Arsenal Pursues Barcola as Hall Seeks United Move
The transfer window is drifting towards its sharp end and the tempo has gone up a notch. Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham are all deep in negotiations, each trying to land that one deal that tilts their season.
Arsenal’s forward search has taken another turn. The Gunners have been encouraged in their pursuit of Bradley Barcola, with Liverpool increasingly frustrated by talks and now ready to step back from the race. That could clear a path for Arsenal as they weigh up attacking options, with interest elsewhere in Julian Alvarez and Iliman Ndiaye also shaping the market.
At the back, Jules Kounde has emerged as a serious defensive target for Arsenal, with Ezri Konsa another name under consideration.
Hall pushes for Old Trafford amid Newcastle resistance
Manchester United’s hunt for a left-back is gathering pace. Lewis Hall, long admired at Old Trafford, is still determined to make the move despite Newcastle insisting he is not for sale.
United have already approached Newcastle to test the conditions of a deal and were met with a firm refusal. Newcastle, who have already lost Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and captain Bruno Guimaraes this summer, are desperate not to lose another key player.
Hall, though, has made his desire to leave clear, according to reports. The Sun claim he remains frustrated, having previously believed Eddie Howe’s tactical decisions contributed to him missing out on England’s 2026 World Cup squad. Those frustrations have not eased despite Matthias Jaissle replacing Howe, and Hall still wants out.
United are also looking at other left-back options, including David Raum, Antonee Robinson and Jorge Salinas, with versatile defender Myles Lewis-Skelly offered to both Chelsea and United after Guimaraes’s move to Arsenal cast doubt over his future.
Chelsea wrap up Chavarria as ninth summer signing
Chelsea have their latest arrival through the door. Pep Chavarria has been announced as the club’s ninth signing of the summer, adding more energy to Enzo Maresca’s squad.
The Spaniard spoke of his excitement at the move, calling it “a dream” and describing Chelsea as “one of the biggest clubs in the world”. He promised to bring intensity and a box-to-box presence, saying he loves to attack and defend with high energy and believes the Premier League, which he labelled the best league in the world, suits his game perfectly.
Chelsea also suspect Manchester City are monitoring Enzo Fernandez, a subplot that could yet influence the final weeks of their window.
Tottenham braced for Romero exit as Porro draws Barcelona interest
Tottenham’s window is shaping up to be just as turbulent. Cody Gakpo and Savinho remain high on their attacking wishlist, with the club also being linked to Omar Marmoush, Florin Balogun and Georges Mikautadze.
At the same time, Spurs are preparing for a major defensive departure. Cristian Romero is set to join Atletico Madrid, a move that would force Roberto De Zerbi to remodel his back line.
Barcelona, sensing potential movement elsewhere, have already made an initial approach for Pedro Porro. With Arsenal circling Jules Kounde, Barca are lining up alternatives and have contacted Porro’s representatives.
Porro only signed a long-term contract with Tottenham in June, tying him to the club until 2031, and De Zerbi views him as a key part of his plans. Any deal will be complicated and expensive, but Barcelona’s interest is expected to grow quickly if Arsenal push hard for Kounde.
Why Spurs are ready to cash in on Spence
On the opposite flank, Tottenham are ready to cut ties with Djed Spence. Inter Milan are closing in on a deal worth around £25.6million, with the England full-back open to a fresh start.
Spence’s stock has risen after an impressive World Cup campaign, and he wants guarantees over his playing time. De Zerbi cannot offer the minutes Spence is seeking and has made it clear he will not block a move for the 26-year-old if the right offer lands.
Tottenham have already moved one young player on again. Striker Yang Min-Hyeok has been sent back out on loan, this time to Belgian side Westerlo, after spells with Portsmouth and Coventry last season.
Ndiaye turns down Saudi move as Premier League suitors watch
Back on Merseyside, Iliman Ndiaye has rejected an offer from Al Hilal, keeping his options open as uncertainty over his Everton future continues.
The Senegal international, 26, would prefer to stay in the Premier League and is confident he can attract strong interest in upcoming windows. He does not feel compelled to force a move this summer, even with Saudi money on the table.
Arsenal and Manchester United have both been credited with interest in Ndiaye in the past, and his stance will not go unnoticed as they scan the market for attacking depth.
Guessand returns to Palace
Crystal Palace have quietly pulled off a deal of their own. Evann Guessand has returned to Selhurst Park on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, with an option to buy included.
Guessand spoke of his happiness at being back, recalling “good memories” from his previous spell and insisting this is only the beginning, with hopes of many more to come in Palace colours.
With Liverpool ready to walk away from Barcola, Barcelona circling Porro and Hall pushing hard for United, the final stretch of this window is starting to look chaotic. The next move belongs to the clubs willing to blink first.
