Premier League transfer news with the latest on Leeds United, Chelsea, Liverpool and more
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now done and dusted, we’re very much in the barren, football-free wilderness before the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season next month. Sure, there’s some pre-season friendlies to keep an eye on and some Fantasy Premier League squads to build, but you we’re still clamouring for a bit of competitive football action.
Thankfully, the summer transfer window is bringing plenty of excitement to fill the void, as Premier League clubs race to get their important business done before the big kick-off in August. The likes of Man City, Chelsea and Tottenham have flown out the traps to make major signings, while the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool look to be biding their time before going big in the market.
Today’s transfer rumour mill update gets going at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea are looking to do things differently this summer, opting to recruit experienced players rather than rely solely on up and coming stars. There are fewer more seasoned in England’s top tier than Brighton’s Danny Welbeck, and The Athletic report that the Blues are ready to make a move.
They say that there is “optimism on all sides that a deal could be done”, with Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso said to be enamoured by the 35-year-old’s leadership qualities. His arrival could see the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap moved on, as the west London side look to reshape a forward line that, bar, Joao Pedro, has struggled for goals in recent years.
The 3AM Verdict: Welbeck is no spring chicken, but you need the odd weathered rooster to keep the chicks in order, as some old saying probably goes. Despite his advancing years in footballing terms, the ex-Manchester United star still managed to back an impressive 13 Premier League goals last season, and could be an excellent and indeed low cost back-up option to Pedro.
Liverpool could snatch Arsenal targets
Liverpool could make a move for either John Stones or Ezri Konsa, both of whom are thought to be Arsenal targetsplaceholder image
Liverpool could make a move for either John Stones or Ezri Konsa, both of whom are thought to be Arsenal targets | AFP via Getty Images
Over to the Emirates Stadium next, where Arsenal have had a busy summer so far despite doing little in the way of transfer business. They missed out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, are said to be plotting a blockbuster move for Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, and are also rumoured to be eyeing both Man City’s John Stones and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.
According to Team Talk, signing either of the England centre-backs could now become more difficult, with Liverpool said to be giving “serious consideration” to signing one of the two players. The Reds are believed to be keen on landing a more experienced central defender, with Stones said to be “open to discussing a move to Anfield”. Konsa is also now said to be on Liverpool’s radar, among a host of other top class defenders.
The 3AM Verdict: Dithering meant Arsenal failed to sign Rogers, and further indecisiveness could cost them dearly again as Liverpool look to get their business done swiftly. We still think Stones will end up pursuing a move abroad, perhaps to Juventus in Serie A, but there’s every chance Konsa could switch to another Premier League club. Arsenal need to get their skates on pronto and get some more business done.
Leeds United ‘pushing’ to bag free agent coup
Could Leeds United pull off another free agent coup by signing Julian Brandt?placeholder image
Could Leeds United pull off another free agent coup by signing Julian Brandt? | Getty Images
Drawing things to a close, it’s over to Elland Road, where Leeds United are looking to pull off another free agent coup. Harry Wilson already joined the club after leaving Fulham, and now they’ve got ex-Borussia Dortmund ace Julian Brandt firmly in their sights. Football Insider report that the Whites are “pulling out all the stops” to get the deal done, as they look to convince the player amid interest from rival clubs.
The story claims that there is “some anxiety” at Leeds as Brandt continues to mull over his potential options, with Ajax, Atletico Madrid and Roma all thought to be keen. It’s suggested that the Whites have made the biggest efforts to sign the 30-year-old ace, and are ready to give him a pivotal role in the side should he opt to join them this summer.
The 3AM Verdict: Signing a 48-cap Germany international without paying a fee would be a cracking bit of business for Leeds. They’ve gone all out to convince the player to join, even inviting him down to the training ground to share their vision for the future. It would be great to see Brandt in the Premier League, and with James Trafford also likely to join, the Whites could end up having a very impressive summer window indeed.