-window pursuit of Nwaneri.

The Arsenal hierarchy's hope is for Nwaneri to perform at a high level in the Bundesliga, using the experience to prove he can handle first-team demands in the Premier League. If all goes according to plan, the England youth international will return to the Emirates next summer to stake a claim for a far more involved role in Arteta's first-team squad.

The Premier League’s transfer window is now closed, with various high-profile transfers being made in the dying embers of Tuesday’s deadline day.

English top-flight clubs are still able to pursue free transfers, however, their window to purchase players is closed. Across the globe, various windows remain open, notably Saudi Arabia.

The following football leagues remain able to sign players, the first of which’s deadline strikes at midnight, in the United States of America.

Major Soccer League (MLS) - Closes 2 September

The MLS is currently experiencing deadline day, with the American league still able to operate in the market and make club-to-club signings.

In recent hours, The Athletic reported that Houston Dynamo were finalising a loan deal for Lyle Foster with Burnley, as MLS sides look to strengthen before the deadline.

They also reported that the Colorado Rapids have signed a club-record transfer of Morgan Whittaker from Middlesbrough, in a deal worth over $10 million.

Saudi Pro League - Closes 12 October

Unlike its American peer, the Saudi Pro League has over a month left yet before its transfer deadline, which is set to close on October 12th.

Transfers to the league have exploded in recent times, following Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in January 2023. Players are increasingly being enticed by the competition’s financial promise, with many of the world’s highest-paid footballers residing in Saudi Arabia.

Ollie Watkins and Crysensio Summerville are two Premier League players that traded competition for money this summer — both the ex-Aston Villa striker and the Dutchman transferred to Al-Hilal.

Super Lig - Closes 4 September

The Turkish top-flight is another league that has made headlines in recent times, although, never more so than when departing Liverpool legend joined Trabzonspor in early August.

As a free agent, the Egyptian opted against servicing the trio of Istanbul clubs who stake the strongest claims to future Super Lig titles, despite almost joining Besiktas weeks prior.

Notable transfers this window include Romelu Lukaku to Fenerbahce, Rafael Leao to Galatasaray, Leandro Trossard to Besiktas, and perhaps now Richarlison to Trabzonspor.

The clock is ticking slightly quicker in Turkey — their window ends on Friday, September 4.

Other leagues with open transfer windows: Scottish Premiership, Eredivisie, etc

Time is passing even faster in Scotland, with the Scottish Premiership’s transfer deadline falling on Thursday, September 3 at 5pm BST.

Celtic recently welcomed the arrival of Shumaira Mheuka on a season-long loan from Chelsea, hours after seeing Wolves shot-stopper Sam Johnstone join on an identical-length loan.

Even sooner, the Eredivisie’s transfer window will close at midnight on September 2, while the Portuguese top-flight will continue being able to make club-to-club transfers until September 15.

In Mexico and Brazil, the deadline is September 11 for both leagues; the Swiss Super League will see its window close on September 8.

Richarlison has reportedly reached an agreement with a suitor club, and is pushing to exit Tottenham Hotspur, days after rejecting an approach from former side Everton.

The Spurs striker bagged 11 Premier League goals last term, as the North London club fought tooth and nail to avoid final day relegation.

In all competitions, he tallied 12 goals and five assists in 42 appearances, and has now set his sights on the Super Lig in a transfer that will see him join forces with Liverpool royalty.

Richarlison reaches verbal agreement with Trabzonspor, will play alongside Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah

According to Turkish transfer expert Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Richarlison has verbally agreed to an offer made by Trabzonspor, and is now pressuring Tottenham Hotspur to allow him to depart.

The news arrives mere hours after Trabzonspor were revealed to have made an offer to the North London club in exchange for the Brazilian’s services, also reported by Sabuncuoglu.

Richarlison publicly denied rumours of returning to Everton, who also failed to sign USMNT striker Folarin Balogun before yesterday's deadline, clarifying that he remains in charge of his own future and “never again will anyone decide my future for me.”

“If they reach an agreement between Spurs and Everton, I will return to my beloved club,” he continued. “My intention was to go back to the place where I was very happy, yes.

“But the negotiations happened only in the way certain people wanted, and it will no longer be like that. I am under contract at Spurs and will remain at the club’s disposal,” concluded the Brazilian.

Trabzonspor expert Hasan Tuncel supported the claim that Richarlison is on the verge of moving to Turkey, claiming on X (formerly Twitter) that “serious efforts are being made to get him out of Tottenham” shortly after Sabuncuoglu’s exclusive was posted.

The Super Lig side have made headlines in recent months for securing the services of Liverpool legend Salah, who has bagged three-in-three for Trabzonspor domestically this season.

The Turkish top-flight side also paired the Egyptian with Richarlison’s fellow Brazilian, and Salah’s former Reds team-mate, Fabinho, with both players starting versus Amed on Monday evening and combining for the game’s opening goal.

The Super Lig club have prioritised an additional forward since the Egyptian signed, with rumours circling that Darwin Nunez could reunite with Salah, but that move did not materialise.

FourFourTwo suggested that Trabzonspor approach free agent Wilfried Zaha as a wing partner for the Egyptian, but it now appears that Richarlison will make a Papara Park arrival, and possibly fill that flank.

The Super Lig side’s current striker, Paul Onuachu — who hit 22 top-flight strikes last term — has endured a goal-less start to the season, with fans rallying to see greater depth in the position.

Richarlison would also act as a natural replacement for Onuachu in the starting line-up; only time will tell whether Spurs allow the Brazilian to leave, as the 29-year-old pushes for his move.

The Premier League’s transfer deadline has come and gone. For the clubs that were able to secure their dream signings, it’s time to go and compete for the title, for European silverware, Champions League qualification, whatever their hearts desire.

But for the clubs who didn’t? It might be time to pick up the reading glasses and peruse the annual list of free agents — typically chock-full of memorable names, now slightly past it, but still capable of producing at a high level in the correct environments.

This list once featured the likes of Mohamed Salah and Bernardo Silva, but there’s still a solid selection left. These are the strongest five players who Premier League clubs are still able to sign beyond the deadline, and where they should consider making one final stand.

Jamie Vardy

Fans might have written off Jamie Vardy, but they really shouldn’t have. After making the move to Italy last season, enjoying Serie A life with Cremonese, the former Leicester City striker bagged seven goals, and won the league's Player of the Month award in November 2025.

Unfortunately for his club, those strikes weren’t enough to avoid relegation to the Serie B. Fortunately for Vardy, the mere fact he was able to hit seven top-flight goals for one of the league’s worst teams provided concrete proof to onlooking clubs that the Englishman still has remnants left in the tank.

Since leaving Cremonese as a free agent in May, the 39-year-old has made headlines for securing the rights to seven Bundesliga games on his YouTube channel. No club, as of yet, has made the plunge for him.

But there’s a very clear option for Vardy, one that makes almost too much sense, to draw the curtain on his illustrious Premier League and FA Cup-winning career.

Where he should go: Vardy to Wrexham. One final Championship run, with the possibility of taking the club to the Premier League. High wages, adoring fans… and maybe he’ll finally get that Hollywood biopic made, with Ryan Reynolds starring.

Karim Benzema

Just five years ago, the Real Madrid man delivered one of the strongest Ballon D’or-winning seasons in recent memory, spearheading the La Liga giants to a treble.

In the Champions League, he was formidable, bagging hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea, as well as a brace versus Manchester City, en-route to lifting yet another European title for Madrid.

He ended that campaign with 15 goals and two assists in 12 Champions League matches, and added a further 39 goal involvements in 32 La Liga games to also secure that title.

Just over a year later, he was in Saudi Arabia, making the move to Al-Ittihad. He has since scored 67 goals throughout his time there, and departed from Al-Hilal as a free agent in August. He bagged 17 Saudi Pro League goals in his final term, and appears still capable of extracting just a little more.

Where he should go: Benzema, despite reportedly being unwilling to move back to Europe, should consider a Premier League side. FourFourTwo can picture the Frenchman at Everton, following their failure to secure the signature of Folarin Balogun. If Carlo Ancelotti could put pen to paper at Goodison Park, so can Benzema at the Hill Dickinson.

Paul Pogba

The former Juventus and Manchester United man, in comparison to the two aforementioned players, bizarrely looks to have little left in the tank, despite an expectation that he should have — just 33 years old and struggling to pick up the pieces following his doping ban in February 2024.

There was once a time, in football’s collective and not so distant memory, that Pogba stood tall as the finest on the pitch in a World Cup final, bagging a mid-range strike to extend his side’s slim lead.

As has often been the case with high-profile Manchester United transfers in recent years, that transfer appeared to destroy the Frenchman’s career — mere seasons after his Serie A exploits left jaws dropped.

For his most recent side, AS Monaco in Ligue 1, he played his first game in over two years back in December of 2025, appearing in a 4-1 loss versus Rennes.

He made just six appearances, playing 133 minutes, for the club during its 2026-27 season, and is now a free transfer. But where does he go from here?

Where he should go: Retirement, or offer to play for pennies at any serious side in Europe’s Top 5 Leagues. It’s make-or-break for Pogba: either pack it all in, or enter one final stand. FFT can picture the Frenchman deciding on the Bundesliga. A DFB Pokal trophy lift with Bayer Leverkusen sounds alright, doesn’t it?

Jadon Sancho

Another player, another once gob-smacking talent reduced to rubble by Manchester United. After back-to-back-to-back loan periods with former club Borussia Dortmund, then Chelsea, then Aston Villa, it appears the Red Devils, nor any of those other clubs, want him.

So where does the 26-year-old, who once registered 29, 39 and 34 goal involvements across three separate Bundesliga seasons in his near teenage youth, go from here?

The obvious answer is to traverse the Raheem Sterling path (another free agent) and fade out into obscurity outside of Europe’s Top 5 Leagues. Or depart to Saudi, and claim their life-changing payday.

But if Sancho is serious about his career, not just his wealth, he should go the Todd Cantwell route: except not to a Championship club, but to a current Premier League side anticipated to go down.

Where he should go: If he manages to keep Hull City or Ipswich Town up, his career would be saved at a Premier League level. And if his side goes down, but he successfully wins over the fans with his play and effort, then neither team can be counted on to remain in the Championship. In a few years, he could be captaining them back to the English top-flight.

Wilfried Zaha

Once referred to as ‘the next Cristiano Ronaldo’ by former boss Ian Holloway, Zaha has gone down the Lionel Messi route — but only by playing MLS football in his later years.

The 33-year-old bagged three goals, and recorded an assist, in 13 appearances for Charlotte FC last season. The term prior, he struck 10, and registered six assists, in 35 matches for the MLS side.

In 2023, he made the move from Crystal Palace to Galatasaray, where he recorded 14 goal involvements in his debut season at the Super Lig club.

Zaha moved to the MLS, and played for a period in Ligue 1 at Lyon, on loan from Galatasaray — now, he’s a free agent. And the Super Lig side that released him are gunning for an unprecedented fifth consecutive Super Lig title, during a campaign in which their strongest domestic rivals are strengthening.

Where he should go: Trabzonspor. The Super Lig leaders didn’t want him, and Zaha will have the chance to play alongside Salah in a side that will surely be expected to lift Turkish silverware, and perhaps string together a half-decent Conference League run, this season. High wages, the best wing partner a Turkish top-flight forward could ask for, and the chance to prevent Galatasaray from achieving their dreams, after being dropped by the club.

AS Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro has revealed the extraordinary sequence of events behind Folarin Balogun’s deadline day transfer collapse to Everton.

Speaking to Get French Football News (GFFN), Scuro detailed how medical doubts raised by the Premier League club ultimately provoked the striker to reject the move at the final minute.

Scuro explained that Monaco had established a clear financial strategy entering deadline day, combining player sales with wage relief.

'I don't want to sign after the way they treated me'

"During the day, we had a clear agreement for Balogun to go to Everton," Scuro said. "Balogun flew yesterday morning to go for medicals and sign a contract.

"Balogun, besides the salary, was also an important source of income for the club, which would help us also to balance the season."

Folarin Balogun medical dispute

While Monaco held firm against Chelsea's late-in-the-window advances for Lamine Camara, Balogun arrived in Liverpool for tests. Four hours before the deadline, Everton’s medical staff raised concerns that Scuro and the player's own medical team strongly rejected.

"At 4pm, Balogun was in Liverpool undergoing his medical. Everything was going pretty well. Around 7pm, we were contacted by Everton, raising questions about Balogun’s medical, which, for our medical staff, as well as for the player’s personal medical staff, made no sense at all.

"The explanations were not enough to justify or to bring concerns regarding the future of the player, which there aren’t. This discussion started between medical departments from here and there. It took Everton around two-to-three hours to go deep into the assessment and check with other doctors. This is a normal situation when the doctor of the club raises concerns. It’s quite normal that clubs will look for other specialists, share the images and discuss the case. This was ongoing."

Reports that Balogun had failed his medical surfaced in the media while consultations continued.

"I would say around half an hour after we were contacted. It was already in the media that Balogun has failed his medical.

"What happened was that around 10pm (9pm BST), in our time here, maybe a bit earlier, Everton realised that, OK, there is no problem. We are ready to do it. Let’s sign the contract."

"Five minutes to close the transfer window there, I signed the contract, Everton signed the contract. At the last moment, the player decided not to sign. And basically, Balogun’s allegation is that I’m not feeling well because of the way the club treated me. 'I’m not feeling well because Everton’s medical department raised doubts about my future or my health. I have nothing [wrong with me], so I’m not comfortable signing a long contract here.' And that’s the way we finish our transfer window.

"On Everton, I was not there. We have to respect [Balogun's] decision. We tried to do the work on the club side. We found solutions.

"The reality is that when 'Balo' mentioned to us this feeling that he was not comfortable, he didn’t want to sign, we didn’t see ourselves in a position to push him. We had to respect."

