Premier League transfer latest as Aston Villa, Chelsea, Leeds United and more get busy in the summer window
The 2026/27 Premier League campaign is just around the corner, giving us something to get excited about as the crippling World Cup hangover slowly wears off. Fantasy Premier League squad drafts are being frantically put together as fans debate whether Erling Haaland is worth the money, while travelling supporters continue to meticulously plan the early stages of their expeditions on the roads and rails.
Meanwhile, the summer transfer window has burst to life, with Premier League clubs cranking things up a gear to create a post-World Cup frenzy. The likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been exceptionally busy, while title contenders Liverpool and Arsenal are biding their time before unleashing their spending power.
Today’s rumours round-up starts at Stamford Bridge where Chelsea are - yes, you guessed it - looking to sign another winger. The Blues have already laid down a whopping £117m to sign Morgan Rogers who will most likely play on the left flank, but with Alejandro Garnacho set to move in the other direction to Aston Villa, a vacancy has opened up.
The Telegraph report that the West London club are now “favourites” to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Kerim Alajbegovic, who looks set to leave the Bundesliga side after just returning from RB Salzburg via a buy-back clause. He’ll now be flipped for a healthy profit, with the Bosnia and Herzegovina international being given a £30m price tag.
Chelsea are said to be ready to fight off interest from a host of Serie A clubs to sign the highly-rated 18-year-old, who came through the Leverkusen academy during Xabi Alonso’s time at the club. The Blues’ new head coach is said to have given his blessing to the move, as he looks to put his own stamp on a club who have struggled to find stability in recent years.
The 3AM Verdict: We’ve given Chelsea lot of stick for their obsession with buying wingers and young players in general, but this deal does make sense. Alonso knows the player, and so long asbig-money flop Jamie Gittens is moved on, there’s space for him to be an excellent understudy to Rogers with bundles of what the Blues’ current owners love - re-sale value.
Leeds United have advantage in Trafford chase
Leeds United may have hit the bullseye when it comes to signing a new number oneplaceholder image
Leeds United may have hit the bullseye when it comes to signing a new number one | Getty Images
Next up, it’s over to Elland Road, where Leeds United are looking to add to their early summer signings of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic. The Athletic follow up recent reports suggesting that the Whites are upping their interest in Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with the two clubs back in talks over a potential deal.
Crucially, they say that the England goalkeeper is “leaning towards” a move to Elland Road, which could give them a huge advantage over fellow suitors Newcastle United, who are now thought to be eyeing other options. There is no mention of a potential transfer fee that City are holding out for, although it’s thought they will look to recoup much of the £27m they paid Burnley for his services just last summer.
The 3AM Verdict: With Trafford seemingly up for the move and the Magpies looking elsewhere, things might just work out perfectly for Leeds. Man City completely messed things up for Trafford by replacing him with Gianluigi Donnarumma mere weeks after joining, and he’ll have serious hunger to prove himself with a fresh start at Leeds.
Aston Villa keen on SC Freiburg stopper
Noah Atubolu will be a familiar face to Aston Villa fansplaceholder image
Noah Atubolu will be a familiar face to Aston Villa fans | Getty Images
Lastly, it’s over to the West Midlands, where Aston Villa still don’t appear to know what’s happening with their goalkeeper Emi Martinez this summer. The speculation over his future has continued to rumble on in recent months, leaving the Villans in a bit of a predicament - do they sell a top quality starter on their terms, or wait for him to drop a bombshell and leave at short notice?
It appears that Villa may now be preparing for life without the Argentina international, with Team Talk reporting that SC Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu has emerged as a potential target. He featured against Unai Emery’s side in the Europa League final, letting in three goals in his side’s 3-0 loss, but also making five saves in a gutsy performance between the sticks.
He’s said to be valued at around £26m, with competition likely to come from Premier League rivals Bournemouth. It’s claimed that he’s already knocked back interest from both Hull City and Coventry. Interestingly, it’s also suggested that he could come in as a backup option for Martinez, should Villa manage to hold on to their current undisputed number one.
The 3AM Verdict: Germany have a history of producing exceptional goalkeepers, and Atubolu has been tipped as potential future number one for the national side. He may not fancy sitting on the bench behind Martinez all season, but with the ‘keeper clearly considering a future away from Villa Park, Atubolu may not have to wait long to usurp him - if he’s willing to bide his time.