The latest Premier League transfer news as Arsenal, Everton and Brighton eye big summer moves
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Meanwhile, the countdown is on to the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the 48-team mega international tournament getting underway with a blockbuster opening game between joint-host nation Mexico and 2010 hosts South Africa next week. Thomas Tuchel’s England are already at their Florida base camp to acclimatise, but fears are growing that it could be their undoing.
We begin today’s transfer gossip round-up at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea’s lack of European football next season could see them lose some of their top players this summer. Enzo Fernandez looks like he’ll certainly be on his way, but recent reports suggest Spain international Marc Cucurella could be joining him.
Following last week’s news that Atletico Madrid are keeping tabs on the ex-Brighton star, fresh reports from the Spanish press, via Sport Witness, claim that Barcelona are ready to join the transfer battle, amid an ongoing scrap between the two clubs to sign Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, who will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
Cucurella came through the Barcelona academy, and the article suggests that the chance to go back to the Camp Nou as an established star is a more appealing prospect than joining Atleti. On top of that, the Blues are said to value the 27-year-old at around £60m, which is a fee likely to be manageable for Barca but not Los Colchoneros.
The 3AM Verdict: This story is starting to gather some real momentum. It appears that Chelsea’s own Sideshow Bob has had his fill of the absolute circus at Stamford Bridge, and it’s hard to blame him. Even with new manager Xabi Alonso incoming, it feels like he’s made his mind up. Cucurella is a top quality operator, who would improve either Barca or Atleti.
Everton storm ahead with midfield revamp
To Merseyside next, where Everton are looking for an improved sophomore season at the Hill Dickenson Stadium following an underwhelming 2025/26 in their new home. The club already look to be homing in on Middlesbrough gem Hayden Hackney, and Italian outlet Tuttosport claim they’re now targeting a second midfielder: Torino’s Cesare Casadei.
The story suggests that the Toffees will pick up Hackney for around £20m, before making their move for Casadei. It’s said that Brighton are also keen on the ex-Chelsea prospect, who paid just £11m to sign him from the Blues last summer. Torino are apparently not up for selling, unless a big-money offer was to be put on the table.
The 3AM Verdict: Casadei never made much of an impact during his brief spell in the Premier League, as he struggled to get any game time in Chelsea’s expensively assembled midfield. He’s been impressing in Serie A, however, and has the technical and physical attributes to do well at Everton. It all comes down to what fee Torino will demand, really, as the Toffees can’t afford to get ripped off.
Arsenal get boost in Kroupi chase
Down to north London to round things off, where Arsenal are already preparing to defend their Premier League title next season. Bournemouth wonderkid Eli Junior Kroupi is believed to be one of the club’s top summer targets, as they look to freshen up their attacking options and provide some competition for Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres.
According to Get French Football News, the Gunners have moved ahead of Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign the 19-year-old gem, with the Champions League winners now looking to focus on the likes of RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche as they aim to bolster their own attacking talent.
This is billed as a “huge boost” by Football 365, who also note the Gunners’ interest in PSG’s Bradley Barcola. They won’t be alone in wanting to sign the France international, with Liverpool also said to hold an interest.
The 3AM Verdict: The Cherries are said to want a fee upward of £80m if they are to part ways with a player who only joined them last summer, so the Gunners will need to think long and hard before committing to a deal. With other areas of the side to strengthen, they may well need to make a sale or two if they’re to spend such a huge sum on a player with just one year of Premier League experience.
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