Manchester United are close to completing a deal with a club in the Netherlands that will see one of the Red Devils' most highly-rated youngsters spend the season out on loan.

Michael Carrick's higher-ups have negotiated some shrewd incoming business this summer, adding the likes of Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to the squad.

However, the club have not been as adept at getting unwanted and unused players off the wage bill and out of the door, particularly in recent years.

Manchester United teenager to sign for Dutch club on loan

Dutch outlet Voetbal International are reporting that 18-year-old wonderkid Chido Obi is close to joining Willem II on loan for the 2026/27 season.

Last month, reports in the Netherlands claimed Feyenoord were taking a keen interest in the youngster's immediate future, but it now appears Obi will be playing his football in Tilburg this term.

Obi came to attention in Arsenal's Hale End academy, making his under-21 debut at the age of just 15 and making international headlines when he netted 10 goals in 14-3 win against Liverpool, at under-16 level.

The Danish youth international made the move to Manchester United in 2024, along with Ayden Heaven, in search of more playing time.

Obi was handed a Premier League debut by Ruben Amorim in February 2025, and against Brentford a few months later, became the youngest player to start a Premier League game for Man United at just 17 years, 156 days. On the whole, though, he has found a pathway into the first-team hard to come by and has made a meagre seven Premier League appearances to date.

Obi's task at Old Trafford is not an easy one by any means, having to try and oust the likes of £200m trio Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

FourFourTwo understands that the club still value Obi highly and prefer a loan move – though wouldn't be opposed to selling if an offer deemed acceptable came their way.

While the English transfer window closed at 11pm on Tuesday, September 1, Dutch clubs are still able to do business until 11pm BST on Wednesday, September 2.

Willem II were promoted from the Eerste Divisie last season and are currently winless in three Eredivisie matches in 2026/27.

Obi is worth €5m, according to Transfermarkt.

The Belgian attacker will call the Stadium of Light home this season, but life at Lyon wasn’t always so certain to end for Fofana. When his former side strove for qualification to the Champions League last season, the French top-flight side finished in fourth, narrowly outside of the automatic ascension spots.

Less than a week ago, the club’s second leg play-off match ended 1-2 to Super Lig side Fenerbahce, and 2-3 on aggregate. Despite Fofana converting what could have been a crucial strike in the 61st-minute, their competition crash-out was confirmed courtesy of Vedat Muriqi and Archie Brown.

In turn, as L’Equipe’s Hugo Guillemet wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “In the current context at Lyon, the bankers’ opinion carries more weight than that of the coach.” And so ended three-and-a-half years in France for the attacker — but how exactly did Fofana end up at Sunderland, with half of the Premier League knocking at his doorstep?

Lyon forced to sell, Arsenal low-balling, Palace hijacking, Roc Nation prowling — Fofana is a Black Cat

Yesterday morning, Fofana’s path to Sunderland appeared clear, despite perceived holes in Mikel Arteta's left flank. A statement cameo from Eberechi Eze in Arsenal’s 1-0 away victory versus Aston Villa made their offer for the Belgian, a London low-ball, make sense.

In 2025, before Lyon were forced to sell Fofana following their failure to achieve Champions League football, two other Premier League giants in Chelsea and Liverpool were floating on the periphery. Neither deal was made, with a valuation of €50 million placed upon the then 20-year-old’s head.

This summer, a similar saga played out initially. Lyon requested close to €40 million, but the Gunners were ultimately unwilling to part with their cash, despite seeing off Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi in late August. The breakdown of that deal allowed Sunderland to swoop in and, for a brief time, they appeared to be in pole position to make the Ligue 1 ace a Black Cat. Enter Crystal Palace.

The Eagles had previously contacted Lyon in an effort to sign the winger, after the flame of Fofana’s prospective transfer to Arsenal was snuffed out. Strangely, it was then reported that the 21-year-old was unwilling to join Crystal Palace, which made their later attempted hijacking of Sunderland’s proposed deal an even juicier development.

Ten hours remaining on deadline day: Fofana was now, somehow, tentatively pencilled in for a medical examination with the Eagles, with L’Equipe reporting that Palace was his preferred destination.

An hour before this? Fofana had been given the green light to travel to Sunderland for another medical, as revealed by transfer expert David Ornstein, in a deal worth around €35 million.

Less than 24 hours before that? With Arsenal travelling to Villa Park, L’Equipe reported that it was actually the Gunners who stood tallest in the Premier League race to secure Fofana’s services.

At 1:45pm BST on Tuesday afternoon, the 21-year-old was revealed to have spoken to Pierre Sage in the late morning, and been convinced by the Eagles boss to join Crystal Palace on a five-year deal. The transfer fee was quoted at €39 million, including bonuses, with both Sunderland and Arsenal retaining interest in the Belgian.

But Sunderland, who would later prevail in the heat of deadline day battle, flipped the script on Lyon, offering the player’s agents larger commission payments, and matching Palace’s slightly higher transfer fee, as reported shortly after 4pm BST.

Fofana decided to cease all contact with the Eagles despite, supposedly, being en-route to London for a medical examination. Moments later, news broke that the Belgian was waiting to board his plane, in the middle of a tug-of-war with two brawling English clubs determined to upstage the other.

So what did Palace do? They followed the playbook: offer the young talent’s agents higher payments. Perhaps the Eagles’ sporting director chucked a Jay-Z song on his Instagram burner’s story, we’ll never know — but Fofana’s agency is Roc Nation, and money is The Blueprint.

Finally, in a late twist that feels hilariously divorced from transfer saga reality, even in the Ramy Abbas Issa era, Fofana actually ended up completing a medical examination at Lyon… without knowing which club it was for.

At this point, it was reported that the 21-year-old could not settle on which Premier League destination was preferable — despite many assuming Sage to have a late-stage advantage, amid similar terms being offered, after managing Fofana previously at Lyon from 2023 to 2025.

In the end, it was the Belgian’s uncle, who works for Roc Nation, that stepped in and aided the player in his decision. Romain Molina reported, during the dying embers of deadline day, that an Uncle “Bouba” stood to benefit financially from his nephew’s choice, and directed him to pick Sunderland.

And so concluded one of the craziest deadline day sagas in Premier League history, with the Black Cats emerging victorious in a deal worth over €35 million, including add-ons. Fofana's contract is set to expire in 2031, with plenty of Premier League-playing days ahead.

His family and agents, who seemingly offered the Belgian greater direction in this decision than he offered himself, will enjoy a staggering payday.

And Jay-Z, whose agency appeared strapped for cash throughout this all, finally has the funds he needed to afford studio time, so we'll be seeing another album soon... right, Mr. Carter? What a day.

Everton are closing in on a dramatic deadline day loan deal for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee after their proposed move for Monaco forward Folarin Balogun appeared to collapse.

The Toffees had been on the verge of finalising a move for Balogun to spearhead their attack, but negotiations have ground to a halt following the player’s medical, according to reports.

Everton’s medical staff reportedly identified issues during Balogun's screening tests on deadline day.

Everton chase late Zirkzee loan deal

As a direct consequence of those results, the club hierarchy have seemingly taken the decision to pull the plug on the transfer, unwilling to commit significant financial resources to a deal with potential underlying risks.

Left scrambling for an alternative goalscorer in the final hours of the window, Everton have pivoted toward Manchester United’s outcast Dutchman Zirkzee.

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Everton have been in contact with Man United directly to negotiate a late loan deal, in response to Balogun’s medical falling through.

The 25-year-old forward has found himself sidelined at Old Trafford for months, failing to log a single minute of action across either of the club's opening two Premier League fixtures of the 2026/27 season.

Zirkzee’s standing at Old Trafford has plummeted, too, following last summer's additions of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

His last goal in a competitive fixture for Manchester United came at the end of 2025 during a 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he has struggled to play any sort of consistent role ever since.

Having fallen completely out of favour under manager Michael Carrick, Zirkzee is clearly not in the head coach's long-term plans, making a deadline day exit the ideal resolution for all parties.

For Everton, bringing in Zirkzee serves as a salvage operation following the disappointment of the Balogun collapse.

While the Dutch forward arrives as a secondary fallback option rather than the club's primary target, his arrival provides much-needed depth and competition upfront for the Toffees following Iliman Ndiaye's exit for Manchester City.

The transfer deadline in England is at 11pm.

Liverpool are attempting a last-minute transfer raid, targeting VfB Stuttgart in their efforts to sign a replacement for departed superstar Mohamed Salah.

The Reds have overseen a transfer window of mixed outcomes — on the one hand, they experienced a mass exodus of veterans in Salah, Andrew Roberton and Ibrahima Konate this summer, and nearly lost Cody Gakpo to a strong Manchester City bid; on the other, they recently secured the services of PSG superstar Bradley Barcola.

The Frenchman will join Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, a soon-to-be-fit Hugo Ekitike and summer signing Victor Munoz in a revamped Liverpool attack, but Andoni Iraola’s men are looking to see another forward join their ranks, now targeting the Bundesliga.

Liverpool target electric Bundesliga winger Jamie Leweling

According to Sky Germany, both Liverpool and Everton are after Stuttgart forward Jamie Leweling, with the former deeming him a potential Salah replacement.

The 25-year-old is contracted to the Bundesliga side until 2029, meaning he will not come for cheap, or easily, however, his contributions during the 2025-26 season could make the late plunge worth it.

Leweling bagged 11 goals in all competitions for Stuttgart during his latest campaign, seven of which came in the Bundesliga, and recorded 12 assists, nine of which were in the German top-flight.

The German was clinical in his finishing, missing just one Opta-defined Big Chance in the Bundesliga season, and scoring his seven strikes from an xG of 4.31.

He also created the joint second-most Big Chances for Stuttgart, tied for ten with Angelo Stiller and Maximilian Mittelstadt.

Outside of goal contributions, Leweling proved underwhelming from a take-on perspective, recording just one dribble p/90. His physicality was a level above, recording nearly seven duels won p/90, at a success rate just shy of 50%.

Roma have displayed significant interest in recent hours regarding Leweling, however, no deal has yet been completed, with both Everton and Liverpool retaining interest.

Should the 25-year-old join in a last-minute transfer to Anfield, he would operate as a natural replacement for Salah on the right flank. Additionally, he brings left wing experience.

Conversely, new signings Munoz and Barcola favour the left flank; in the absence of Leweling, it is Gakpo who would likely be turned to in times of need, should Liverpool fail to fill Salah’s vacant position.

The Reds have also exhibited interest in Ismaila Sarr and Yankuba Minteh, both Premier League-proven talents, however, neither deal appears likely at this stage. If they are to obtain Leweling, it is near certain to cost a significant premium.

The proposed move would see Nwaneri join Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund on loan, without an option to purchase, according to reports.

Arsenal, who will strive to retain the Premier League title for the first time in the North London club’s history this season, are willing to part ways with their 19-year-old prospect.

Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Nwaneri pre-dates the signing of Giannis Konstantelias; however, the Gunners youngster is expected to receive greater playing minutes after the Greek attacker sustained a recent injury.

Konstantelias suffers ligament injury, Nwaneri travels for medical to Dortmund

According to transfers expert David Ornstein, the 19-year-old is travelling today to Dortmund to undergo his medical exam.

Konstantelias is braced for a lengthy sideline spell after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his debut Bundesliga appearance versus Hamburger SV — in which he also hit his first goal.

Dortmund prevailed 2-0 on the day, with Konstantelias scoring his side’s second: a glorious right-footed effort from just inside the box.

Following the Greek’s injury, Dortmund reached out to Arsenal and made it clear that Nwaneri’s arrival had become a priority, before an arrangement was ironed out.

Prior to this heightened interest, the youngster was reportedly considering a loan move to Fulham, prioritising a stay in the Premier League. This will no longer happen.

The 19-year-old did not appear in the squad for the Gunners’ 3-0 pre-season victory against Manchester City in the Community Shield, missing out alongside Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian has since departed for Saudi Arabia, and Nwaneri is now Bundesliga-bound, with Arteta’s side hoping that the 19-year-old is able to develop further with Dortmund.

The youngster spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan with Marseille in Ligue 1, scoring twice, and assisting once, in nine French top-flight appearances.

Nwaneri also scored against Dortmund for Arsenal in pre-season, during a 3-2 loss in the Emirates Cup — and converted his penalty in the post-match shootout.

Since making his Premier League debut for the North London club in 2022, aged just 15, Nwaneri has failed to break into a side that has competed for the English top-flight title in four successive seasons.

He has made 51 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 10 and assisting two, with Mikel Arteta confessing in August that he would like the 19-year-old to stay, but that he needs to receive further opportunities.

The club reportedly weighed up the benefits of selling their youngster outright, however, a loan period has been agreed. Should Nwaneri seize the chances he will receive at Dortmund, a sale or place in the first team are both possible for him upon his return to London.

Liverpool have suffered another setback in the transfer market as Premier League rivals Chelsea appear to have won the battle to sign AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.

According to Italian transfer reporter Nicolò Schira, the Blues are into the final stages of agreeing terms to sign the Senegalese international, successfully outbidding the Reds in the final stretch of the summer window.

It was reported last week that both Liverpool and Chelsea were actively weighing up moves for the coveted 22-year-old, whose performances in Ligue 1 had helped establish him as one of Europe’s best young central midfielders.

Liverpool double down on midfield squad depth high-wire act

While Liverpool hesitated to firm up their interest, Chelsea have moved decisively to advance discussions and seal an agreement.

Chelsea’s willingness to splash out substantial fees late in the window, simultaneously pushing for both Camara and AS Roma’s Manu Kone, points to a major outgoing at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues hierarchy must know they are on the verge of receiving a huge financial windfall from the sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City.

Knowing that City are prepared to pay a massive sum to secure Fernandez, Chelsea are reinvesting those projected funds, adding greater physicality and tenacity to their engine room before the Argentine’s exit is formally announced.

