The latest Premier League transfer news including updates on Everton, Manchester United, Arsenal and more
We’re just a day away from the return of 2026/27 Premier League season, following a three-week international break that culminated in England defeating Czechia 3-0 at Wembley Stadium. Manchester City - who’ve not had the quietest of breaks - will be looking to keep their spot at the top of the table, amid pressure from champions Arsenal.
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Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur will be desperate to claw themselves off the very bottom of the Premier League table, after they peaked up just two points from a possible 15 in their opening five games of the season. They travel to take on Manchester United on Saturday evening, which is shaping up to be one of the weekend’s most exciting matches.
We’ll stay at Old Trafford for the first story of our latest round-up, where Michael Carrick’s side are looking to kick on after an underwhelming start to the new season. According to Spanish outlet Vamos Mi Sevilla FC, the Red Devils are plotting to hijack Sevilla’s existing loan deal for AC Milan’s Youssouf Fofana, bringing him to Old Trafford in January on a permanent deal.
It’s said that the 27-year-old has captured the eye of United’s recruitment team in the early stages of this season, and that the club are preparing to make a “substantial” offer to sign the former France international in the winter window. It’s claimed that AC Milan could pay Sevilla compensation to smooth over the potential cutting short of his current loan deal
The 3AM Verdict: What on earth is going on here exactly? Man United spent almost their entire summer transfer budget on three central midfielders. They have a further five on the books. Unless Carrick is cooking up a radical new formation, this must be utter tripe. United won’t sign him Fofana in January - but they just might bag a new left-back.
Arsenal’s striker hopes fade
Inter's Francesco Pio Esposito scored twice for Italy during the last international breakplaceholder image
Inter's Francesco Pio Esposito scored twice for Italy during the last international break | AFP via Getty Images
Over in north London, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are gearing up to re-open the Premier League season on Saturday, when they host Leeds United in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off. According to Italian print media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, the Gunners look to have suffered a further blow in their pursuit of Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito.
The 21-year-old gem, who has been on fire for both club and country of late, was said to be the subject of an enquiry from Arsenal last summer. This was believed to have been knocked back, with Inter insisting even an offer over £85m wouldn’t be enough. This value is now said to have skyrocketed even higher, with Inter fully aware of the calibre of talent they have on their hands.
The 3AM Verdict: After failing to sign a top quality left winger over the summer, Arsenal really don’t have that kind of money to be throwing at a striker any time soon, with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres already on the books. They could do with an upgrade, but the young Italian talent would be too expensive a gamble to make the prospect even remotely realistic at this stage. Stick to the plan, Mikel.
Everton could go back in for Balogun
Everton saw a summer Deadline Day deal for Folarin Balogun fall throughplaceholder image
Everton saw a summer Deadline Day deal for Folarin Balogun fall through | Getty Images
Last up, over at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton are still on the hunt for a new striker. That’s probably for the best, with their current centre-forward statistically the worst ball-header in the league just now, losing 65% of all attempted aerial challenges so far this season. Football Insider say that the Toffees are now considering resurrecting a move for Monaco’s Folarin Balogun.
The story says that despite the player pulling the plug on a summer deal at the final hour, Everton’s “desperation” to find some backup for Barry could see them crawl back to the USA international and try to convince him to join for a second time. The report suggests that Tottenham could potentially rival them for Balogun in January, amid their own struggles for goals.
The 3AM Verdict: Everton are doing pretty well this season even if the goals aren’t exactly flowing in the Premier League. They’re a rightfully proud club, and going back in for a player whose decision has caused them some serious bother is surely be beneath them. There’s plenty of time for the Toffees to find a better alternative who hasn’t rejected them before.