Premier League transfer news update as Arsenal, Everton, Brentford and more push to get more deals completed
The 2026 summer transfer window has been a lively one so far, with clubs across the Premier League getting busy in the market both selling and signing new players. Tottenham came flying out the blocks, snapping up the likes of Sandro Tonali and Manuel Fernandes in a mega spending spree, while Chelsea have also gone big - notably spending £117m on Morgan Rogers.
placeholder image
Getty Images
Meanwhile, Manchester United have bolstered their midfield, bringing in both Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, while Manchester City spent £116m to bring England star Elliot Anderson in from Nottingham Forest. As deadline day moves closer, we’re expecting both Arsenal and Liverpool to waken up, as both look to sign a quality new winger.
Today’s rumours round-up starts in west London, where Brentford are said to be plotting a bold £40m move to sign West Ham United full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf. Talk Sport claim that the Bees have already had a bid knocked back, but are undeterred and will look to test the Hammers’ resolve further with an improved offer.
West Ham previously claimed they were unwilling to sell the Senegal international, who was one of their top performers last season despite the side suffering relegation. There’s no indication as to whether the Hammers are willing to change their stance, after raising around £150m in player sales already following their drop down into the Championship.
The 3AM Verdict: West Ham did a great job hanging on to Jarrod Bowen and Taty Castellanos, and they’ll be eager to do the same with Diouf as they look to bounce straight back up to the Premier League. We were surprised not to see Man United make a move for Diouf after being linked, given is quality - Brentford would bag serious coup if they can convince the Hammers to sell.
Everton could raid Crystal Palace again
Colombia international Daniel Munoz is expected to leave Crystal Palace this summerplaceholder image
Colombia international Daniel Munoz is expected to leave Crystal Palace this summer | Getty Images
Over at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton have completed a move to sign Brennan Johnson, with Dwight McNeil heading the other way in a swap deal. Team Talk believe that the Toffees are ready to head back to Selhurst Park to do some more business, with Palace defender Daniel Munoz likely to be allowed to leave the club this summer.
Nottingham Forest are also said to be in the mix to sign the Colombia international, with former Eagles boss Oliver Glasner now in charge at the City Ground. Palace have brought in full-back Anan Khalaili, which should pave the way for Munoz’s exit. Both the Toffees and the Tricky Trees are said to be ready to sign the 30-year-old, setting up a potential transfer battle.
The 3AM Verdict: If both clubs do make a move for Munoz, we have a feeling he might end up at Forest. Glasner was highly complimentary of the player during his time at Palace, and that loyalty could see him snub Everton in favour of Forest. It would also be fair to say that Forest have the stronger squad heading into the new season, and are in a better position to push for European football.
Arsenal’s centre-back hunt continues
Could Barcelona's Jules Kounde could be Arsenal's next summer signing?placeholder image
Could Barcelona's Jules Kounde could be Arsenal's next summer signing? | Getty Images
To close, it’s over to the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal are looking for a new centre-back after William Saliba suffered a back injury during the World Cup earlier this summer. With target Ezri Konsa deemed too expensive - Villa are said to be after £60m - it appears that Barcelona’s Jules Kounde could now be an option, if reports from Spanish outlet Sport are to be believed.
They say that Barca are looking to trim their wage bill, and Kounde could be sacrificed given the numerous options they have in his position. The Gunners are now believed to be “monitoring his situation” as the player appears to have fallen out of favour with manager Hansi Flick. Chelsea almost signed Kounde back in 2022, before the player picked Barcelona instead.
The 3AM Verdict: Gunners boss Mikel Arteta loves a versatile defender, and Kounde is highly skilled both as a right-back and centre-back. It’s not clear how much Barca want for the 56-cap France international, but he’s highly likely to be cheaper than Konsa. Given that he can fill in at right-back too where Arsenal have lost Jurrien Timber to injury, signing Kounde should be a no-brainer if it works financially.
Read more:How Nottingham Forest’s mighty £239m starting XI could look next season – if Man City and Frankfurt stars sign