The latest Premier League transfer news as Liverpool, Sunderland, Man City and more race to get summer deals completed
This time next week, we’ll be on the cusp of the 2026/27 Premier League season getting underway, with title-holders Arsenal and newly promoted Coventry City set to kick off the new campaign in what should be an enthralling encounter at the Emirates Stadium. The pressure is firmly on the Gunners to get the win, as they look to defend their crown.
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Away from the pitch, Premier League clubs are still working relentlessly behind the scenes to get transfers done. While the summer window officially closes on September 1st, managers will be eager to have the bulk of their signings on board before the new season begins, giving them maximum time to gel their new-look squads together before the campaign gets underway.
Today’s rumour mill round-up starts at the Etihad Stadium, where Man City boss Enzo Maresca is believed to be eyeing a number of his former Chelsea players. Among them is Pedro Neto, according to Football Insider, who assert that City would be willing to pay the £70m asking price the Blues are believed to have slapped on the Portugal international’s head.
It’s said that Neto is now likely to come in as a replacement for Savinho, who could well end up at Tottenham. It’s widely understood that while the Blues aren’t actively looking to sell Neto, they could be willing to let him go if a big-money offer comes in, as it would allow them to balance the books after a summer of serious spending, which has included the £117m signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
The 3AM Verdict: If we were Chelsea, we’d take that £70m and run for the hills. Neto is certainly a Premier League quality player and among the fastest and most fearsome dribblers in the division, but his end product is sorely lacking for a player now 26-years-old. The Blues could find themselves a fine replacement for that kind of money, and still have a few quid leftover to do something abouttheir dire goalkeeping situation.
Liverpool could sneak in to snatch Konsa
Arsenal and Liverpool look set to battle it out to sign Aston Villa and England star Ezri Konsaplaceholder image
Arsenal and Liverpool look set to battle it out to sign Aston Villa and England star Ezri Konsa | AFP via Getty Images
Next up, it’s over to Anfield, where Liverpool are under increasing pressure to sign a new centre-back. They’re believed to be in the race to sign Aston Villa and England star Ezri Konsa, alongside fierce competition from Arsenal. The Guardian now report that the Gunners could back out of the race, with the Villans’ rumoured £60m asking price said to be too rich for their blood.
The story claims that while Arsenal are determined to find some cover for William Saliba, who suffered a back injury during the World Cup with France, they feel Villa’s desired fee is too much to pay for a player who will be out of contract in 2028. The Gunners are also believed to be prioritising attacking signings, with a blockbuster move for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez said to be on the cards, with a slim possibility of signing Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior also an option.
The 3AM Verdict: This is great news for Liverpool, who’ve had a pretty underwhelming summer transfer window thus far. That said, they did spend over £400m on new players last season. Konsa would do a great job slotting in next to Virgil Van Dijk, with recent arrival Jeremy Jacquet still untested in the Premier League. The Reds should get Konsa before someone else does.
Sunderland ‘hold talks’ to sign new winger
Sporting CP's Geny Catamo could complete a big-money move to Sunderlandplaceholder image
Sporting CP's Geny Catamo could complete a big-money move to Sunderland | AFP via Getty Images
We’ll finish off in the North East, where Sunderland haven’t spent a single penny on a new signing this summer despite qualifying for Europe last season. The Black Cats could now be set to spring into action, with a report from Team Talk suggesting that the club have “held talks” with Sporting CP over a potential move for their winger Geny Catamo.
In the report, it’s suggested that the Mozambique international is Sunderland’s top pick to become their new right winger, amid rival interest from Aston Villa and Everton. The 25-year-old is believed to have a release clause of around £51m, but the Black Cats are said to be confident that they can get the deal done for a fee closer to £35m.
The 3AM Verdict: Sunderland’s upcoming run in the Europa League will be great for supporters and neutrals alike, and a flair player like Catamo on the wing will only add to the excitement. He’s spent four years in the Portuguese top tier, and would bring title-winning experience along with explosive pace and a commendable work rate to Regis Le Bris’ side.
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