Failing to land Camara is a blow that exacerbates an already delicate squad situation at Anfield. The Reds' fixture schedule sees them competing across four competitions, with three first-team central midfield options in Dominik Szoboszlai - who may be required to fill in at right-back - Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.

Head coach Andoni Iraola’s tactical style is notoriously demanding, relying on high-energy pressing, vertical play, and off-the-ball work-rate. Attempting to implement this with a limited number of personnel in the middle of the park could leave Iraola with a difficult few months ahead.

Chelsea's capture of Camara also runs the risk of reigniting deep-seated frustration among the Liverpool fanbase.

Supporters remain concerned that the club have never truly replaced Fabinho since the Brazilian anchor departed three years ago. While temporary fixes and attack-minded central players have filled in, Liverpool have lacked an out-and-out defensive midfielder capable of breaking up counter-attacks and establishing balance.

Camara’s blend of tenacity and athleticism would have made him an ideal candidate to solve that lingering problem.

Instead, Chelsea have seemingly beaten their rivals to a top-tier target.

Regis Le Bris' Sunderland have kept their powder dry for much of the summer transfer window but could be about to pull off one of the deals of the season.

Following Olympique Lyonnais' failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last week, the Ligue 1 club are in desperate need to sell key assets in order to abide by French football's financial controls.

As a consequence, important first-team players must now be jettisoned before June 30, 2027, in order to comply.

Sunderland to pull off sensational transfer on deadline day

Sunderland have pounced to potentially land one of European football's most exciting young wingers, if a deal can be completed before the transfer deadline.

Lyon winger Malick Fofana has been given permission to travel for a Black Cats medical ahead of signing on the dotted line for the north east club.

Fofana, 21, is expected to sign a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light, according to The Athletic, which would represent one of the summer's marquee transfers.

In recent days, Arsenal were linked with a move for the Belgian international but the Gunners' apparent hesitancy has allowed Sunderland to make a more attractive proposal to the up-and-coming wide attacker.

Sunderland will compete in the UEFA Europa League this season, the same competition in which Lyon dropped into following their failure to negotiate a way through the Champions League play-off round.

Fofana is highly-rated in Europe but is yet to test himself on English shores. However, the dressing room at Sunderland is likely to ease his transition with plenty of French-speaking players and a young core that aligns with the incoming Belgium winger.

The Manchester City man is set to return on a season-long loan to Everton, after an initial period in 2025/26 was plagued by injury for Grealish.

The 30-year-old’s medical is booked, with the deal anticipated to be completed before the 11pm BST transfer deadline this Tuesday evening.

A Toffees fan favourite will head the other way, as Enzo Maresca’s men look to build on their two-from-two start and mount yet another Premier League title challenge.

Iliman Ndiaye heads to Manchester, Jack Grealish returns to Everton

Manchester City have struck a deal worth up to £65 million for Ndiaye, days after the 26-year-old was expected to complete a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. His medical will be completed this morning, according to transfer expert David Ornstein.

The Senegalese winger has been a stand-out across his two seasons on Merseyside, scoring 17 goals, and recording three assists, in 74 appearances.

In the prior deal, former Toffees hero Richarlison was expected to return to Everton; however, the Brazilian has seemingly been unable to agree to a deal with his former club.

On Monday, Richarlison posted a message to his social media accounts that appeared to put an end to the homecoming buzz — and Ndiaye’s transfer to the North London side.

"My intention was to go back to the place where I was very happy, yes, but the negotiations happened only in the way certain people wanted, and it will no longer be like that,” wrote the Brazilian.

"Despite all this turmoil, I am under contract at Spurs and will remain at the club's disposal,” he concluded.

As a result, it is Maresca’s men who will see the Senegalese forward among their ranks this season, having swooped in and found an agreement for £60 million, and an additional £5 million in add-ons, according to BBC Sport.

Instead of Richarlison returning, it will now be Grealish, who registered two goals and six assists for the Toffees in 22 appearances during the 2025/26 season.

The 30-year-old endured a foot injury in January, mid-way through his loan period from the Cityzens, playing in what appeared to be his final game for Everton versus Aston Villa on the 18th of that month.

Grealish has since made a recovery, making an appearance from the bench in Manchester City’s 3-0 Community Shield final loss versus Arsenal, and another in the club’s 2-1 win against Bournemouth.

The winger is set to return for another season-long loan period, according to BBC Sport, and Everton are also looking to make additional attacking signings, with USMNT star Folarin Balogun on their radar, before the transfer deadline.

Chelsea are reportedly locked in late transfer deadline day negotiations with AS Roma over a swap deal involving midfielder Manu Kone.

According to a report from Sky Italia, Chelsea have submitted a bid in the region of €60m (£52m) to sign the French international from Roma.

To smooth discussions and meet the Italian club's evaluation, the Blues are prepared to send 22-year-old winger Jamie Gittens to the Stadio Olimpico. The proposed arrangement would see Chelsea bolster their central options as Enzo Fernandez moves closer to a Stamford Bridge exit.

Chelsea transfer signals Enzo Fernandez deal is close to completion

Chelsea’s late push for Kone comes against the backdrop of upheaval in their own midfield department. World Cup winner Fernandez remains subject to transfer interest from Manchester City, with a big-money move to the Etihad Stadium looking increasingly likely before the deadline passes.

Knowing that Fernandez’s departure to City could materialise in the final hours of the window, Chelsea's recruitment team have proactively pursued Kone to ensure manager Xabi Alonso is not left short-staffed in central areas.

In Kone, Chelsea would acquire a physical box-to-box midfielder who has established himself as a key performer in Serie A.

The 25-year-old’s ability to break up play, press aggressively, and drive forward with the ball makes him a good fit for Alonso, particularly if tasked with filling the void left by Fernandez.

Meanwhile, sending Gittens to Roma is a practical solution for all parties, having found regular starting opportunities limited in West London.

Roma have held a long-standing interest in the ex-Borussia Dortmund winger, having previously explored a loan deal earlier in the window.

With the transfer deadline fast approaching, negotiations between Chelsea and Roma are reportedly progressing quickly. If Chelsea finalise Fernandez's exit to Manchester City, the path will be cleared for Kone’s arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham Hotspur have splashed the cash this summer, but their spending has to continue if they’re serious about competing at the top of the Premier League again – and Victor Osimhen should be priority number one now.

It’s no secret that Spurs need firepower up top, after Richarlison showed precisely why he’s not up to the task with a poor performance against Brentford in the opening game of the season, and Dominic Solanke’s injury record making him an unreliable option.

Osimhen has long been regarded as one of the most talented strikers in the world, but has he ever truly lived up to that hype? Now is the time for him to prove it, and Tottenham is the perfect place to do that.

How much would Victor Osimhen cost Spurs?

One of the major stumbling blocks keeping Victor Osimhen from a move to the Premier League over the last few years has been his enormous wage demands. That’s arguably one of the main reasons he joined Galatasaray in the first place rather than securing a switch to one of Europe’s top five leagues.

The Turkish outfit paid roughly £35m up front for the Nigerian in the summer of 2025 after having him on loan the season prior. That deal also includes a reported £30m in additional payments down the line, taking the total transfer to around £65m (as per ESPN).

Osimhen is also thought to be on wages of approximately £310,000 per week (according to Capology), making him a very expensive man indeed. To put it into perspective, Tottenham’s wage budget has shifted this summer with the arrival of Sandro Tonali (on £200,000 per week) and Omar Marmoush (£250,000 per week, though it is unclear how much of that Spurs are paying during the loan from Manchester City).

Signing Osimhen would not only require Spurs to completely obliterate their current wage structure, but they would also have to splash out at least £100m on the 27-year-old.

Still, given Tottenham’s Financial Fair Play flexibility right now – largely thanks to the incredible revenue generated by the extra-curricular activities carried out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – that kind of money is, technically, feasible.

Spurs have spent roughly £320m so far this summer. However, under the Premier League Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) guidelines introduced this season, the club can allocate 85% of its total revenue on transfers and wages.

With that in mind, the Lilywhites could spend up to £480m without breaking any rules (they made £565m over the last tax year), and that’s before considering the potential sales of players like Richarlison, Pape Sarr and more still to come.

Victor Osimhen needs to prove himself in the Premier League

After modest spells with Charleroi in Belgium and Lille in France, Osimhen really hit the big time thanks to his goalscoring exploits at Napoli. There, he linked up with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to devastating effect and helped the Italian side win the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years.

Osimhen scored 26 league goals in that 2022/23 campaign, as well as another five in the Champions League. The following season, he scored another 15 in Serie A, and it seemed a move to the Premier League – namely Chelsea – was very much on the cards.

However, that move broke down amid Osimhen’s lofty wage demands. He rejected the switch to Stamford Bridge, while a move to the Saudi Pro League also fell through just before transfer deadline day, leaving him very much in limbo (as per ESPN). The only club left that was willing to pay Osimhen’s transfer fee and wages, and where the transfer window had not closed yet, was Galatasaray.

Two years later, it would probably be fair to say that Osimhen’s career is a little bit underwhelming. He’s got his goalscoring record, the Serie A title, and a couple of Turkish league titles, but he could and should have so much more. He should have been strutting his stuff in the Premier League, and I don’t think we can ever really credit him as one of his generation’s best strikers until he shows what he can do in England.

Tottenham’s system and style are ideal for Victor Osimhen

This summer, Osimhen is once again the subject of much speculation over his future. Reports from Turkey claim an offer of £128m from Al-Hilal has been rejected by Galatasaray. It is thought Osimhen would have even been given a pay rise had he moved to the Saudi outfit this summer, but money is not thought to be a driving factor in his thinking anymore.

Instead, it sounds like Osimhen is open to a big move – one that can truly further his career. Arsenal is a name that has been mooted. But, it’s the other side of North London that the forward should be looking at.

Under Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham are back to a more slick, attacking style of play. Despite a lacklustre opening day defeat to Brentford, I firmly believe Spurs can challenge at the top of the table this season, especially once all the new signings click and De Zerbi’s methods really take hold.

Now, it would be safe to assume that, all being well, Omar Marmoush is going to lead the line for Spurs this season. However, one top player is not enough to transform this team, and that’s where Osimhen comes in. Having the Egyptian forward and Osimhen on rotation might be considered greedy or excessive by some, but it’s what Tottenham need if they’re serious about competing with Arsenal and the rest of the 'Big Six' once more.

For Osimhen, this system would provide the ideal platform to showcase his talents, too. Service out wide from players like Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie, Mohammed Kudus, and new arrival Savio would be a dream for a poacher like Osimhen, who scores most of his goals inside the 18-yard box. He’s great in the air, so floated crosses would be a priority, but he’s just as adept at controlling the ball on the floor and working space for himself, before using his acute finishing to fire home.

Admittedly, creating chances has not been a strong point for Spurs in the last couple of seasons. But, even that wouldn’t necessarily be an issue for Osimhen, who is brilliant at creating opportunities out of thin air. The Nigerian striker has speed, strength, and a top football IQ, making him the kind of livewire that Tottenham have been lacking for a very, very long time.

Whereas Richarlison has always fed on those scraps in the box, and Dominic Solanke heavily relies on other players running around him and creating space, Osimhen can produce magic in the blink of an eye.

Tottenham’s attacking roster has improved massively, at least on paper, but Osimhen's arrival would turn a promising frontline into an almost unstoppable one.

I’ll start this week with the transfer talk concerning Julian Alvarez, who has his heart set on a move to Barcelona, despite Arsenal’s interest. He’d improve Mikel Arteta’s team considerably because he’s an out-and-out goalscorer, and is a different kind of player to Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz.

He's got pace, can cause problems, can drop in a hole, and score all kinds of goals. I think they’ll win the Premier League, but with that kind of player, you'd start thinking they could go on to dominate and win the Champions League as well.

Clinton was speaking courtesy of Free Bets, home of the best UK betting sites.

'Julian Alvarez signing takes Arsenal to the next level'

It’s clear that he wants to go to Barcelona, but Atletico Madrid don’t want to sell him to a rival. Although, if Barcelona are willing to pay the money, why wouldn’t Atletico sell him when they’ve got an unhappy player who’s lost the support of the fans?

Obviously, he can always win the fans back over by staying and scoring loads of goals for Atletico Madrid.

Another player who has been linked with a move away is Emiliano Martinez, who has reportedly been offered to Chelsea. He would improve them massively, particularly after Robert Sanchez’s performance against Fulham last Monday.

He can't get beaten by that Josh King strike. I don't like to be too critical of players, but it's not the first mistake he's made.

Even with the second Fulham goal — he's parried it back into the danger zone. I don't like to be too critical, especially as it was the first game of the season, but they clearly need to bring in a goalkeeper.

I know they've got Mike Penders from Strasbourg, but they need someone with more experience, and Martinez definitely fits the bill.

One player who’s already made a big-money move is Ayyoub Bouaddi. He’s someone with a lot of potential at just 18-years-old, and he’s a top talent. We saw what he could do at the World Cup, but the Premier League is a completely different type of test.

I like the way he takes the ball, and his confidence is something to admire. And everyone knows about Enzo Fernandez and his qualities.

He's going to get booed everywhere he goes this season, and will receive a lot of stick. But he's a good player, and I don’t think Chelsea want to lose him.

But it was interesting when Xabi Alonso said that he doesn't know what's going to happen, and wished the window was shut.

Usually when a manager says, 'No, my player is not for sale, he's not going anywhere,' then you know that's the truth. But he didn't say that about Enzo Fernandez. So, personally, I think it will happen.

I think Man City will pay the money and get Fernandez, after already signing Bouaddi. I hear they’ve also agreed a fee to sign the Brazilian winger Alan from Palmeiras, so it’s clear to see that City aren’t sitting still after losing Rodri.

