Manchester United and Arsenal Target Club Brugge Starlet Joaquin Seys
The Premier League’s heavyweights are starting to move. With pre-season plans taking shape and squads still clearly incomplete, Monday’s papers painted a familiar picture: big clubs, emerging talents, and a few stubborn negotiators holding the line.
At the centre of it all, a 19-year-old left-back in Belgium.
United and Arsenal eye Joaquin Seys
Manchester United and Arsenal are among a cluster of clubs tracking Club Brugge defender Joaquin Seys, according to reports. The young left-back has drawn attention with his development in Belgium, and his profile fits the modern template: energetic, attack-minded, and comfortable on the ball.
United’s interest comes with their full-back positions under constant review, while Arsenal continue to scan the market for depth and long-term options on both flanks. Seys, still at an early stage of his career, represents the kind of project both clubs have increasingly been willing to back.
No bid has been detailed, but when two of England’s biggest clubs start circling the same prospect, the temperature of the market rises quickly. Club Brugge know it.
West Ham move for Troy Parrott and explore Reiss Nelson deal
West Ham, meanwhile, have wasted little time putting numbers on the table. They have lodged an opening offer believed to be worth around £15m for AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott.
Parrott’s journey has been anything but straightforward, yet his recent form in the Netherlands has rebuilt his reputation. West Ham need goals and depth at centre-forward; an energetic, mobile striker in his early 20s fits that bill. An opening bid rarely settles a deal, but it signals intent.
The London club are also exploring a move for Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson. Nelson has struggled to secure a consistent starting role at the Emirates, but his blend of pace and directness remains attractive to Premier League rivals. For West Ham, he would add another wide option capable of stretching games and offering a threat from the bench or from the start.
Whether Arsenal are ready to cash in is another matter.
Arsenal stand firm on Gabriel Martinelli
If there is one player Arsenal are not ready to discuss, it is Gabriel Martinelli. Galatasaray have opened talks over a potential move for the Brazilian, but Arsenal are thought to be highly reluctant to entertain a sale.
Martinelli’s form dipped last season, yet his age, intensity and ceiling keep him firmly in Mikel Arteta’s core plans. Galatasaray’s interest underlines his status on the continental market, but prising him away from north London would require more than hopeful conversations.
Arsenal’s stance on Martinelli also frames any negotiations around Reiss Nelson. One winger might be available at the right price. The other is not.
Simeone slams door on Julian Alvarez
On the continent, Diego Simeone has drawn a thick red line through one name. The Atletico Madrid boss has reiterated that Julian Alvarez is not for sale, despite Arsenal’s admiration for the forward.
Simeone has already blocked what has been described as Alvarez’s “dream” transfer, making it clear that Atletico see him as central to their plans. For Arsenal, who are still searching for extra firepower in the final third, that’s a firm setback.
When Simeone digs in, he rarely shifts. Arsenal may need to look elsewhere.
Joe Willock on Besiktas radar
One player who could be on the move is Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock. Besiktas remain keen on the 24-year-old, who has experienced an up-and-down spell on Tyneside.
Willock’s late runs into the box and goal threat once lit up a loan spell at Arsenal and an early stretch at Newcastle. Injuries and competition have since stalled his momentum. Besiktas see an opportunity. For Newcastle, any decision will weigh financial fair play considerations against the value of a fit, dynamic midfielder in a long season.
Tuanzebe draws Saudi and Premier League interest
Axel Tuanzebe is also back on the radar. Now a free agent, the defender is attracting interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League as well as sides in the Premier League.
For teams looking to strengthen without a transfer fee, Tuanzebe offers versatility across the back line and top-level experience, even if his career has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries. Saudi clubs can outmuscle most rivals on wages. Premier League teams can offer familiarity and the world’s most-watched stage. His next move will say plenty about where he sees his future.
Mourinho fires early shot at Bernardo Silva
Away from transfers, Jose Mourinho has wasted no time making his presence felt at Real Madrid. The new head coach has told Bernardo Silva that he “has to improve” and criticised the playmaker’s fitness levels as “low”.
It is a classic Mourinho opening gambit: demand more, challenge a key player publicly, and set the tone for standards in the dressing room. For Bernardo, a marquee arrival expected to add creativity and control, the message is blunt. Being a Real Madrid star comes with a different kind of scrutiny.
Swedish chase for Scottish prospect Rory Wilson
North of the border, a Scottish prospect is drawing eyes from Scandinavia. Swedish clubs Sirius and Gothenburg are pursuing striker Rory Wilson, who has been on the radar as one of Scotland’s more intriguing young forwards.
For Wilson, a move to Sweden would offer regular senior football and a clear development path. For Scottish football, it is another reminder that promising talent will not stay unnoticed for long.
The window is only just warming up. Big clubs are circling, managers are drawing lines in the sand, and young players from Bruges to Scotland suddenly find themselves at the centre of the summer storm.
