Transfer carousel cranks up: big names on the move
The window is edging towards its climax and the market is starting to bite. Deals are edging over the line, others are stalling, and a few are being shut down by the players themselves.
Here’s where the day’s major moves and manoeuvres stand.
Sunderland braced to lose Geertruida
Sunderland look set to be stripped of Lutsharel Geertruida, with PSV Eindhoven closing in on a deal.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the clubs have agreed a loan with an option to buy, with that clause worth around £13 million. The Dutch defender is expected to travel for his medical and sign his contract, ending Sunderland’s hopes of building around him this season.
For the Black Cats, it’s a looming hole in a key position.
Everton eye Flemming after West Ham heroics
Zian Flemming has picked a good moment to catch eyes.
The Burnley forward hit a brace as the Clarets clawed their way back from two goals down to earn a point against West Ham on Sunday. Everton are now tracking the former Millwall man, with interest also emerging from Italy.
With his stock rising and Burnley needing goals, prising him away will not be straightforward.
Al-Hilal prepare big-money move for Watkins
Ollie Watkins is the latest Premier League star in Saudi Arabia’s sights.
Al-Hilal are preparing a £38.5 million offer for the Aston Villa and England striker, according to Romano. Villa have already turned down two approaches from the Saudi Pro League club, but the suggestion is that Watkins is open to the move.
Villa now face a decision: hold firm or cash in on one of their most valuable assets.
Arsenal and Arteta edging towards new deal
Behind the scenes at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s future is being tied down.
Chief executive Richard Garlick insists contract talks with the manager are “ongoing” and positive. Speaking to Sky Sports, he stressed the club’s satisfaction with the direction of travel and made it clear both sides want the relationship to continue.
With a hectic window still to navigate, the club hope to wrap up the deal “as soon as we can,” but the groundwork has been laid for months.
Mehalie chase highlights Sunderland’s ambition
Dayann Mehalie is in demand, and Sunderland are right in the mix.
The 20-year-old full-back impressed for Toulouse in Ligue 1 last season, drawing admiring glances from across Europe. Landing him would be a coup; losing out would be a sharp reminder of the competition they face.
For Sunderland, this is the type of deal that could reshape a flank for years.
Manchester United plan two more signings
Manchester United are not done yet.
Reports claim the club want two further additions before the window shuts, with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall high on the list as a left-back option. Newcastle, though, are keen to keep the former Chelsea defender, and will not be easy to shift.
United are also working on a move for another midfielder, with their engine room still viewed as a priority area.
Gavi turns United down flat
One target has already slipped away.
MEN report that Barcelona midfielder Gavi has rejected a move to Old Trafford. United were prepared to meet the £35 million asking price, but the Spain international chose to stay in Catalonia.
Money was on the table. The answer was still no.
£70m price set for Ndiaye
If United want Iliman Ndiaye, they will have to pay.
The Times report that Everton have set a minimum £70 million price tag for the forward, who is entering the final year of his contract and is heavily linked with a move away. United are among the clubs monitoring the situation.
With that fee, Everton are sending a clear message: only a huge offer moves him.
Arsenal’s transfer stance: only players who “change the dial”
Garlick has also lifted the lid on Arsenal’s broader transfer strategy.
He revealed the club have swung for elite talents such as Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, even if those ambitious moves did not come off. The focus now is on players who “change the dial” and elevate a squad already competing at the top end.
Younger signings will still be part of the mix, but they must be capable of growing into world-class operators alongside the club’s academy products.
Wan-Bissaka closing in on Aston Villa return
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is heading back to the Premier League.
Aston Villa have struck a deal with West Ham to take the right-back on loan, with a mandatory buy option at the end of the season. The former Manchester United defender has been given the green light to travel to the Midlands for his medical.
Unai Emery is set to add proven top-flight experience to his back line.
Saudi interest in Kane, but Bayern stay expected
Harry Kane is on Saudi radar too.
talkSPORT report that Al-Hilal have held talks with the Bayern Munich striker’s representatives as he enters the final year of his contract in Germany. The “door has not been shut”, but the expectation remains that Kane will stay at Bayern this season.
For now, at least, the Bundesliga looks like his stage.
Rodri’s emotional farewell and Barcelona switch
Rodri has spoken warmly about Manchester City after sealing a move to Barcelona.
The midfielder described his exit as a change of club rather than a true goodbye, insisting his heart will “always be linked” to City and the city of Manchester. After seven years, he felt it was the right moment to close one chapter and start another, while stressing the mutual pride between player and club.
The bond, he says, will remain. His shirt, though, is now different.
Barcelona have paid a heavy price to make it happen. With just 12 months left on his City deal, they have still committed a fixed £60 million fee. Rodri will earn around £11 million per season, roughly £210,000 per week, on a four-year contract that runs until he is 34.
Fofana tug-of-war: Newcastle and Forest circle Milan midfielder
Youssouf Fofana is at the centre of a Premier League battle.
Newcastle and Nottingham Forest are both pushing for the AC Milan midfielder, with Matteo Moretto reporting that the Magpies have already made an enquiry. Milan have told the France international he is no longer part of their plans.
With that door closing, England’s top flight is trying to open another.
Wolves move for Cozier-Duberry
Wolves are trying to add more spark out wide.
They have made an enquiry for Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, according to Sky Sports. The Championship side see the former Arsenal youngster as one of several attacking targets.
Brighton have already turned down a £7.5 million bid from Rangers, underlining how highly they rate him.
Vieira takes Senegal job through to 2030
Patrick Vieira is stepping into international management with a long-term mandate.
The former Premier League star has been confirmed as Senegal’s new head coach on a contract running to 2030. He takes charge immediately and must quickly shape a side with high expectations after recent continental success.
The autumn’s competitive fixtures will provide an instant examination of his ideas.
Vicario swaps Spurs for Juventus loan
Guglielmo Vicario is back in Serie A.
The Tottenham goalkeeper has joined Juventus on an initial free loan, strengthening their options in goal for the rest of the campaign. The deal includes an €8 million option to buy, plus a possible €2 million in performance-related add-ons.
For Vicario, it is a chance to re-establish himself as a leading figure in Italy.
Fullkrug heads home to Werder Bremen
Niclas Fullkrug is returning to familiar ground.
West Ham have confirmed the striker has rejoined Werder Bremen on loan for the 2026/27 season. Sky in Germany report that the agreement includes an option to buy, with the 33-year-old accepting a wage cut to make the move happen.
Still under contract at the London Stadium until 2028, the Germany international is banking on a Bundesliga revival.
Everton still hunting a right-back
Everton’s search for a right-back will go beyond opening weekend.
Chief executive Angus Kinnear told BBC Radio Merseyside that the club will miss their self-imposed deadline to sign a specialist before Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace. David Moyes will again lean on Jake O’Brien, who Kinnear said has done a “sterling job” filling in.
Kinnear acknowledged supporter anxiety but insisted the targets they identified remain available and expressed confidence that a deal will get done.
Southampton fight to keep Scienza
Southampton have a battle on their hands to keep Leo Scienza.
Premier League clubs are circling the Brazilian playmaker after a standout Championship campaign in which he scored seven and assisted nine. Saints want to hold on to the core that came so close to promotion last season, with Scienza central to that plan.
But if a serious bid lands on the table, St Mary’s resolve will be tested.