Elsewhere, Ollie Watkins’ move to Al Hilal is an interesting one. It would be a massive coup for the Saudi League and their teams — because I cover a lot of the Saudi League and they're trying to sign a lot of top players. And you know why players are going there? Because the money looks after them and their families for years and years.

So I can probably understand why Watkins, who’s 30 and almost 31, and thinking that he could have a couple of years over there and look after his family.

He’ll be playing alongside the likes of Karim Benzema and Ruben Neves, with Al Hilal building a team that they feel can win the league, because Cristiano Ronaldo’s team, Al Nassr, won it last season. So it'll be interesting, and a good move for Watkins.

Finally, there are some cracking games to look forward to in the Premier League this weekend, and Aston Villa versus Arsenal on Monday night is one which stands out to me. Villa always give Arsenal a good game at Villa Park.

It'll be interesting to see if Ezri Konsa is involved, but more so to see how Villa react after their heavy defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

We know Villa are short — they've lost four key players in Lucas Digne, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Konsa. It looks like they’ll lose Watkins too, so they need to strengthen. But the Villa fans will rightly trust Unai Emery.

It's not an easy start for them, and they're playing against everyone's tip to win the Premier League, but I think they'll make it difficult for Arsenal.

Aston Villa’s pursuit of AC Milan star Rafael Leao has effectively been brought to an end following a major breakthrough in negotiations for Paris Saint-Germain starlet Ibrahim Mbaye.

As revealed by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Villa have reached an agreement in principle to sign the 18-year-old winger in a deal worth €55 million (£46.5m).

The strong personal relationship between PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris is cited to have been key in closing the agreement, with final formalities reportedly now underway.

Rafael Leao will not become an Aston Villa player - but PSG teenager might

Villa had emerged as serious contenders for Leao in recent days. According to reports from Sky Sports and Italian transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio, manager Unai Emery had even held direct talks with the Portuguese international to explain his vision.

However, a €55m outlay for Mbaye, who operates in the same left-sided attacking berth, signals that Villa have seemingly chosen their primary long-term option, drawing a firm line under a potential deal for Leao, too.

The acquisition of Mbaye comes amid a turbulent summer overhaul at Villa Park.

Following a high-profile squad firesale that has seen core members of their Europa League-winning squad including Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa, and Youri Tielemans depart, Emery has been forced to rebuild his unit under strict financial conditions.

With further uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ollie Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, bringing in fresh talent was deemed essential.

Mbaye has been involved in on-and-off talks with Villa for several months, with the Midlands club long identifying him as a target.

While discussions hit impasses earlier in the window and Mbaye entertained offers from other clubs, negotiations have clearly reignited as the transfer deadline approached. Now, the Senegalese international teenager is finally set to secure his move to the Premier League, while putting an end to the Leao rumours.

Liverpool and Chelsea have entered a late-window battle to secure the signature of AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.

Both Premier League clubs are reportedly weighing up a move ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline.

According to a report from Foot Mercato, both sides have registered interest in the 22-year-old Senegalese international as they scramble for late midfield reinforcements.

Liverpool and Chelsea go head-to-head for Senegal midfielder

At Stamford Bridge, the sudden urgency to land Camara stems from an impending major departure. Enzo Fernandez looks increasingly likely to join Manchester City before the window shuts, leaving the Blues searching for a dynamic replacement to replace the World Cup winner.

Losing the Argentine would certainly impact Chelsea's midfield structure, making the signing of a proven, high-energy operator a priority for the club's recruitment team.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are yet to submit a formal proposal but it's reported they admire the player and could yet make a move.

Camara could prove to be the solution to their own tactical vulnerability. Liverpool’s midfield has been having ongoing issues, and Andoni Iraola's side remain uncomfortably threadbare in central positions following recent squad moves.

With starting options facing demanding workloads across domestic and European commitments this season, securing an additional, durable midfield option before the deadline is viewed by many fans as vital business.

Camara is one of French football's most dynamic young midfielders. The former Metz and Generation Foot prodigy is a box-to-box operator who combines tackling and ball recovery with press-resistant traits such as ball-carrying and forward passing.

At Chelsea, Camara would likely slot in alongside Moises Caicedo, providing the mobility, counter-pressing, and defensive discipline needed to balance what is one of the league's most exciting attacks. His work-rate would go some way to cushioning the blow of Fernandez’s likely departure, too.

At Anfield, Camara’s versatile profile aligns neatly with Iraola's tactical and physical demands for his central pivot.

Capable of functioning either as a deep-lying midfielder or a roaming central box-to-box option, he would offer cover and rotation for both Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. Camara's ability to break up opposition counter-attacks before quickly advancing possession would give Liverpool the balance they appeared to lack on the opening weekend of the new season.

It remains to be seen what Monaco's asking price will be, but Camara is valued at €40m by Transfermarkt and has three years remaining on his contract, which is likely to be a lucrative deal given the tax exemptions afforded to players in the principality.

Arsenal could pivot to bring in Marcus Rashford from Manchester United before deadline day.

That's according to a new report that says there is “internal surprise” at London Colney that the Gunners are looking to sell Gabriel Martinelli after seven years of service before bringing in a replacement.

While Arsenal are still in the market for Julian Alvarez in the event that the Argentine opts to leave Atletico Madrid, there are fewer options at this stage of the market, with several big targets' futures decided.

Marcus Rashford could move to Arsenal in “temporary” deal

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has expressed his interest in keeping Rashford as part of his squad this season, even bringing the England international off the bench last week in the defeat to newly promoted Hull City.

With the forward one of the Red Devils' highest earners, however, owner Jim Ratcliffe has been happy to move Rashford on in the last few years, with loans to Aston Villa and Barcelona helping to alleviate the wage bill at Old Trafford.

Miguel Delaney of The Independent has now written that the United academy graduate remains an option for Mikel Arteta's side – though Arsenal aren't desperate to sign either Rashford or their big target, Alvarez.

“If Arsenal don’t get [Alvarez], they are relatively relaxed,” Delaney says, adding, “There is some internal surprise they let Gabriel Martinelli go before securing an alternative in that area, although some sources believe it could see Arsenal move for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford on a temporary deal.

“It’s just as possible they keep the money and wait.”

Arsenal have had a number of major setbacks in the transfer window this summer, with interest in Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Jr and Bradley Barcola at one stage or another.

While Rogers shocked the Gunners by going to Chelsea and Vinicius turned down Arteta's advances to sign an improved deal at Real Madrid, Barcola is on the cusp of signing for Liverpool, without Arsenal ever putting in a serious offer in the end for the Frenchman.

If Arsenal do sell Martinelli and fail in their pursuit of Alvarez, that would leave Arteta with just Christos Tzolis as an out-and-out left-winger – though the Basque brought Eberechi Eze on in his place last week in the win over Coventry City.

Noni Madueke could well play on that flank, too, while youngster Max Dowman could feature on the left as well.

Rashford is worth €40m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal face Aston Villa when Premier League action continues next weekend.

Doubt has been cast on Newcastle United’s anticipated sale of Nick Pope following a disastrous European night for Scottish champions Celtic.

The Bhoys' failure to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League league phase this season has somewhat altered their financial outlook in the final days of the summer transfer window, placing Pope’s proposed move to Parkhead on the brink of collapse.

Celtic's drop into the Europa League will inflict a blow to their finances for the 2026/27 campaign.

Celtic may be forced to reassess Newcastle transfer

Under UEFA’s prize money distribution framework, reaching the Champions League league phase guarantees a club an automatic starting fee of €18.62m (£15.7m).

However, participation in the Europa League pays out just €4.31m (£3.6m) by comparison, representing a revenue deficit of €14.31m (£12.1m).

Overall, Celtic's defeat by Austrian side LASK Linz is expected to cost the club between £21m-30m in potential revenue - an especially bitter pill to swallow given the lead they held in the fixture.

This financial shortfall could leave last season's Scottish Premiership winners struggling to justify the expenditure required to land veteran goalkeeper Pope.

FourFourTwo understands Nick Pope's Newcastle deal saw the England goalkeeper remunerated increasingly year-on-year, meaning his current earnings are likely to surpass Celtic's current wage structure.

While Newcastle remain willing to sanction the move to streamline their own goalkeeping department, Celtic may not be able to comfortably accommodate Pope’s Premier League salary without a financial safety net of Champions League football.

Without Champions League participation and the revenue stream it guarantees, Celtic’s decision-makers could now be forced to reassess whether Pope remains an essential signing in the final days of the transfer window.

Arsenal are readying themselves to potentially let go of a player who only joined this summer.

The Gunners have been measured during the transfer window, adding Ezri Konsa to the defence, Bruno Guimaraes to the midfield and Christos Tzolis to the attack, with Julian Alvarez targeted as the marquee buy of the window.

But it's actually in goal that Arsenal could well see a shock departure before deadline.

Arsenal readying themselves for Illan Meslier approach from Marseille

French custodian Illan Meslier was manager Mikel Arteta's first signing of the summer, arriving at London Colney to compete with Kepa Arrizabalaga for a chance to be David Raya's backup.

World Cup-winning Spaniard Raya is an undroppable first choice between the sticks for the Gunners, having won the Premier League Golden Glove in each of the last three seasons – and FourFourTwo understands that his place is as untouchable in the side as the likes of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

There could well be movement in the goalkeeping department though, according to journalist Santi Aouna, who has claimed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Marseille are looking at Meslier.

Aouna claims that “Marseille still need to trim the squad before they can make concrete progress”, but could well make a loan move for the Frenchman before next week's transfer deadline.

Arsenal have been widely expected to sanction a loan move for 20-year-old Tommy Setford, who served as a third-choice keeper for Arteta last season – however, this new development suggests that Dutch-born England youth international may well stick around for another season, with Meslier heading out instead.

The Premier League champions have had heavy turnover when it comes to goalkeepers, having signed one every year since Arteta took the reins as manager.

In 2020, FA Cup-winning Emiliano Martinez departed for Aston Villa, to be replaced by Alex Runarsson, who in turn was upgraded when the Gunners signed Mat Ryan on loan in January, and again in the summer of 2021, when Aaron Ramsdale signed to be the club's new No.1.

USMNT glovesman Matt Turner signed in 2022 to replace the ousted Bernd Leno as Ramsdale's backup, before Raya signed in 2023 on loan – and then permanently in 2024.

With Ramsdale exiting in the summer of 2024, the North Londoners brought Neto in on loan from Bournemouth, before Kepa became the club's cup keeper when he signed from Chelsea 12 months ago.

Meslier is worth €8m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal face Aston Villa when Premier League action continues next weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur are still in the market for another striker, with one Bundesliga star targeted.

This summer has been the busiest in N17 for some time, with Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes and Savio signed for a combined £300 million, and Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi both joining on free transfers.

But even though Tottenham are on the cusp of announcing Omar Marmoush next, the transfer business still isn't complete, as another Bundesliga hitman has been targeted.

Tottenham Hotspur in the market for another striker

Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport has revealed that Spurs are in for Igor Matanovic of Freiburg, along with Manchester United.

Despite the Lilywhites having landed Marmoush, to add to a forward line that also includes Richarlison and Dominic Solanke, they would reportedly like to add Croatian Matanovic – which is complicating Fiorentina's pursuit of the forward.

To add further drama to the saga, Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici is now at the Viola, as the North Londoners look to get one over on a familiar face from the Daniel Levy years.

Spurs and Paratici are believed, however, to be on good terms, and even did business over the summer with Fiorentina signing defensive flop Radu Dragusin on loan.

As relayed by Sport Witness, “The Italian side believe Matanovic is the heir to Mario Mandzukic for the Croatian national team,” thanks to his excellent aerial ability – something that Solanke offers a little more than Richarlison or Marmoush.

United are also looking to the 23-year-old to bolster their attacking depth, though their interest may hinge on Joshua Zirkzee's status as a Red Devil by the end of the transfer window.

Spurs were humbled 3-0 at the weekend against Brentford but recovered to beat Charlton Athletic 5-1 in the Carabao Cup third round last night, as manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to turn around a dreadful two seasons in North London, in which the club have suffered back-to-back 17th-placed finishes.

Heavy spending in the transfer market has been offset by big sales in the form of Cristian Romero, Djed Spence and Luka Vuskovic, all fetching over £30m each in transfer fees.

Spurs have also been busy renewing key players' contracts, with Ben Davies, Pedro Porro, Antonin Kinsky and Micky van de Ven all rewarded with bumper new deals.

Matanovic is worth €22m, according to Transfermarkt. Tottenham play Newcastle United when Premier League action continues next weekend.

Arsenal have reached an agreement for the purchase of Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid.

That's according to a new report, which says that the Argentine is closer than ever before to a return to the Premier League, following a breakdown in his relationship with Rojiblancos fans.

Alvarez was booed and whistled at the Metropolitano after publicly stating that it was his “dream” to leave – with Arsenal ready to capitalise on Atletico's refusal to sell to Barcelona.

An 'agreement exists' between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid

Sport Witness have relayed news from Spanish publication AS, which claims that Alvarez is “starting to see” that the Premier League champions are his only chance to leave Diego Simeone's team this summer.

Though Barcelona are interested in signing the World Cup winner, Atletico are unwilling to discuss a move for the star with a rival – and with a release clause set at over £400 million, negotiations can't begin without their consent.

Arsenal have been quoted a price of £128m, and now AS says that an “agreement between the clubs exists” for a €150m deal, plus Viktor Gyokeres heading to Spain in the opposite direction.

Gyokeres was manager Mikel Arteta's top scorer in all competitions last term as the club won the league and reached the final of the Champions League, but has come under criticism for his lack of all-round game and didn't make it off the bench for the first game of the season against his former club, Coventry City.

Now, all Arsenal need is an agreement with Alvarez – though that has always been the sticking point in any deal.

Earlier this summer, Arteta spoke to Alvarez personally to convince the former Manchester City forward to come to North London – but his preference remains to go to Barcelona.

