The latest Premier League transfer news as Aston Villa, Arsenal, Sunderland and more push for last-gasp summer deals
The race is on for Premier League clubs to get their summer business done, as the clock continues to tick down to the 11pm September 1st transfer deadline. In recent years, Deadline Day has proven to be a bit of a damp squib, but it seems like the 2026 summer edition could break the trend, with a host of clubs still looking to finalise deals.
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Manchester City’s pursuit of Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez looks set to go down to the wire, and the Blues will need to sign a high quality replacement should he leave. Arsenal are still after a left-sided forward, Manchester United are chasing a new left-back, and Tottenham still appear intent on signing every Premier League player with an asking price over £50m.
Today’s rumours round-up begins at Sunderland, who are looking to avoid second-season syndrome after a highly impressive return to the Premier League last year. The Black Cats are set to have a frantic end to the window, and are thought to be closing in on a move for Marseille winger Igor Paixao. Team Talk report that personal terms are already agreed, and that all that remains is for a fee to be agreed with his club.
It’s also suggested that Sunderland are pushing hard to sign a new centre-back, with a number of Premier League options on their radar. Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Tottenham’s Kevin Danso are both named as potential targets, with both players set to be fringe players at their clubs this season. However, Fulham are likely to provide stiff competition for both signings.
The 3AM Verdict: With Europa League football to play this season, Sunderland could really do with getting some more players through the door. Both Tosin and Danso were part of shambolic defences last season, but in the right environment and a more suitable tactical system, they’re more than capable of starring again. Between the two, we’d be putting all our eggs in the Danso basket.
Arsenal could switch focus to dazzling winger
Arsenal could switch their attention from Julian Alvarez to Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardoplaceholder image
Arsenal could switch their attention from Julian Alvarez to Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo | Getty Images
Over at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s window isn’t finished yet, as they continue to keep tabs on Julian Alvarez’s situation at Atletico Madrid. It’s clear that the player wants to join Barcelona, but the Gunners will be hoping they can convince him otherwise. If they can’t, Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo is emerging as an alternative - according to Caught Offside.
They say that Arsenal are now in talks with the Belgium star’s representatives, amid serious rival interest from Newcastle United. The 21-year-old is believed to have an asking price of around £60m, which is said to have put off potential suitors so far this summer. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is said to be a “big fan” of the player, and the Magpies’ hesitancy to get the deal done could present a real opportunity for a transfer hijack.
The 3AM Verdict: There’s no doubting that signing Alvarez would be a huge coup for Arsenal, but the chances of that happening at this stage of the window are looking slim. Ideally, they wanted to sign a big-name, established talent to round off their summer in style, but Fernandez-Pardo would at least provide their squad with a boost until they have a chance to do so again in January or this time next year.
Aston Villa make late-window Man Utd raid
Aston Villa look to be making a late window move for Man United and Ivory Coast star Amad Dialloplaceholder image
Aston Villa look to be making a late window move for Man United and Ivory Coast star Amad Diallo | Getty Images
Last up, Aston Villa are pushing to sign a new winger, and reports from French outlet 225 Foot claim they’ve gone so far as to have made an “official bid” for Manchester United’s Amad Diallo. It’s said that the Ivory Coast international’s limited minutes this season could see him allowed to leave Old Trafford.
The report goes on to claim that he’s been identified as the ideal option to liven up Villa’s attack, as they look to respond from their dismal 4-0 opening day loss to Brighton & Hove Albion. There’s no indication of how much the Villans have bid, or whether United have any indication of accepting it.
The 3AM Verdict: We’re not too sure on this one. The details are pretty sparse at the moment, with no other sources substantiating the report. It could well prove to be accurate, however, and there’s no denying that Diallo would be a sensible signing for Villa. With the player under contract until 2030, with the option of an additional year, he most likely won’t come cheap.