Premier League transfer latest as Arsenal, Leeds United and Aston Villa eye their latest summer deals
The 2026/27 Premier League campaign continues this weekend, with Gameweek 2’s packed fixture list certain to deliver bucketloads of the English top tier’s trademark drama and intrigue over the course next three days. Highlights include Nottingham Forest’s trip to face Liverpool at Anfield, Arsenal’s visit to Aston Villa, and Spurs’ clash against Newcastle United.
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Meanwhile, the summer transfer window has just four full days left to run, and we’re expecting a bundle of deals to go through as Premier League clubs leave it late to finalise their business. It’s all set up to be a classic transfer deadline day, with the twists and turns likely last until the clock ticks down to the 11pm cut-off on September 1st.
Today’s round-up starts at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea are still looking to send Mykhailo Mudryk out on loan. Leeds United saw two separate approaches for the Ukrainian winger knocked back, and their hopes of getting the deal done were thought to be over. However, Football Insider now claim that the Whites haven’t given up on making the move happen.
They say that the 25-year-old is “willing” to make the move to Elland Road and that he remains a “leading target” for Leeds as the deadline draws closer. It’s claimed that a deal could be “reignited” but it’s also noted that there is likely to be rival interest from both Frank Lampard’s Coventry City and Brentford.
The 3AM Verdict: Mudryk will take some time to get up to speed after spending so long out of the game during his doping ban, and any team looking to bring him in will need to be patient. It’s clearly all going to come down to which club can cover the percentage of the player’s wages that Chelsea are after. We have a feeling he may end up at Brentford, if they are indeed interested, given the lack of relocation required.
Race to sign Mateta intensifies
Jean-Philippe Mateta could be on the way out of Crystal Palace before the summer window shutsplaceholder image
Jean-Philippe Mateta could be on the way out of Crystal Palace before the summer window shuts | Getty Images
Over at Villa Park, things are getting busy. Aston Villa are closing in on a move for PSG winger Ibrahim Mbaye, and they’re also making progress towards signing Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson. They’re likely to try and sign another striker too, as Ollie Watkins heads to Al-Hilal, and Caught Offside claim Villa will push on in their attempts to sign Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta.
However, they’re set to have competition for his signature, with Manchester United and Tottenham also thought to be monitoring the France international’s situation. Villa are now believed to be ready to “intensify” their efforts to sign Mateta, amid further rival interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray.
The 3AM Verdict: Villa will sorely miss Watkins, and with Tammy Abraham heading to Ipswich Town on loan, Unai Emery will need some reinforcements up top. Mateta would be a top class, Premier League proven signing who has a fine record of scoring in England’s top tier. We can’t see him going to United, but Galatasaray could have the financial muscle to squeeze Villa out of the race if they’re not careful.
Rashford could seal late window exit
Marcus Rashford has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford throughout the summerplaceholder image
Marcus Rashford has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford throughout the summer | Getty Images
Last up, Team Talk claim that Marcus Rashford could leave Manchester United this summer after all, despite it seeming like he would be staying. The report suggests that Arsenal are “keeping tabs” on the England international’s situation, with United said to still be open to selling if a suitably lucrative offer were to arrive and there to be a replacement ready.
Arsenal moving for Rashford is claimed to be an “avenue they could explore”, as they continue to struggle in their attempts to find a new left-sided forward. The Gunners missed out on signing £117m gem Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, while Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior opted to remain with his current club and sign a new contract extension.
The 3AM Verdict: We’re not convinced by this one - would United really have handed Rashford the number nine shirt if they planned on selling him just a couple of weeks later? On top of that, the Red Devils would be hard pushed to find a replacement of Rashford’s quality before the window closes, as tempting as a ‘pure profit’ PSR sale may be.
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