The latest Premier League transfer news as Arsenal, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest race to get deals done before September 1st’s deadline
We’re just two weeks away from the 2026/27 Premier League season getting underway, and excitement is building ahead of the English top tier’s return. With a host of new managers and players set to test their mettle in the division, it’s set to be one of the most unpredictable campaigns in years, as Arsenal look to defend their title.
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Off the field, transfer activity is booming, as Premier League clubs continue to snap up new signings and sharpen their squads. After September 1st, no more deals can go through until January, which increases the pressure on recruitment teams to get their decisions spot on. So far this summer, clubs in the league have a spent a combined amount of over £1 billion.
We’ll get today’s rumours round-up underway at Nottingham Forest, who will begin this season with a new manager in Oliver Glasner. According to Team Talk, the Tricky Trees are looking to pull off an impressive double deal, with both Bologna’s Jhon Lucimi and Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders emerging as key targets.
It’s said that Forest could bag the latter if a bid in the region of £60m is lodged, although it’s suggested that the player may be unwilling to move to a club that’s not playing in Europe. Further on in the article, it says that “negotiations are now set to intensify” for both players, with Lucimi seen as an ideal candidate to boost Forest’s quality options in defence.
The 3AM Verdict: It’s been an uncharacteristically quiet summer for Forest so far, given thatthey want bananas in the window this time last year. Both linked players would certainly strengthen the squad, with Reijnders in particular looking like a smart bit of business, and an excellent replacement for Elliot Anderson after his big-money City switch.
Leeds United chase World Cup star
Orlando Gill impressed in goal for Paraguay during the 2026 FIFA World Cupplaceholder image
Orlando Gill impressed in goal for Paraguay during the 2026 FIFA World Cup | Getty Images
Remember that Paraguayan goalkeeper who launched a ball at Kylian Mbappe after he turned down a post-match handshake during the World Cup? Well, Orlando Gill just might be on his way to the Premier League. So say reports from South America, via Sport Witness, which suggest that Leeds United have made an offer for the San Lorenzo stopper, who is said to have a £6m release clause.
Amid interest from a host of Premier League sides, Leeds are thought to have made the first move, as they look to find a quality backup option for new number one James Trafford. There’s little else in terms of detail, other than the assertion that it’s unclear whether the Whites have met the 26-year-old’s release clause or looked to haggle his asking price down first.
The 3AM Verdict: Gill had a highly impressive World Cup with Paraguay, and is widely expected to leave South America for a club in Europe this summer. However, if he went to Leeds, there’s no way he’d be getting past James Trafford to be their new number one. If Gill does want to move to Elland Road, he’ll have to settle for the odd cup appearance for the foreseeable future.
Arsenal eye stunning move for Romero
Arsenal could make a stunning move to sign Cristian Romero from arch rivals Spursplaceholder image
Arsenal could make a stunning move to sign Cristian Romero from arch rivals Spurs | Getty Images
Finishing us off in style, we head to north London, where a transfer bombshell could be brewing. As Arsenal shake themselves down after the disappointment of missing out on Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior - we did predict this outcome - they’re now believed to be eyeing a new centre-back: The captain of their arch rivals Spurs, no less.
That’s according to The Athletic, who say that the Gunners “admire” the Argentinian defender, as they look to find cover for the injured William Saliba. He’s said to have “attracted the interest” of Arsenal, although Tottenham are expect to immediately rebuff any move from Mikel Arteta’s side. A £34m switch to either Inter or Atletico Madrid has been tipped as the most likely outcome.
The 3AM Verdict: Romero has certainly had his ups and downs with Spurs fans during his tumultuous spell as their skipper, but a move to Arsenal would surely put him in Sol Campbell territory. Campbell was twice the player, mind. We can’t see this one happening, and expect to see him head to Atleti instead.
Read more:Exclusive: Legendary former Spurs goalkeeper on why Kinský is 'more than ready' to be number one