Premier League transfer latest as Man United, Arsenal and Tottenham push to secure big-money deals
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now done and dusted, with the 48-team mega competition finally drawing to a close as Spain lifted the trophy in New Jersey. One of the pre-tournament favourites, the Euro 2024 winners overcame Argentina in the final, outclassing the former champions who didn’t land a single shot on target in a game that went to extra time.
Focus now turns to the new Premier League season, which is just one month away. Clubs in England’s top tier are working relentlessly to sign key targets before the new campaign begins, with the end of the World Cup likely to trigger a landslide of big-money deals. The £1 billion spending ceiling has already been smashed, and we’re not even in August yet.
Today’s rumours round-up begins in north London, where Tottenham have blown the transfer window to bits - signing six new players for a combined fee of well over £200m. The spending won’t stop there, it seems, with reports from Portugal - via Sport Witness - claiming Spurs are now after Benfica gem Andreas Schjelderup, who scored the opening goal in Norway’s 2-1 World Cup quarter-final loss to England.
The story claims that the Portuguese giants have now upped their asking price to beyond £40m, after the winger’s aforementioned impressive World Cup exploits. The player is said to be “seriously considering” leaving this summer, and attempts by his club to extend his contract haven’t yet been successful. Spurs are believed to be leading the race to sign the 22-year-old, ahead of a host of Serie A clubs.
The 3AM Verdict: Tottenham look to have already sorted out their defence and central midfield with a series of inspired signings during the World Cup, but now they really need to strengthen their options on the wings. Schjelderup is highly-rated young talent, and has the physical attributes necessary to thrive in Roberto De Zerbi’s high-octane system. He’d be another excellent buy.
Man United could reignite interest in Baleba
Brighton's Carlos Baleba is a long-term Man United transfer targetplaceholder image
Brighton's Carlos Baleba is a long-term Man United transfer target | Getty Images
Over in the North West, Man United are also having a strong start to the window, capturing midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively. Caught Offside provide an update of sorts on their plans for the final piece of the midfield revamp puzzle, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba said to be an “attractive option” ahead of the new season.
The piece claims that Brighton’s valuation of Baleba could be a real stumbling block, but gives no indication as to how much the club are supposedly demanding for the Cameroon international. It is noted that the Red Devils discussed personal terms with the 22-year-old last summer, but are yet to make contact with the Seagulls in a bid to reignite the move in this window.
The 3AM Verdict: It’s a rather odd report, in all honesty. The second half of the article goes on to make an argument for United to sign Roma’s Manu Kone instead, which is a fine idea, but it offers little in terms of an update regarding who the Red Devils will actually buy. This is more thin gruel from a publication whose transfer stories are often less nourishing than an instant soup sachet meal.
Arsenal step up chase for Rogers alternative
Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams could be a Morgan Rogers alternative for Arsenalplaceholder image
Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams could be a Morgan Rogers alternative for Arsenal | AFP via Getty Images
Bringing us around the final bend, it’s back down to north London, where Arsenal are still licking their wounds after missing out on top attacking target Morgan Rogers, who opted to sign for Chelsea instead. A new report from Team Talk states that the Gunners are now ready to make a bold move to sign Athletic Bilbao gem Nico Williams, who provided the assist for Spain’s World Cup final winning goal.
The report notes that Williams has a £77m release clause in his contract, and that he could be a more realistic option to PSG star Bradley Barcola. Williams is now said to be “firmly back on their shortlist” with Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta believed to be spearheading a potential move for the 24-year-old. Liverpool are also said to hold an interest in the player.
The 3AM Verdict: Given that they only sign Basque players, Athletic Bilbao tend to hang onto their stars for as long as possible, only letting them go for serious fees. Williams is an exciting player with bags of talent, although perhaps not quite up there with Barcola in terms of potential. We’d make Barcola a priority signing, with Williams there as a fine alternative if needs be.