Barça, meanwhile, have been linked with the likes of Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus to bolster their frontline following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

Arsenal are closing in on the sale of Gabriel Martinelli to Al Hilal, with Alvarez an option to play either on the left or at centre-forward.

Alvarez is worth €120m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal face Aston Villa when Premier League action continues next weekend.

Arsenal’s ongoing quest to bolster their frontline has seen them linked with superstar names such as Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. and the like.

However, smart recruitment often lies in identifying world-class potential before the price tag hits eye-watering figures.

Enter Olympique Lyonnais' 21-year-old winger Malick Fofana.

Arsenal have found their cut-price Martinelli replacement

The Belgian international, who operates on the left-hand side, has suddenly become much more affordable following the French outfit's failure to qualify for the Champions League.

In last night's agonising Champions League play-off second leg against Fenerbahce, Lyon fought back to level the aggregate score in the second half. What appeared to be their decisive goal, though, was ruled out by VAR, allowing Fenerbahce to prevail and consigning Lyon to the Europa League.

Lyon's failure carries significant financial consequences for a club that has been no stranger to balance sheet issues in recent times.

Under UEFA’s current distribution model, reaching the Champions League league phase guarantees earnings of €18.62 million (£15.7m) simply for participation.

By contrast, dropping into the Europa League yields a modest base fee of just €4.31m (£3.6m) - an immediate deficit of €14.31m (£12.1m).

Similarly, a victory in the Champions League yields €2.1m (£1.8m) compared to the Europa League's €450k (£386k).

Factoring in the diminished value pillar allocations alongside the smaller performance bonuses, Lyon stand to miss out on an estimated €30m to €40m (£25m–£34m) in total European revenue this season.

For a club already walking a financial tightrope, this shortfall is the worst case scenario.

Severe financial distress nearly saw Lyon demoted to Ligue 2 by the DNCG (Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion) - the financial watchdog and regulatory body for professional football clubs in France - a couple of summers ago, compelling them to sell players like Rayan Cherki to Manchester City on the cheap.

According to French journalist Romain Molina, Lyon must generate €100m (£86m) before June 30, 2027 or risk sanctions from the relevant financial and regulatory bodies again. Most of that figure is likely to come from player sales, meaning members of the squad like Fofana will probably be jettisoned.

This hands Mikel Arteta, Arsenal and other interested suitors, something of a transfer open goal.

With Gabriel Martinelli looking set to join Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Fofana could offer Arteta an option as a replacement and long-term ceiling-raiser.

Where a player like Vinicius Jr. would have commanded an astronomical fee well over £150m alongside structure-busting wage demands, Lyon’s vulnerable negotiating position means Fofana can be acquired for a fraction of that cost. Arsenal have effectively been given the green light, but must move swiftly to capitalise before competitor clubs swoop in.

Arsenal could be about to sign another defender before the transfer window closes.

The Gunners are clear in their intention to upgrade an attack that stuttered at times during their Premier League-winning campaign – but are yet to sign a big-money forward, with just left-winger Christos Tzolis added for a modest fee.

Yet the temptation to bring in yet another defensive face might be too much for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to resist, with an opportunity having arisen in recent days.

Arsenal in for another defensive signing

Arteta has improved his defence and defensive midfield this summer, with acquisitions for Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes totalling over £120 million.

And now, ESPN Brazil says that the champions could be about to spend on another defender in the form of Santos teenager Joao Ananias.

The Gunners are among a throng of clubs interested in the 19-year-old, which includes Brentford, Atletico Madrid and Besiktas, with only the Istanbul-based outfit submitting a concrete offer so far.

The report states that Benfica came close to signing Ananias for £6 million in June, though failed to come to an agreement with Santos, who are using those negotiations as a “reference point for any new talks”.

The centre-back is under contract until 2030, but with the Alvinegro's financial situation demanding sales, a departure could help to balance the books.

In adding Konsa to their squad, Arsenal now have eight players who can play in central defence, with Ben White, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera, Pierro Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori the other seven.

FourFourTwo understands that the club are exercising caution around the back injury that Saliba sustained during the World Cup, while Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Martin Zubimendi are all candidates to play at full-back in a pinch – but it would not be unusual for Arteta to bring in another centre-back to develop.

Rob Holding was used as an emergency option towards the end of his Arsenal career, with the Gunners bringing the long-serving centre-back to shore up the backline and offer experience, even from the bench.

16-year-old Marli Salmon has made four appearances for Arsenal's senior side in defence, too, and may well feature across this campaign.

Ananias is worth €500k, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal face Aston Villa when Premier League action continues next weekend.

Manchester United have a squad full of exciting talents.

Club captain Bruno Fernandes was arguably the best player in the Premier League last season, new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have bedded in nicely, while Marcus Rashford, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba could well add plenty of star quality to manager Michael Carrick's team this term.

And yet, Manchester United legend Lee Sharpe didn't name any of them when FourFourTwo asked him which current star he wished he'd played alongside…

Lee Sharpe names Joshua Zirkzee as the Manchester United player he wished he'd played with

“Joshua Zirkzee is one of my favourite players to watch,” Sharpe somewhat surprisingly responded when asked for a current Red Devil he'd have loved to line up with, courtesy of esports betting at Thunderpick.

“His ability on the ball is phenomenal: in tight areas, he's got great feet and the ability to go past people.

I'm surprised they didn't play him a bit more or give him a chance at the weekend against Hull. It was tight and they needed goals, after all.”

“Surprised you didn't say Bruno,” FourFourTwo asked.

“Well, I really like Kobbie Mainoo, too,” Sharpe responded. “Mainoo is a top player as well.” Fair enough!

Zirkzee arrived at Old Trafford two years ago during Erik ten Hag's tenure as manager, getting off to a flier with a goal on the first day of the 2024/25 season against Fulham – but has struggled to hold down a first-team place since then.

The emergence of Cunha, Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko limited the Dutchman to just 26 appearances in all competitions last term, and a return of just two goals, both of which came under Carrick's predecessor, Ruben Amorim.

Zirkzee has been linked with a move away from United this summer, as Rashford returns from loan to compete for a starting berth.

The Red Devils also have the likes of Mason Mount and Patrick Dorgu competing for places in attack.

Zirkzee is worth €20m, according to Transfermarkt. United face Ipswich Town when Premier League action continues next weekend.

Liverpool are in the market for another forward or two before the transfer window closes, as Andoni Iraola rebuilds a misfiring team.

The Reds were criticised after a disjointed opening-day draw on Tyneside in which Dominik Szoboszlai snatched a point for Liverpool against Newcastle United, with questions asked over the defensive midfield, full-backs and Florian Wirtz in particular.

Despite their woes further back, however, it appears the Merseysiders are still chasing a number of targets to improve the frontline.

Liverpool sees transfer hopes dashed by Jose Mourinho

One player that Iraola won't be welcoming to Merseyside, however, is Endrick.

The wonderkid has struggled to adapt to life since moving to Real Madrid from Palmeiras at the age of 18, going on loan to Lyon last term – and ESPN Brazil recently confirmed that Liverpool were one of a number of sides monitoring the striker as cover for the injured Hugo Ekitike.

Spanish outlet El Desmarque have relayed comments from Los Blancos boss Mourinho, however, pouring cold water on any exit for the Brazil international.

“I didn’t want to loan him out or sell him because I enjoy working with this young player who possesses significant talent,” the Special One is quoted as saying.

“I’m not sure if he’ll make Carlo Ancelotti’s first national team squad, but having a great friend as the national team coach [helps]. He is a player I like very much, one who has attracted interest from many clubs wanting him either on loan or via a permanent transfer.”

The 15-time European champions rehired the Portuguese legend over the summer, and despite attackers including Vinicius Jr, Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler all being linked with moves away from Valdebebas, all of them have remained with the club, with Yan Diomande signing from RB Leipzig in a nine-figure move.

Liverpool were long-linked with Diomande themselves, before recalibrating to target Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh – who could both move to Merseyside before the deadline.

Iraola currently has Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo competing for the centre-forward spot, with the latter linked with a move away in recent weeks, and Ekitike likely to miss the majority of the season after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in the Champions League last term.

While backup Real striker Gonzalo Garcia has moved to Fulham this summer, Endrick has been handed the no.9 shirt at the Bernabeu ahead of the new campaign.

The 20-year-old is worth €40m, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool face Nottingham Forest when Premier League action continues next weekend.

The Manchester club have unintentionally derailed the Magpies’ pursuit of Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, according to reports.

Newcastle had been in negotiations over a fee with the Ligue 1 outfit for the Belgian international forward, but the club may now go in a different direction after failing to agree.

The high-profile transaction between Manchester City and Lille, which sees Ayyoub Bouaddi join Enzo Maresca's side, has altered the negotiating landscape.

Manchester City land Ayyoub Bouaddi but deal has consequences

Man City’s £81 million purchase of the teenage midfielder has deposited a massive windfall of cash into Lille's accounts, transforming the French club's balance sheet.

Before Man City’s intervention, Lille were - as is the case with huge swathes of French football - operating under pressure to balance their books.

This would have made structuring a deal for Fernandez-Pardo achievable for Newcastle, however, that financial leverage has now vanished.

With their coffers overflowing from the Bouaddi deal, Lille no longer need to sell for economic reasons. Consequently, the French side have been able to play hardball in talks, holding out for a steep asking price that far exceeds what Newcastle are willing to pay.

Therefore, with Newcastle unwilling to overpay in an inflated market, the Magpies have reached a roadblock in negotiations, according to reports on the continent.

The setback occurs while Newcastle and Manchester City remain engaged in direct business elsewhere.

Newcastle are finalising a reported £50 million transfer for Man City midfielder Nico Gonzalez, which will reinforce Matthias Jaissle's options in the middle of the park.

Arsenal have been given the green light to begin talks for Julian Alvarez with Atletico Madrid.

The 2022 World Cup winner was booed and whistled by his own fans on Sunday night, making his first appearance in Rojiblancos colours since publicly stating that he wishes to leave the Spanish capital.

With Arsenal chasing Alvarez all summer, The Standard has relayed information from The Athletic, stating that Atletico have acquiesced and are now willing to discuss terms for their previously untouchable forward.

Atletico Madrid prepared to sell Julian Alvarez to Arsenal – for £128m

With the animosity between Alvarez and Atletico fans crystal clear after scenes at the Metropolitano over the weekend, there's been a reported change in stance from his employers: Atleti rejected a £128 million bid for their star in June from city rivals Real Madrid, but are now willing to discuss a sale for that figure.

This would make the former Manchester City player Arsenal's record signing, with the Premier League champions having spent just over £100m on Declan Rice in 2023 – while the Gunners are looking to shift Gabriel Martinelli for over £50m to the Saudi Pro League in the coming days to balance the books.

The Standard has reiterated that Alvarez's desire is not to move to North London but to Barcelona – but with Atletico unwilling to do business with their La Liga rivals, the Catalans have given up on signing the 26-year-old.

That leaves Alvarez at an impasse: either he remains playing under Diego Simeone for another season or leaves for a new challenge at the Emirates Stadium.

FourFourTwo understands that both Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres have been talked about as pawns in a potential deal, with the former now into the final year of his Arsenal contract, and the latter left on the bench against former club Coventry City last Friday in the first Premier League game of the season.

Both players have been discussed as cut-price options to strengthen Barcelona's attack – though the Blaugrana are working on deals to offload La Masia alumni Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado and Hector Fort – while Gyokeres has been touted as a potential replacement for Alvarez himself.

Arsenal are also looking to loan out an academy graduate of their own in Ethan Nwaneri, as manager Mikel Arteta looks to finalise a squad capable of competing on all four fronts this term.

Alvarez signed for Atletico two years ago, after two years in English football in which he won the league twice and the Champions League – along with a World Cup in Qatar.

As reported by David Ornstein for The Athletic back in 2024, Los Colchoneros signed the centre-forward in a deal worth over £80m, giving him a six-year contract and including a release clause worth €500m (£427.1m).

Alvarez is worth €120m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal face Aston Villa when Premier League action continues next weekend.

Manchester United have begun talks to sell one of their most highly-rated young players.

The Red Devils have been savvy in the transfer market so far this summer with their incomings, but few players have headed out the door to balance the books.

While Manchester United now look to be keeping the likes of Marcus Rashford and Manuel Ugarte – players previously tipped for transfer – it seems one young talent is up for sale, with negotiations underway for him to leave Old Trafford.

Champions League club in to sign supremely talented Manchester United youngster, Chido Obi

Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reports that 18-year-old wonderkid Chido Obi is a target for Feyenoord, with the Rotterdammers in talks to bring the centre-forward to De Kuip on loan.

The report calls the deal “surprising” given that the club have Ayase Ueda, Ignacio Ferri and teenage nepo baby Shaqueel van Persie all as options in attack – but while “Feyenoord is currently only interested in a loan deal”, United have set a price tag of €5 million.

Obi came to attention in Arsenal's Hale End academy, making his under-21 debut at the age of just 15 and making international headlines when he netted 10 goals in 14-3 win against Liverpool, at under-16 level.

The young Dane made the shock move to Manchester United in 2024, however, along with Ayden Heaven, in search of more playing time.

Obi was handed a Premier League debut by Ruben Amorim in February 2025, and against Brentford a few months later, became the youngest player to start a Premier League game for United at just 17 years, 156 days – but found the pathway into the first team difficult and has thus far only played seven times in the Premier League.

Obi claimed Amorim challenged the teenager to “be humble” and wait for his opportunity – but with the club signing the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha last summer, the 18-year-old didn't feature once all season for United's first team last term.

FourFourTwo understands that United still value Obi highly and would prefer a loan – though wouldn't be opposed to selling the player for the right price.

New manager Michael Carrick has been seemingly more open to giving youth a chance than his predecessor, meanwhile.

Amorim reportedly failed to watch an entire academy game during his time at Old Trafford, with Carrick attending one within weeks of being named interim boss at the club.

