The latest Premier League transfer news as Aston Villa, Liverpool, Arsenal and more push on in the summer window
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally over, with Spain grinding out a 1-0 win over the previous champions Argentina to seal the trophy and add a second star to their shirt. With the 104-game mega tournament now done and dusted, the focus of the footballing world is now shifting towards another high profile event: the summer transfer window.
Plenty of Premier League clubs have already been busy since the window opened last month, with the likes of Tottenham, Brighton and Manchester United all making significant investments in new talent. Things are now set to ramp up significantly, with players previously focused on their participation in the World Cup now ready to give full focus to their club futures.
We’ll get today’s rumours round-up underway at Anfield, where Liverpool have already completed the signings of promising Spanish winger Victor Munoz and equally promising French defender Jeremy Jacquet for a combined fee of around £95m. According to Caught Offside, they’re now in the race to sign a new left-back following Andy Robertson’s exit.
The report says that both the Reds and Arsenal are chasing Borussia Dortmund ace Daniel Svensson, who could be sold if an offer in the region of £40m in lodged. The player’s contract currently runs until the summer of 2029, putting the Bundesliga club in a strong position when it comes to setting their asking price.
It’s said that Liverpool have a “concrete plan” to sign the 24-year-old, who has been capped 16 times by Sweden. He’s been billed as a potential “long-term option” for the Reds as they look to strengthen the left side of their defence, and their interest is said to be more advanced than other linked clubs including AC Milan, Real Madrid and Juventus.
The 3AM Verdict: Svensson had an excellent first full campaign with Dortmund, having done enough during a loan spell the previous season to convince the club to activate the ‘option-to-buy’ clause in the deal last summer. He’s a relentless full-back capable of playing in multiple positions, but a meaty £40m fee makes it a real gamble - considering he’s only played one season in an elite league. Liverpool would do better to look elsewhere if they can’t haggle down the fee significantly.
Aston Villa could snatch two Chelsea stars
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson could seal a move to Aston Villa this summerplaceholder image
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson could seal a move to Aston Villa this summer | Getty Images
Next up, it’s over to Villa Park, where Unai Emery’s side will fly into next season in excellent spirits after winning the 2025/26 Europa League. They’ve already signed Swiss sensation Johan Manzambi, who lit up the World Cup with three goals and two assists for his country, and look set to add further attacking additions over the coming weeks.
Team Talk claim the Villans are ready to go all-in on two Chelsea stars: striker Nicolas Jackson and winger Alejandro Garnacho. They’re both likely to be moved on, as the Blues look to fund the mega signing of Morgan Rogers from Villa. The report says that Jackson in particular is a “major target” for Emery, who previously managed him at Villarreal.
Garnacho, meanwhile, is also thought to be of interest, after new Blues boss Xabi Alonso apparently made it known he won’t be required this season. Despite significant interest from Serie A side Roma, Garnacho is said to be open to a move to Villa Park, with the chance to play under Emery said to be a big factor in luring him to the West Midlands.
The 3AM Verdict: Both Jackson and Garnacho have been real flops at Chelsea, but if there’s one manager who can turn both their fortunes around, it’s Emery. Both players clearly have considerable natural raw talent that hasn’t yet been fully realised, and a fresh start would be great for both players. It’s going to be a hectic month or so for Villa in the window, that’s for sure.
Arsenal could land free agent bargain
Arsenal could give John Stones a Premier League lifelineplaceholder image
Arsenal could give John Stones a Premier League lifeline | AFP via Getty Images
Last but not least, Arsenal find themselves in a spot of bother, after star defender William Saliba suffered a serious back injury while participating with France at the World Cup. The Sun report that the Gunners have found themselves an ideal short-term fix - England star John Stones, who is a free agent after leaving Man City at the end of last season.
It’s suggested that the 32-year-old is likely to be inundated with offers this summer as he looks for a fresh challenge, after impressing in the knockout stages of the World Cup. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s pre-existing relationship with Stones from time spent as an assistant at Man City is highlighted as a factor that could encourage him to head to the Emirates Stadium.
The 3AM Verdict: As quick fixes go, a six-time Premier League champion isn’t a half-bad solution. Stones would be an excellent stand-in for Saliba, bringing class and experience into an already top class Gunners back line. However, Stones may well want to experience football somewhere else before his career draws to a close, and an offer from Bayern Munich, say, could be just too tempting to turn down.