The latest Premier League transfer news including Chelsea, Man United, Aston Villa and more
We’re less than a week away from the summer transfer window crashing open, and it’s set to be a roller-coaster ride of wheeling and dealing as Premier League clubs look to get their squads in tip-top shape ahead of next season. Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea will all have new managers, which could lead to a particularly busy window given the shake-ups required.
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Meanwhile, the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway this week, as England look to end their sixty year wait for a major trophy win. The Arsenal contingent have now joined up with Thomas Tuchel’s side, who will be looking for a more cohesive performance in their final warm-up friendly against Costa Rica than they managed against New Zealand last weekend.
We’re starting today’s rumours round-up with a look at one of England’s most important players: midfielder Elliot Anderson. The Nottingham Forest gem is widely expected to leave the club this summer, and Manchester City have been the early front-runners to get a deal done, as they prepare for a new era following Pep Guardiola’s exit.
According to the Guardian, Manchester United are still looking to beat their local rivals to signing the 23-year-old gem, after Forest knocked back City’s initial £80m bid. United are said to be ready to swoop in after City stalled, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll stump up the £100m the Tricky Trees supposedly want for the ex-Newcastle United star.
The report goes on to namecheck Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes as alternative candidates for the Red Devils, with the club clearly looking to recruit more Premier League experience like they did last summer with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha from Brentford and Wolves respectively. Anderson looks to be their top target, however, and it’s said that United would be willing to match his wage demands.
The 3AM Verdict: United are wasting no time getting stuck into this transfer window,already bringing in midfielder Ederson from Atalanta who’s just been called up to Brazil’s World Cup squad. Anderson would be an exceptional signing, but we have a feeling City will press on and sign him, with reports suggesting he’s already agreed personal terms.
Chelsea ‘most likely’ to sign free agent gem
Down to west London next, where Chelsea are preparing to fight back next season after a dismal 2025/26 campaign saw them finish 10th in the Premier League table, with no European football. New manager Xabi Alonso is set to play a more involved role in recruitment than his recent predecessors, with a new striker and centre-back top of his wish list.
Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic has been linked with a number of clubs, including Chelsea, over the past few weeks now it has become clear he will be leaving the Serie A giants upon the expiry of his contract later this month. Fresh reports from Tutto Juve now claim that the Blues are the “most likely” club to sign him. Newcastle United, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich are also listed a potential suitors.
The 3AM Verdict: The last three teams on that list said to hold an interest in Vlahovic are arguably more attractive options, although neither are likely to give him the regular minutes that Chelsea could. The excitement of being part of a new project under Alonso can’t be underestimated, and nor can the allure of living in London. One to watch, certainly.
Aston Villa ‘willing’ to bring back Rashford
We’ll round things off in the West Midlands, where Aston Villa could be set to reunite with one of their former loan stars: Marcus Rashford. After Barcelona spent a whopping £70m to sign his England teammate Anthony Gordon, the Catalan giants may well now opt not to sign the Man United loanee permanently, opening the door to rival offers.
Fresh reports from the Spanish press, via Sport Witness, claim that Barcelona have until next Monday to decide whether to stump up the £26m required to keep Rashford, and that both Villa and Tottenham are lying in wait should they opt to let him go. Villa boss Unai Emery in particular is said to be a keen admirer of the 28-year-old forward.
The 3AM Verdict: Rashford’s time at United is done, but he’s still a top class player - one who made 28 goal contributions for Barca last season. Villa could certainly do with some more attacking options, and can also offer Champions League football next season. If United are still up for selling him for under £30m, the Villans could land themselves a serious bargain.
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