Stones Rogers Alvarez
On the move: John Stones, Morgan Rogers, Julian Alvarez
With the World Cup now a thing of the past, full focus is on transfer business and Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United are all stepping up the pursuit of respective targets. The summer tournament was a huge distraction for the window’s major players, but after it was wrapped up, all top clubs are expected to accelerate their dealings. Chelsea stunned the rest of the Premier League by landing a shock deal for Morgan Rogers this week, who will undergo a medical today to complete a £117m transfer from Aston Villa. The player had previously seemed nailed on to join Arsenal, who are now said to be moving for Yan Diomande. Christos Tzolis is due to join up soon, while a move for free agent John Stones also seems to be in the offing.
So too is a move for Ezri Konsa, who has been linked with a move to the Emirates as they seek cover for the injured William Saliba, who could miss up to half of the season with a back fracture. Man United, meanwhile, remain active in the midfield market after adding Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, with contact made over Sander Berge. They are also now dealing with the fallout of Radek Vitek’s transfer request, issued after a pre-season friendly at the weekend. Chelsea have been told how much it will cost to sign Maxence Lacroix as they consider a loan move for Mamadou Sarr.
Tottenham have already spent over £200million this summer - more than any other club in the top flight - and remain interested in further reinforcements, though they have rejected an offer from Newcastle for Lucas Bergvall and are now weighing up Djed Spence’s exit. Liverpool have tied down Dominik Szoboszlai to a new contract but are targeting a forward signing, or two, amid links to Bradley Barcola. Follow the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours live below!
Latest transfer news and rumours
Chelsea yet to open Lacroix talks
Chelsea are yet to open formal talks with Crystal Palace for Maxence Lacroix.
Sky Sports report the Blues remain interested in a deal for the Frenchman, who they have been told will cost them around £55m.
Djed Spence has set his heart on leaving Tottenham this summer.
England’s breakout star of the World Cup is not thought to feature prominently in Roberto De Zerbi’s long-term plans, and reports in Italy claim he has interest from Inter Milan.
He is said to be keen to pursue that move.
Arsenal may look to bring in John Stones as injury cover for William Saliba.
The England centre-back is a free agent after leaving Man City last season and impressed at the World Cup, rolling back the years with some solid defensive displays.
And he may now get another top move, with The Sun reporting he could get a move to the Emirates as Saliba faces five months on the sidelines.
He has already worked with Mikel Arteta during his days as an assistant at City.
Ezri Konsa and Jon Martin of Real Sociedad complete the shortlist.
Morgan Rogers is expected to undergo a medical today ahead of completing his £117m move from Aston Villa to Chelsea.
The Blues moved quickly to pip Arsenal to the player’s signing last week, despite the Gunners’ expressing an interest in a deal much earlier in the summer.
A deal was agreed two days ago, and formalities are now underway. A formal announcement could come this week.
Real Madrid have no intention of signing Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, The Athletic reports.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner’s contract expires at the Etihad Stadium at the end of next season, with a renewal looking unlikely.
Arsenal may need to reduce their £20million asking price for Gabriel Jesus amid interest from AC Milan.
Jorge Nicola reports that Milan are interested in the Brazilian striker, but the Gunners are not under pressure to sell him. The north Londoners could ultimately refuse a departure rather than lower their valuation to secure a sale.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is pushing to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kerim Alajbegovic, Faktor claims.
The Blues’ interest in the 18-year-old has disrupted his proposed move to Atalanta. Alajbegovic's switch to the Italian club has now been put on hold as Chelsea pursue a deal.
Sent off: Folarin Balogun
Newcastle United and Liverpool face a setback in their pursuit of Koln winger Said El Mala, Teamtalk reports.
Both Premier League clubs are interested in El Mala, but a move away from Koln now looks increasingly unlikely. The winger is expected to remain with the Bundesliga club for at least one more season.