Obi is worth €5m, according to Transfermarkt. United face Ipswich Town when Premier League action continues next weekend.

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has team-mates on his side, following his brutal freeze-out from manager Mikel Arteta.

According to a new report, the Brazilian's imminent exit from North London after seven years has caused “discomfort” in the Emirates Stadium dressing room – and that Arsenal stars have shown “plenty of sympathy” for their colleague.

While ESPN Brazil reports that Martinelli is understandably upset about the situation, The Mirror has revealed that this could be a wider problem at London Colney, with team-mates backing the 25-year-old.

Arsenal turning attentions to Matias Fernandez-Pardo

Arsenal are currently pursuing Julian Alvarez as a late signing in the closing days of the transfer window, though FourFourTwo understands that the move is difficult, with the Argentine currently not favouring a transfer back to England.

Martinelli, meanwhile, is on the cusp of a move to Al Hilal, having rejected a move to Galatasaray, having not featured in either of Arsenal's first two games of the season.

The winger last featured in an Arsenal squad in pre-season, seeing himself dropped for the Community Shield in Cardiff before Arteta again left him out of his matchday squad against Coventry City, as the champions began their title defence.

In both fixtures so far, new signing Christos Tzolis has started on the left wing for Arsenal, with Eberechi Eze replacing him last Friday night against the Championship winners in a comfortable 3-0 win.

Martinelli made the move to North London in 2019 under former manager Unai Emery, but established himself as a regular under Arteta during the club's resurgence up the table.

Having scored 15 league goals in 2022/23, it looked like the Brazilian would push on and develop further – but Martinelli has stagnated somewhat and last term only put up a single strike in the club's first league win in 22 years.

This is not the first time that Arteta has frozen out a player or shown a cold side when trying to move on a star: not only were one-time record signings Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil omitted from the squad before having their contracts terminated, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was dropped in favour of David Raya, in a move that felt controversial at the time.

Despite Arteta insisting that both Ramsdale and Raya were competing for the same spot, the England international made just two appearances in the league in his final season – both against Brentford when the on-loan Raya was cup-tied.

FourFourTwo understands that Arteta still has the overwhelming support and backing from all of his squad, with no suggestion or hint of any kind of dressing room mutiny.

Martinelli is worth €45m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal face Aston Villa when Premier League action continues next weekend.

Liverpool’s midfield unit is in a bind as the club prepares to sanction yet another departure from its engine room.

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Spanish midfielder Stefan Bajcetic is on the verge of returning to his hometown club, Celta Vigo, with negotiations over personal terms approaching a final agreement.

The potential departure of the 21-year-old comes on the heels of Curtis Jones completing a £30 million move to Serie A champions Inter Milan.

Liverpool lose another midfielder

Losing Jones has thinned out Liverpool’s squad depth, and allowing Bajcetic to pack his bags leaves manager Andoni Iraola with surprisingly threadbare reserves in central areas, even if he was unlikely to mount a challenge to the established starting order this season.

Behind options like Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai, the bench is looking especially scarce ahead of a domestic and European campaign.

There is growing fan anxiety over the Reds' balance in central midfield, too.

Supporters are likely to view this latest transfer manoeuvre with skepticism. With Szoboszlai and Gravenberch both inclined to push forward in possession, shipping out rotational options without securing a defensively-minded replacement feels like a gamble that risks leaving the defence exposed.

For Bajcetic, heading back to Galicia represents a homecoming of sorts. Liverpool originally signed the youngster from Celta Vigo’s youth setup in December 2020 for a modest fee. He was developed into a deep-lying midfielder under Jurgen Klopp and enjoyed something of a breakout 2022/23 campaign, featuring sporadically under the German.

However, growth-related injury setbacks halted his rise, restricting him to just three senior appearances during 2023/24 season before subsequent loan spells at Red Bull Salzburg and Las Palmas.

While a return home offers Bajcetic a fresh start to reignite his promising career, Liverpool supporters are left questioning the strategy of letting another engine-room reserve walk away.

Liverpool have been given a “zero per cent chance” of landing a top young star they were linked with earlier in the transfer window.

The Reds have started life under Andoni Iraola in disjointed fashion, salvaging a late point at St. James' Park on Sunday – but despite questions being asked of their defensive midfield, marquee buy Florian Wirtz and both full-backs, it appears that Liverpool are chasing another winger.

A deal for Yankuba Minteh is close, while Bradley Barcola has been linked all window – though it appears one wonderkid defensive midfielder is not on the radar.

Liverpool have no chance in pursuit of wonderkid midfielder

One-club Liverpool man Jamie Carragher was scathing in his criticism of his former side's opening weekend draw with Newcastle United, calling out Ryan Gravenberch for his positioning and stating that Dominik Szoboszlai doesn't have the “discipline” to play in a double-pivot midfield.

“I think Liverpool do need someone alongside Gravenberch.” Carragher said, adding “It doesn't necessarily have to be a player who can't get on the ball, who's just tackling and stopping players.

“If you play for one of the top teams in the world, like Liverpool are, you need to be able to get hold of the ball: but I want someone in [the midfield] who can run, and I just think Szoboszlai has to go to the no.10.”

According to Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra, that won't be Matias Orozco, who has been ruled out of a move to Anfield.

The Barranquilla-born deep-lying playmaker burst into Colombian side Deportivo Cali's first team last season, with local outlet VBar Caracol stating that the 18-year-old was close to leaving for Merseyside.

That information now appears to be premature – at least in terms of Anfield links, with Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Everton, Aston Villa, Fulham and Manchester City all touted as interested in the talent.

City have just completed a deal for another South American-based wonderkid in the form of Palmeiras winger, Allen, as per The BBC.

Leeds United and Brentford were both touted as potential destinations for Oroczo.

The Colombia youth international is worth €1.4m, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool play Nottingham Forest when Premier League action continues next weekend.

Liverpool are plotting their next move in the Yankuba Minteh saga – despite a ‘bizarre’ issue.

The Reds opened their Premier League season with a disappointing draw at St. James' Park, as Dominik Szoboszlai salvaged a point for Liverpool with a last-gasp penalty against a dogged Newcastle United.

But despite calls for the club to bring in more defensive-minded players – even from Anfield legend Jamie Carragher on Monday Night Football, who was critical of his former club's opening performance – Liverpool are pressing on with bringing in two more wingers before the transfer window slams shut in a week, with Minteh the standout option on the right.

Liverpool still want Yankuba Minteh - despite 'bizarre' setback

Liverpool have had two bids rejected for Yankuba Minteh already in the last week.

The Gambian has become the Reds' top target to replace Mohamed Salah on the right flank – with TEAMtalk relaying that the club are weighing up whether to increase their bid to a minimum of £65 million.

The report describes the continued interest as “bizarre”, however, following journalist Florian Plettenberg revealing in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Minteh is expected to be out of action for a minimum of eight weeks.

The Brighton & Hove Albion man picked up the knock in pre-season against Roma and missed the Seagulls' romp at home to Aston Villa at the weekend, with Plettenberg noting he may need “two to three months to be fully match-fit after his injury”.

Given how disjointed Liverpool looked in their draw with Newcastle, the injury news comes as a blow to new manager Andoni Iraola, who is trying to get his squad up to speed and ingrained in his methods as soon as possible.

Youngster Rio Ngumoha started out of position on the right on Tyneside, while the Reds had questions to answer with their high-flying full-backs, lack of cover in defensive midfield, how best to compensate for the ageing Virgil van Dijk and which position best suits big-money playmaker Florian Wirtz.

FourFourTwo understands that a fee of around £70m would be enough for Brighton to accept – with journalist Ben Jacobs corroborating that figure on TalkSPORT.

“With Minteh, they held some talks over the weekend,” he claimed, adding, “They’re deciding today; so it could change any minute and very quickly whether they want to make a third bid.”

“If they go to £70m, it’ll be a done deal, according to Brighton sources: my sense is Liverpool might consider £65m first.”

Minteh is worth €45m, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool play Nottingham Forest when Premier League action continues next weekend.

Arsenal have been “seduced” by a leftfield option for their frontline.

That's according to a new report, with the Gunners running out of time to secure a new forward before the transfer window closes next week, and moves for big targets having not progressed in the last few weeks.

Arsenal have already replaced one Belgian this summer in the form of Leandro Trossard – but could they be about to bring in one of his international team-mates?

Arsenal turning attentions to Matias Fernandez-Pardo

Sport Witness has relayed information from Sky Deutschland and Foot Mercato regarding Belgian World Cup star Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who is said to be close to a move to RB Leipzig.

The East German outfit have targeted the Lille man as one of two options, along with former star Christopher Nkunku – while Newcastle United are preparing a final bid of around €60 million for Fernandez-Pardo, too, as per Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Sport Witness notes that Leipzig have an agreement in principle, but that Arsenal have been “seduced by his explosive qualities” and “aware they need an astronomical fee of €70m” to hijack a move for the player, who was a surprise call-up for the 2026 World Cup.

FourFourTwo understands that Newcastle are still closest to bringing in Fernandez-Pardo, though Arsenal's lack of options elsewhere could potentially lead to a shock deal of some kind advancing seemingly out of nowhere.

Gabriel Martinelli is said to be close to a £50m switch to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, and time is running out for Arteta to source a replacement, with Julian Alvarez seemingly uninterested in leaving Spain and Kenan Yildiz having only signed an extension to his Juventus contract earlier in 2026.

The Gunners have also been linked with the likes of Bradley Barcola and Victor Osimhen.

Arsenal have been smart in the market to bring in another player with Belgian connections, signing Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for the left wing spot to replace Trossard – with Fernandez-Pardo having played in the Pro League, too.

The 21-year-old came through Lille's academy, leaving for Gent in 2020 before returning across the border in 2024, where he has made 71 appearances for Les Dogues.

The winger only made his senior international debut this year, choosing the nation of his birth, Belgium, over Spain and Italy, who he was eligible to play for through ancestry.

Fernandez-Pardo is worth €35m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal face Aston Villa when Premier League action continues next weekend.

Imagine you were to offer Arsenal a left-winger who scored more goals in the Champions League last season than Bradley Barcola, Vinicius Jr or Leandro Trossard. A left-winger with a proven work ethic to do the dirty work defensively and essentially run wing-back shifts. A left-winger with a knack for huge goals in huge moments, who scored against Real Madrid and Manchester City in the last couple of years. A left-winger who has never agitated to start ahead of anyone else and simply bided their time for opportunities. A left-winger who is still just 25 years old. A left-winger who adores Arsenal.

You get where this is going. You read the headline: you know that we're talking about Gabriel Martinelli. But just in case we weren't: who else is available right now who ticks even most of those boxes?

If Arsenal had a guaranteed upgrade waiting for the no.11 shirt, you could maybe understand the freeze-out. But they apparently don't. Not even club legend Ian Wright understands why the Gunners are leaving Martinelli out of squads right now, as he said on Sky Sports last Friday.

“It really makes me feel uncomfortable,” Wrighty said. “He's done enough with this squad to be treated with a little bit more respect than he's being treated with at the moment.”

“Done enough” is putting it mildly. Martinelli was there in the trenches with Bukayo Saka: one of three players left in manager Mikel Arteta's squad whom he didn't actually sign or give a debut to, as a fourth-tier Brazilian bargain who came into an Arsenal side at its lowest and came to define this new era. He was pacy and exciting and scored goals against big teams, but more than that, he was selfless and hard-working and desperate to impress.

The treatment feels particularly cold, given how much Arsenal owe their Premier League title to this guy – and not just for salvaging them a point against Manchester City last season. Is this what Arsenal will do to Saka or Declan Rice one day?

But it's also baffling. He can still contribute – more so than some of his team-mates.

It feels as if Martinelli's own selflessness has led to his stagnation. He announced himself in 2022/23, contributing 15 league goals, dovetailing with Gabriel Jesus and Granit Xhaka on the left-hand side. He registered six goal contributions in his first 10 games, earned a call-up to the midseason World Cup, then registered another 12 in his last 12. It felt like his ceiling was as high as Saka's.

And then Jesus picked up the first of a series of serious injuries. Xhaka left – and rather than replacing him with another passing, Arteta brought in a runner for that left-hand no.8 position, using Kai Havertz, and then Declan Rice. Martinelli was limited to the touchline. He never developed that diagonal cut inside into the box; instead, he looked to stay wide – stay out of Rice's feet – and beat a man on the outside.

He should have been a little more ego-driven. He was a centre-forward before Arteta: he had a knack of getting his head to absolutely anything. Yet from 2023 onwards, the Brazilian has essentially kept his head down (literally and figuratively) to be a touchline winger, despite lacking the 1v1 burst.

He's never been given much of a sniff of playing further in-field – yet whenever he's played there, he's impressed. He last led the line against Liverpool in 2024/25 and scored, in a superb second-half performance. He's never had the space to counter-attack into, given how teams low-block Arsenal – yet last season he scored in six of his seven Champions League group games when he was given breathing space.

Martinelli will usually deliver when given the conditions to – and suddenly, Arsenal have more of a passing presence on the left-hand side, in Myles Lewis-Skelly or Bruno Guimaraes, and a reliable overlap from left-back, in Piero Hincapie. Arsenal have finally built a team for Martinelli… and it's only now that they're selling him.

It sort of feels like the Brazilian is being judged against what was expected of him. Jurgen Klopp once labelled Martinelli as a “talent of the century” – which feels a little overblown now. But if we're being completely honest, did Noni Madueke have a better season than him last year?

There are bigger issues at play here. Viktor Gyokeres lacks an all-round game, and the drop-off between Kai Havertz and the Swede is the biggest between two players in the squad. Arsenal have several players who can play on the left-hand side: unless they can land a significant upgrade on Martinelli – which it doesn't seem they can – the sensible thing would surely be to keep him for another six months as backup to Eberechi Eze and Christos Tzolis on the left, and an alternative to Havertz and Gyokeres through the centre. Wait six to 12 months until a genuine level-raiser – a Junior Kroupi or a Kenan Yildiz, perhaps – appears. Is it even taking a financial hit when you're going to buy a nine-figure player in the next 18 months anyway?

