Everton's Late Bid and Arsenal's Record Transfer: A Window of Big Moves
Everton’s bold late move, United’s long game, and a record Arsenal exit – it was a window full of big numbers and even bigger statements.
Everton’s €43m swing – and Betis’ firm stance
Everton tried to crash the market late on with an ambitious bid for Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli. According to reports in Spain, Betis received a €43m proposal from the Premier League side for the Morocco international.
The offer was structured at €35m guaranteed, with the rest tied up in bonuses. Serious money. Betis didn’t blink.
They pointed straight to the contract: a €60m release clause. Meet that, or there’s no deal. Everton never reached that figure, and Ezzalzouli stayed put in Seville – for now.
Ratcliffe’s United lay out a title blueprint
At Old Trafford, the story is less about deadline drama and more about a long, calculated rebuild.
Manchester United’s new football leadership, under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has drawn up a three-year plan aimed at one thing: turning the club into Premier League champions by 2028. The structure is clear. Three phases, three lines of the pitch.
Midfield strengthening came this summer. The attack is set to be the priority in 2025. Then, in 12 months’ time, United intend to go hard on the defence.
Next summer’s window is already being framed as the one where the backline is overhauled. Centre-backs, full-backs, depth, quality – that’s where the focus will land as United try to build a squad capable of finally ending their title drought.
Martinelli’s Arsenal chapter closes with a record sale
In north London, a major departure is about to be rubber-stamped.
Gabriel Martinelli is on the verge of completing his move from Arsenal to Al Hilal after undergoing his medical in Riyadh earlier this week. The fee: €70m.
Once officially confirmed, the transfer will set a new benchmark for Arsenal sales. The Gunners are expected to receive around £60m, eclipsing the £35m they banked from Liverpool for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back in 2017.
A fan favourite, a key part of Mikel Arteta’s project, and now a record outgoing – Martinelli’s exit will reshape both Arsenal’s attack and their balance sheet.
Enzo aims high – and fires a shot at Chelsea
Enzo Fernandez chose his moment – and his words – carefully after sealing a blockbuster move.
The Argentina midfielder left Chelsea for Manchester City on deadline day in a British record-equalling £125m deal. Once the paperwork cleared, he made it clear where he believes he belongs.
“I’m really happy to be here. I always dreamed of being at a club as big as City,” he said, a line that will sting at Stamford Bridge.
He spoke of gratitude for the opportunity, calling it a “very emotional moment” for him and his family as he takes this step at 25. Enzo described his first hours at City as a glimpse into the scale of the club and talked openly about enjoying the journey and winning “lots of things together.”
Chelsea lose a marquee signing. City gain another elite midfielder for a squad already packed with them.
United prospect Obi heads to the Eredivisie
While United plan for the long term at the top end of the market, one of their young forwards is heading out to find minutes.
Chido Obi is set to join Eredivisie side Willem II on loan, subject to registration. The Denmark Under-21 international featured eight times for United’s first team under Ruben Amorim in the 2024–25 season, but didn’t make a single appearance last term and only made the bench once.
He instead became a regular for United’s Under-21s, helping them reach the FA Youth Cup final. Across 37 games in all competitions, he scored 20 goals.
Now comes the real test: senior football in the Netherlands, a league that has launched plenty of careers. United will watch closely.
