Premier League transfer news latest as Aston Villa, Man United and Man City chase summer signings
The 2026/27 Premier League season is finally here, and it’s shaping up to be a classic campaign bursting with enthralling narrative and drama. Nine clubs are starting the term with new managers, including Manchester City, who head into the season without Pep Guardiola, after Enzo Maresca was brought in following the club legend’s exit.
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Meanwhile, the summer transfer window has less than two weeks to go, and Premier League clubs are scrambling to get their business concluded before the September 1st deadline. Once that passes, clubs will be unable to sign or sell players until the new year, so the pressure is on for managers to strengthen their squads while the opportunity still remains.
Today’s transfer rumour mill round-up begins at the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City will be looking to bounce back from their dire 3-0 Community Shield loss to Arsenal, when they open their Premier League campaign at home to Bournemouth. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez is still firmly on their transfer wish list, according to an update from Football Insider.
They say that despite failing to meet the Blues’ deadline to get the deal done for £120m, City preparing to continue their pursuit of the Argentina international in the coming days. It’s said that City boss Maresca has been a central figure in leading the push to sign his former Blues star, and that the Citizens have “growing confidence” that they’ll seal the deal.
The 3AM Verdict: Chelsea could find themselves in a real mess if they don’t play this right. Fernandez clearly wants to go, and City should have the necessary financial muscle to sign him. If the Blues leave it too late, they could be left with slim pickings in terms of his replacement, with most other clubs unwilling to sell key players so close to the deadline.
Man United chase Lewis Hall alternative
Jorge Salinas could be Man United's new left-backplaceholder image
Jorge Salinas could be Man United's new left-back | Getty Images
Across to Old Trafford next, where Manchester United are still on the hunt for a new left-back. Lewis Hall has been their top target all summer, but it appears that the Red Devils could now look elsewhere, with Newcastle United digging their heels in and refusing to sell. Caught Offside suggest they could be set to make a move for Real Santander youngster Jorge Salinas, who is believed to have a bargain £14m release clause.
They claim that the club’s performance analysts have identified the 19-year-old as an emerging star with huge potential, and that United have “already held discussions” with the player’s entourage with an eye to launching a formal approach. RB Leizpig’s David Raum and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly are listed as two alternative, more costly targets.
The 3AM Verdict: This all comes down to whether United want to replace Luke Shaw this season or next.Raum would be the best choice if they want to do it this season, while Salinas could be a decent understudy for Shaw just now if they prefer to wait until next summer. We’d go for Raum, who looks more than ready for the rigours of Premier League football.
Aston Villa ‘battling’ Atletico Madrid for striker
Nicolas Jackson looks certain to leave Chelsea this summerplaceholder image
Nicolas Jackson looks certain to leave Chelsea this summer | Getty Images
We’ll finish up at Villa Park, where Aston Villa look set for a busy end to the summer window. They need a new centre-back after Ezri Konsa joined Arsenal, and they might need a new first-choice striker too, amid Ollie Watkins’ links with a move to the Saudi Pro League. Spanish print media outlet AS, via Sport Witness, say they’re still firmly in the race to sign Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson.
However, Villa now have fresh competition from Atletico Madrid, who could find themselves rushing to sign a new forward if Julian Alvarez gets his way and ends up at Barcelona. The £65m Senegalese striker looks certain to leave Chelsea this summer, along with former Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap, who endured a torrid debut season at Stamford Bridge.
The 3AM Verdict: Jackson has had plenty of stick during his time at Chelsea, largely due to his poor disciplinary record and uncanny ability to miss golden chances. His record of 24 Premier League goals in two seasons isn’t half bad, however, and Unai Emery could be the man to get him firing on all cylinders. That said, we think Atleti will end up winning this race, given their ability to more readily pay the Blues’ desired fee.