But that's not the popular decision. Martinelli has been there seven years, and unlike Saka, he's not developed into the world-class forward everyone thought he would become. This is the last chance to recoup a big fee for a player with two years left on his contract – and given that he's not improved over the past three years, it's easier to move him on and wonder “what if” than to endure another below-average season.

It seems like things are more black-and-white in football than ever before. Only last night, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher slammed his former club's business 12 months ago as potentially the “worst transfer window in Premier League history”. It may not have even been the worst last summer – and if signing Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak is truly that disastrous, surely Arsenal would love a taste of that.

Just as Martinelli is not a terrible, unusable forward, Julian Alvarez is not the magical silver bullet to replace him. If Arsenal choose to drop £100 million on a player with a handful of senior appearances on the left wing, that's a gamble: if they choose to invest quite so much money in a footballer who so plainly obviously doesn't want to go there, that feels more like a lottery.

The decision to freeze out Martinelli and pursue Alvarez doesn't feel massively in line with Arsenal's careful approach of signing attackers – driven as much by their failed pursuits of Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Jr as by their desperation to upgrade.

Maybe those who criticise the devil they know should be careful what they wish for. Upgrading on Martinelli seems like a good idea in theory, but it might not be quite as straightforward when reality hits.

Wrexham have reportedly agreed a deal with Ligue 1 side SCO Angers for defender Jacques Ekomie, according to a report from Foot Mercato.

West Ham United and German club Hamburger SV were also reported to be pursuing the 23-year-old left-back.

French sports newspaper L'Équipe previously reported West Ham's interest in the Gabonese international, with Angers placing a €10 million (£8.7m) valuation on the player.

West Ham miss out on international defender

However, Wrexham are now understood to have moved ahead in negotiations to finalise terms with the French club before West Ham could.

The outcome comes following a winless start to the Championship campaign for West Ham following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

Despite retaining one of the highest-salaried squads in the second tier, West Ham have recorded one draw and one loss from their opening two league fixtures against Burnley and Charlton Athletic, respectively.

West Ham hold significant transfer capital after selling Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes earlier in the window.

The substantial fees recouped from those two departures provided financial flexibility for squad reinforcements, but an agreement for Ekomie was not reached on this occasion.

Ekomie joined Angers from Bordeaux in 2024 and made more than 50 appearances in French football.

His anticipated departure for Wrexham leaves West Ham searching for alternative defensive options in the final days of the transfer window.

Stamford Bridge officials must offload four senior players before September 1 or risk watching players tear up their contracts and walk away on free transfers under a new legal framework.

The summer transfer window for English clubs closes in a matter of days, leaving the Blues with a major squad bottleneck.

Premier League registration limits, FIFA loan caps and strict new player protection laws pose a significant problem for the Blues, if it cannot be rectified in time.

Chelsea's squad registration bottleneck

Chelsea’s bloated first-team squad currently stands at 39 players. While 10 of those qualify as Under-21 players, meaning they do not occupy a spot on the Premier League's 25-man squad list but remain eligible to feature, the reality for the rest of the squad is stark.

Because Premier League rules cap senior squads at 25, four established over-21 players will be left unregistered if they remain on Chelsea's books after the window shuts.

Loan loophole closed

In previous years, Chelsea might have bypassed registration headaches by farming surplus players out on loan, particularly to French side Strasbourg under the shared BlueCo ownership umbrella.

However, updated FIFA regulations have restricted that particular route.

FIFA limits clubs to a maximum of six international loans per season, with a secondary rule stipulating that no more than three players can be loaned to the same club.

Chelsea have already burnt through two of their six outgoing international loan slots, including one to Strasbourg. Consequently, Chelsea possess four remaining outgoing loan spots in total and can send a maximum of two more players to Strasbourg.

The consequences of leaving players unregistered are far more dangerous than the dressing-room discontent of previous seasons. A new agreement between FIFA and global players' union FIFPRO now gives exiled players housed within a club's "bomb squad" the power to take legal action.

If a player is excluded from the official squad list or banished to train separately from the first-team, they now hold the legal right to cite "just sporting cause."

If Chelsea are deemed in breach of these employment standards, the affected player can theoretically terminate their contract with immediate effect.

For Chelsea, contract terminations would mean forfeiting hundreds of millions of pounds in amortised transfer value and potential resale fees. In theory, players signed for massive sums could walk away for nothing.

With the transfer deadline falling next Tuesday, September 1, Chelsea have less than a week to broker the requisite departures.

Manchester United have an offer on the table for Alejandro Balde, with the full-back being ushered out of Barcelona.

Balde was left out of Hansi Flick's matchday squad at the weekend, and with Manchester United chasing an upgrade at left-back, Balde has been frequently touted as a long-term solution in that position.

With Barcelona having re-signed Joao Cancelo over the summer and Flick favouring Gerard Martin in Balde's role, too, the 22-year-old is considering his future ahead of the transfer window closing.

Alejandro Balde closer to a Manchester United move, given “uncertain” Barcelona future

According to a Cadena Ser report, Balde is uncertain about his immediate future at Camp Nou, and manager Hansi Flick “has not clearly defined his role for the current season.”

Balde has a “firm proposal” from Manchester United but has not been formally asked to leave Catalonia, despite Flick recently asserting that he “expects more commitment, more competitiveness, and more intensity” from the defender.

Michael Carrick's team lost 2-0 to newly promoted Hull City on Saturday in the shock of the weekend, with long-serving left-back Luke Shaw coming under fierce criticism.

Red Devils legend Gary Neville – ranked at no.48 in FourFourTwo's list of the greatest Premier League players of all time – dissected Shaw's performance on Monday Night Football on Sky Sports, noting that while Shaw has plenty of experience, he had “no idea what [he was] doing” for the goal.

31-year-old Shaw is now in his 13th season as a Manchester United player, with last term the first time that he featured in every league game of the season.

United have been linked with a younger upgrade in the form of one of Joaquin Seys, Lewis Hall and Myles Lewis-Skelly – though the latter two are not for sale – and while Balde has been a long-term target, he is unlikely to leave Barcelona in the coming days unless he is explicitly told he has no future.

FourFourTwo understands that Barça are also keen to move another two La Masia graduates out of the club in Hector Fort and Marc Casado, with Premier League interest in both players at one stage.

Deemed one of Barcelona's most exciting young players after his breakthrough in 2021, Balde made his debut for his hometown club at 18, made an international debut a year later, and signed a long-term contract with his hometown club in 2023 with a billion-euro release clause, marking his ascension as one of the most exciting young defenders in world football.

A hamstring injury in 2024 somewhat stunted his development, however, and despite a surprise call-up to the 2022 World Cup, the left-back star was left out of Spain's triumphant Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup squads.

Balde is worth €50 million, according to Transfermarkt. United host Ipswich Town when Premier League action continues this weekend.

Liverpool are to submit a third bid for Yankuba Minteh, as the Brighton player waits to formalise personal terms.

The Reds have been linked with the likes of Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye this summer, but last week, reports dropped of Liverpool's interest in Minteh, with his entourage dismissing the claims as “old news”.

Now, however, the Merseysiders are expected to ramp up their offer for the Gambian – who didn't feature in table-topping Brighton's first fixture of the season at the weekend – in their search for a needle-moving wide man.

If Liverpool bid over £70m for Yankuba Minteh, Brighton are likely to accept

According to journalist Foday Manneh in a post on X (formerly Twitter), a third bid is expected for Minteh, with the Reds “ready to go with an improved and convincing offer”.

Minteh himself is described by Manneh as “[waiting] to formalise personal terms” once a fee is agreed between the two clubs, with Sport Witness claiming that £70 million should be enough for the Seagulls to accept.

Minteh signed for Brighton from Newcastle United in 2024, making 66 league appearances over the past two campaigns for Albion and becoming a hit at the Amex opposite Kaoru Mitoma on the opposite flank.

The BBC reported his original transfer fee to Sussex as being £30m, with the deal sanctioned along with the sale of Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest, so that the Magpies could satisfy Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

A sale at £70m would represent a profit of more than double what Brighton paid – though they don't particularly need the money – reportedly turning down over £90m for Mitoma last year.

Last Thursday, it was widely reported that Brighton had rejected a £50m bid for the winger, with a second bid also rejected over the weekend.

FourFourTwo understands that Minteh is extremely keen for the move to one of Europe's elite and that personal terms aren't thought to be an issue, though he hasn't agitated for a transfer just yet.

Liverpool may well land Barcola on top of Minteh before the transfer window closes, with Victor Munoz secured in attack as well – as the World Cup winner made his debut for the Reds over the weekend.

Youngster Rio Ngumoha started Andoni Iraola's first game as manager on the right wing meanwhile, with Minteh a more natural fit for that flank.

Minteh is worth €45m, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool play Forest when Premier League action continues next week.

Lewis Hall experienced the full spectrum of footballing emotions at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon, putting in a strong performance against Liverpool before inadvertently playing the pantomime villain.

The 21-year-old left-back was tenacious down his flank for 90 minutes in Newcastle United's 2-2 draw, showcasing his defensive nous and composure, both in and out of possession.

However, an agonising stoppage-time foul inside the box handed Dominik Szoboszlai the opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot. Despite the late heartbreak, Hall’s overall display was among the finest on the pitch, serving as a emphatic reminder to Newcastle fans and interested suitors of his potential.

'No chance' Lewis Hall is signing for Manchester United, says Newcastle boss

It was a timely shop window display after three months spent out of the spotlight. Hall spent his summer on the outside looking in, omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad despite delivering consistent displays throughout the 2025/26 season.

Had Hall been plying his trade in the red of Manchester United rather than representing a Newcastle side that finished in the bottom half of the Premier League table, his international trajectory might have looked somewhat different. The added visibility and selection weight associated with Old Trafford often sways national team managers, a reality that could weigh on the young defender's mind.

This situation presents Manchester United with a transfer ultimatum of sorts. With just eight days remaining until the summer window shuts, the Red Devils must act now or risk missing out entirely.

Man United have long-considered Hall the primary candidate to succeed Luke Shaw, but time is slipping away, much to Newcastle's delight. Hall’s performance against Liverpool proved that months away from action have done nothing to dull his edge, putting the ball firmly back in Man United’s court to mount a late approach before the deadline passes.

Engineering a late swoop will be far from straightforward, as Newcastle quite rightly remain determined to stand their ground.

Speaking to Viaplay following the final whistle on Sunday, Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle poured cold water on suggestions that Hall could head to Old Trafford. When asked directly by former Man United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel whether Hall could be moving to Manchester, the German manager offered a swift and unequivocal response, declaring: "No chance! No chance!"

Jaissle made it clear that Newcastle view the full-back as a key player in this new-look side, meaning Michael Carrick's men will need to present an extraordinary offer to break Tyneside resolve before the window closes.

Arsenal could collect a record sale for one of their squad – but there's a catch: they don't want to sell.

The Gunners got off to a storming start in the Premier League on Friday night, playing with a lot more freedom and expression than Arsenal fans came to expect last season against a newly-promoted Coventry City.

But with the transfer window drawing to a close next week, manager Mikel Arteta could well part with a star that he wants to keep, and actually used on the opening day of the season.

Martin Zubimendi could yet leave Arsenal for Real Madrid

Martin Zubimendi has been linked with an exit from Arsenal since the Gunners signed Bruno Guimaraes in the same position – given that Real Madrid were desperate to sign the midfielder before he penned a move to North London last summer.

Los Blancos lost out in their pursuit of Rodri earlier this summer, and now Spanish outlet Fichajes has relayed information from journalist Tomas Gonzalez Martin that Arsenal have set Zubimendi's price tag at £100 million – over £60m more than Arsenal have ever sold a player for – with the 15-time European champions considering him as a deep-lying playmaker for manager Jose Mourinho's midfield.

According to the report, “Zubimendi would be willing to play for Real Madrid, but [Madrid president] Florentino Perez is not considering making the move for that amount.”

Arteta has publicly denied that Arsenal will part with the 27-year-old, meanwhile, recently calling him an “important player”.

“Without a doubt, he was one of the best players for Arsenal last season,” the Gunners boss said of his fellow Basque, adding, “Without him, we would never have got into the position that we got into in the last few weeks”.

Zubimendi started 34 of 38 league fixtures in Arsenal's Premier League-winning campaign – appearing in the other four off the bench – and started 11 of the club's 14 matches in the Champions League, establishing himself as a key man for his new club and becoming integral to Arteta's new-look midfield.

But while the no.36 started the season strongly – even recording a brace in just his fourth appearance for Arsenal, against Nottingham Forest – Zubimendi ran out of steam towards the end of the season and lost his place in the engine room to Hale Ender, Myles Lewis-Skelly.

FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal would only consider moving Zubimendi on for the right price, with Arteta wanting depth in his midfield this season to compete on four fronts.

New signing Guimaraes missed the opening game of the campaign following a knock, while Declan Rice has suffered with injury and fatigue in recent months, meaning that Zubimendi may well have a bigger part to play than is perhaps immediately obvious.

The World Cup winner is worth €75m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal face Aston Villa when Premier League action continues next week.

The Aston Villa striker is being offered unimaginable riches by Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal but was wrong to refuse to play for his club, who still pay his wages.

Watkins let down his Villa team-mates, supporters and also Unai Emery, whose coaching and man-management got him back in the England squad.

Watkins was drifting under Steven Gerrard, almost trying to do too much. Emery made him focus simply on the art of finishing, making him more effective.

"Greed versus loyalty, reputation tarnished, snake"

The Watkins stand-off is actually far more nuanced than the screaming headlines suggest. To understand the situation fully it’s important to take a step back from the raging bonfire of feelings and judgements.

