The latest Premier League transfer news as Newcastle United, Arsenal and Aston Villa plot late summer window moves
The 2026/27 Premier League season has got off to a flying start, with late goals, drama and shock results galore. As expected, Arsenal got things underway with a comfortable 3-0 win over Coventry City, but that was followed by Hull City’s stunning 2-0 win over Manchester United, and Brentford comprehensively hammering their London rivals Tottenham 3-0 later the same day.
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Meanwhile, we’re not far off the final week of the summer transfer window, and we’re expecting a hectic few days of business as the Premier League elite look to get their final deals done. Liverpool are after two top class wingers, Man United need a left-back, and Aston Villa face the prospect of having to replace star striker Ollie Watkins, who’s been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
We’ll stay with the Villans for our first story, as Unai Emery looks to find cover for midfielder Amadou Onana, who’s set to miss much of the season after suffering an ACL injury during the World Cup. According to BBC Sport, the Villans are closing in on a move for free agent Leon Goretzka, who left Bayern Munich earlier this summer when his contract expired.
The report says that the 31-year-old emerged as an alternative to Bayern’s Joao Palhinha, who now looks set to pursue a move to Benfica. Newcastle United were thought to have also made an offer to Goretzka, but it appears that it will be Villa who win this race, with the West Midlands side now said to be “close” to completing the deal.
The 3AM Verdict: This is a great bit of business for Villa, who struggled to get Palhinha as they wanted him on a loan deal rather than permanently. They’ll save millions by signing a free agent, and a top class one at that. They should have enough money left in the coffers to now sign a new striker, with backup or indeed a replacement for Watkins top of their priority list.
Newcastle United chase Man City gem
Newcastle United could make a move for Manchester City's Nico Gonzalezplaceholder image
Newcastle United could make a move for Manchester City's Nico Gonzalez | Getty Images
Over to St. James’ Park next, where Newcastle United are looking to rebuild their depleted side. They’ve had their midfield ripped to pieces after losing both Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, and a new report from Caught Offside claims they could be set to make a move for Manchester City’s £51m midfielder Nico Gonzalez.
It’s said that Newcastle have “opened exploratory talks” with the Citizens, but face rival interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid, who are also looking to bolster their options in the middle of the park. While it’s stated that the Magpies are yet to lodge a formal offer, it’s suggested that they could open their bidding at around the £34m mark.
The 3AM Verdict: This would be a great deal for Newcastle. Gonzalez arrived as an expensive, short-term replacement for the injured Rodri, with little thought for his long-term future at City. The club are expected to sign two more midfielders before the window closes, and will need to fund those deals, which should make things easier for Newcastle to get their man.
Arsenal could get golden chance to sign Alvarez
Argentina star Julian Alvarez is facing an uncertain future at Atletico Madridplaceholder image
Argentina star Julian Alvarez is facing an uncertain future at Atletico Madrid | AFP via Getty Images
Last up, it’s over to the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal could seal one of the signings of the summer. £129m-rated Atletico Madrid Julian Alvarez is now said to be “open” to joining the Gunners, according to reports in the Spanish printed press via The Standard. They say that while his priority has been to join Barcelona, this is becoming increasingly unrealistic due to fractious relations between Atleti and Barca.
Arsenal appear to have now emerged as the ex-Manchester City star’s ideal backup option, as he looks to force a move away this summer. The Gunners have struggled to find a new left-sided forward this summer, having missed out on Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and their new signing Yan Diomande who joined in a mega-money deal from RB Leipzig.
The 3AM Verdict: We’re still not too sure this one will happen, as the player is also said to be eager to remain in Spain. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be doing all he can to lure Alvarez to the Emirates, but the player may well opt to wait out another window or two and really build the pressure on his club to sell. That said, if things go really sour, he may look to jump ship before the window closes after all. One for Arsenal fans to watch, certainly.