There is no denying that Villa’s dressing room resembles one of those Agatha Christie country-house drawing rooms where characters keep disappearing: Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa, probably Watkins and Emi Martinez. All starters in the triumphant Europa League final. All gone or going. No wonder Villa fans seethe with frustration, even fury.

It’s rage against the machine of financial regulations seemingly designed to protect the elite as much as encourage sustainability. It’s anger at those they feel chase fortunes elsewhere rather than pursue further glory with Villa. It’s exasperation at the domino effect: one player leaving makes it easier for others to eye opportunities through the exit door. Villa fans feel spurned and vexed because the monies brought in for Rogers in particular should have eased UEFA Squad Cost Ratio concerns.

Above all with Watkins, it’s unadulterated wrath at the sight of a front-line with no striker at the Amex and the sight of Brighton destroying them in the first half. Villa-related social media resembles a writhing pit of snake emojis. By contrast, Villa fans remember when James Milner was off to Manchester City in August 2010. He gave everything in his last Villa game, knowing he was leaving, and even scoring against West Ham United. Professional.

But let us pause and try to imagine things from Watkins’ perspective. He is being offered sums of money to move to Al-Hilal that he couldn’t even have dreamed of growing up in a large Devon family primarily raised by one parent, his mother, when going on loan to Weston-super-Mare, struggling to make it as a pro, when always, always having to prove himself. This move to the desert will set up future generations of Watkins’ for life. Can anyone begrudge anyone that?

Now 30, Watkins is engaged in a career which can end suddenly, brutally, in one tackle. It’s unlikely, of course. The days of centre-backs routinely going through the back of forwards are long gone. The days of the best medical attention are very much present. But career-threatening injury stalks the mind of players, if not always their reality. Watkins could also be forgiven for looking around the dressing-room and seeing empty spaces.

He’s also one of the more thoughtful individuals of the England squad in my experience. He’s one of the least likely to cause controversy. He’s always preferred to be low-key. A group of us spoke to Watkins at St. George’s Park in 2023 and he emphasised that he preferred going 'under the radar'. He wasn’t on X, didn’t do much on Instagram and lived by a mantra of “just be good at football and the rest will take care of itself”. By “the rest”, Watkins meant sponsorships.

He said he was quite happy sitting around the other England players just listening to them. “I’m OK with silence,” Watkins said. He’s quietly determined, and has needed to be on his rise up through the divisions. Watkins knows that fans can be “fickle”, as he mentioned in 2023, explaining why he stuck his fingers in his ears after scoring against Chelsea following a brief drought.

So he will try and ignore the noise. He’ll probably get his way. Villa say that Al-Hilal have made four offers. Villa’s position has been weakened with Watkins’ refusal to play, and surely a deal needs doing quickly. But he could have handled this so much better.

Refusing to play is never a good look, whatever has gone on or been said behind the scenes. It’s the fact that he’s going to the Saudi Pro League when he could be playing in the Champions League. He’s turning his back on the adoring faithful in the Holte End for the desert. He’s leaving for the Kingdom Arena, average gate 20,616, decent but hardly Villa Park on a heaving Champions League or Premier League occasion. He’ll have Simone Inzaghi as his coach, service from Crysencio Summerville and Malcom and competition for places with Karim Benzema and Darwin Nunez. He’ll have easy goals. But Ollie Watkins won’t be a Villa legend any more.

The big transfer news this week concerns Rodri’s move to Barcelona being confirmed. It was inevitable, and with only a year left in his contract at the age of 30, it was a good piece of business for Manchester City. But to lose a top-quality player like that when you want to be challenging for the Premier League, is a huge blow.

He gave everything to that football club - Man City won everything, and when he went there, not a lot of people knew about him, and now everyone knows about him. It's a fantastic signing for Barcelona.

Clinton was speaking courtesy of Free Bets, home of the best UK betting sites.

'Ayyoub Bouaddi is the type of player who could come in and help fill the void'

Ayyoub Bouaddi is the type of player who could come in and help fill the void. He’s only 18, but he dictated the play for Morocco at the World Cup and made things happen. I’m not saying that Bouaddi will be as good as Rodri, but if he can be half as good as him, then he’ll have a very successful career.

Moving to the other side of Manchester now, and there’s been a lot of talk about Bruno Fernandes’ future. He was the best player in the Premier League in that number 10 role last season. He'll have competition this year, because there's a good crop of number 10s — Martin Ødegaard started well, while Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer could both have good seasons.

But Bruno's unbelievable — Man United can't afford to lose him. You've got to give him whatever he wants at the moment. He leads by example, and a big reason as to why they returned to the Champions League was down to Bruno Fernandes. Winning both the Premier League and Football Writers’ Association awards shows how much of an impact he had on Man United.

And I don't think, by signing all these midfielders, that they've got one eye on losing Bruno Fernandes, because none of them are number 10 players. I think you need to bring in players so Bruno says, 'yeah, I want to stay and be part of it' — which he does anyway, because Man United is still a big football club.

He's had offers to leave in the past, and could have gone to Saudi Arabia for huge money, but turned it down because he wanted to stay at Man United and play in the best league in the world. At this moment in time, I could ever only see him leaving for somewhere like Real Madrid or Barcelona, because there isn’t anywhere else that’s bigger for Bruno than Man United.

One player who looks set to arrive at Old Trafford is Carlos Baleba. I think it's another good addition to Man United — they needed to strengthen in that midfield area. He’s shown his quality at Brighton & Hove Albion, and is at a really good age too.

Bringing in Baleba would be a good move, and he has been outstanding for Brighton. So for me, that would be a really good signing — and it's a player that they need as well.

He would add to their options alongside Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Kobbie Mainoo, making it a crowded part of the squad. Trying to keep everyone happy might be a bit difficult, but you want competition for places at a club like Man United.

One of the other transfers which caught my eye was Zion Suzuki joining Aston Villa. Where does that leave Emiliano Martínez? Is he going to be ushered out? Because Juventus wanted him, but they’ve just gone and got Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham.

I can’t see him being a number two, and he's the better of those two goalkeepers. Watch this space, because I think Suzuki has come in to be the number one. So it looks like maybe Martínez might be on his way — we’ll just have to wait and see.

There’s been lots of talk about the players moving between clubs this summer, but let’s not forget, there are nine new managers in the Premier League! Enzo Maresca’s Man City team will probably finish the highest of those teams, but I think Oliver Glasner will have the biggest impact with Nottingham Forest. I think he’s a top manager, and will have a bigger budget at Forest compared to what he had at Crystal Palace to bring in the players he wants.

Out of all those managers, Forest and Glasner will probably be the most successful. I think they'll have a good season, finish in that top eight, and maybe win a trophy this year.

Looking ahead to the weekend now, and it’s great that the Premier League is back. I’m looking forward to a mouth-watering game between Newcastle United and Liverpool. That has the potential to be a cracker, because I’d expect Newcastle to come out fighting after losing so many players, especially with Matthias Jaissle taking his first match in charge. It’ll be interesting to see how Liverpool play too and as I’m not working, I can just sit in front of the TV and enjoy it!

He's one of the world’s highest-rated attackers, a 26-year-old with almost 450 professional games to his name, 252 goal involvements, and nearly won the Ballon d’Or in 2024.

Add that to last year’s Premier League winners, who boast Europe’s best defence, one of England’s best midfielders, but whose only minor Achilles heel protrudes from their left flank.

Vinicius Jr to Arsenal was a match (expensively) made in heaven.

It’s exactly what the rightfully greedy football fan wants. You start spending money precisely when you’re at the top, to consolidate your position and leave your competitors with too much work to do to catch up.

Speaking on The Athletic podcast in July, renowned journalist Adam Crafton said: “I will say on Arsenal, I had a conversation maybe in May with someone who is incredibly well connected in European football, who said that talk of people he was speaking to is that Arsenal were ready to do some seriously disruptive business this summer, in terms of taking the team from where they were up to that next level.”

Seriously disruptive business.

It’s the sort of short phrase that widens the eyes of transfer junkies, and landing Vini Jr would be comfortably deserving of the label.

At this point in the life cycle of a transfer rumour, you head to your favourite stats site and see he’s scored over 20 goals in all competitions in his last five seasons, four of those after playing over 50 games. No injury concerns.

Then you glance through Mikel Arteta’s squad. Gabriel. Martinelli. Jesus. Bruno Guimaraes has just signed. This Brazilian's going to fit right in here.

You realise you’re getting giddy, so you go and check what the Spanish media are saying. He’s rejected two contract renewals at Madrid.

I’m building to a big crescendo here, but you already know what I think. You’ve read the headline. It wouldn’t have worked. It was too big.

This is where I’d like to launch into a technical explanation about why these mega deals don’t work, but the truth is, there is just something intangibly, inherently doomed about them.

Seriously, look down the list of the most expensive deals football has witnessed.

Neymar and Kylian Mbappe top the list, costing Paris Saint-Germain a combined £353,740,000. Yes, they scored a hatful of goals in the French capital, but we all know a Champions League trophy was the driving force behind that immense outlay.

Two did arrive – in the years following Mbappe's exit, with Neymar having departed a year prior.

Ousmane Dembele is next up, costing Barcelona £129.68m in a blockbuster move after a showstopping one season at Borussia Dortmund.

He departed in 2023, and an ESPN headline from that summer succinctly rounds up his time in Catalonia.

“Barcelona are better without Dembele’s unfulfilled potential”.

The premise was bang on at the time, but fast-forward two years later, the Frenchman would be taking centre stage at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, clutching a Ballon d’Or.

His move to PSG 24 months early had cost a much more sedate £43.5m.

Arsenal themselves know this sorry tale all too well, with Nicolas Pepe's ill-fated £72m back in 2019 never living up to the hype.

As a basement-dwelling writer, I’ll never quite understand how these galactic, earth-shattering deals weigh on the human at the centre of them, but it has to at least be a factor in such a high failure rate. Or maybe the mind-boggling sums of money involved just mean the product could never live up to expectations.

Either way, evidence points towards Vini Jr at increased risk of being next, had he rocked up in north London.

Yes, the Brazilian was heading into the last year of his contract at Madrid, but the transfer market is Los Blancos’ second sport. It feels as though, backed up by the contract offer they eventually put in front of Vini, they’d sooner have had him for an extra year and see him leave for nothing, rather than let him go for anything less than a significant sum this summer.

Real are not a selling club. Of that top 100 most expensive players list mentioned earlier, they feature as sellers just four times. Ronaldo to Juventus, Angel Di Maria and Casemiro to Manchester United, and Alvaro Morata to Chelsea. Some worked out well, but you’d say they got the better end of the bargain on the whole.

They don’t sell their best, and Vini Jr is one of them, so the King’s club would have demanded a king’s ransom.

With the ink now dry on the Brazilian’s new six-year contract at the Bernabeu, we’ll never know what the figures involved might have been.

However, just 18 months prior, reports in the Sun suggested that Real would only begin to consider offers near the player’s £830m release clause – a figure interested parties in Saudi Arabia were clearly pondering, given the same report revealed officials in the Middle East had thrown together a proposal that would see Vini earn £168m per year.

Arsenal, of course, would have been nowhere near these numbers – neither are Madrid – but it illustrates some of the bargaining power his agents have.

The Gunners, according to The Athletic, were willing to “break their wage structure” for the winger, with an offer they felt Madrid couldn’t match. A more realistic sum than that on the table in Saudi is the offer finally accepted by Vinicius. The figures have been kept private, but from the same report we know it’s more than the £18,813,300-per-year offer that was turned down last.

That means paying significantly more than £361,794 per week, after tax.

Baked in with the cost of the transfer fee itself, and any agent’s fees, what would Vini have had to produce to make that worthwhile? Would one Champions League have been enough? For it to scorch all wage structures and future negotiations that lay before it?

And that's not to mention the wider narratives – what would it have meant for the likes of Max Dowman's progression? What message would it send to the rest of the academy if a talent like that is blocked further each season in the market?

Vini Jr. to Arsenal was always doomed to fail, because almost nothing is worth what it would have cost in the long run.

Liverpool have seen their hope for another big-money signing dashed.

The Reds have had a modest summer after spending well over £400 million last summer – and with the likes of Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh still on the table, new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has promised that new players will arrive at Anfield.

But the Basque won't be getting his hands on Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace – and that's confirmed.

Adam Wharton's Liverpool move won't be happening, says manager

So far this summer, only Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet have joined Liverpool on permanent deals – but speaking to Reds one-club man Jamie Carragher in an interview for Sky Sports, Iraola confirmed, “We'll definitely sign players”.

“Some deals you have to wait until the end,” the former Bournemouth gaffer stated, adding, “At the end, the important picture is the one we have on September 1, because we are still quite thin.”

The Reds have just parted with academy product Curtis Jones, and CaughtOffside recently dropped an exclusive report on how the 20-time champions of England were “targeting an ambitious move” for Palace controller Wharton to replace his fellow England international.

But in quotes relayed by transfer influencer Fabrizio Romano in a post on X (formerly Twitter), new Palace boss Pierre Sage says that “it's not the moment” for Wharton to leave Selhurst Park.

“Adam can play at a big club but I think one year with us, one year with a new dynamic, will be good for him and we need him,” Sage said.

Wharton signed for the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024, after breaking into his hometown club's senior side as a teenager and becoming a regular in the Championship.

A call-up for England and four international caps have followed, with plenty suggesting that Wharton could be one of his country's most important midfielders of the next decade.

The 22-year-old has been linked with moves to Liverpool and both Manchester clubs this summer, after being named as the Man of the Match in the Conference League final for Palace last term.

FourFourTwo understands that Palace view Wharton as almost unsellable this summer, with the Lancastrian likely to become a £100m transfer when he eventually departs South London.

Wharton is worth €70m, as per Transfermarkt. Liverpool play Newcastle United when Premier League action begins again this weekend.