News Focus
- The summer transfer window closes on Monday, 1 September at 11pm British time
- Arsenal are hunting for a left winger and central midfielder but must sell players first
- Aston Villa may sell Morgan Rogers for at least £80 million to balance their books
- Brentford refuse to sell top scorer Igor Thiago despite interest worth over £100 million
- Brighton have already started their business by signing young talent Zadok Yohanna
The summer transfer market is now active for English top-flight teams. Clubs have until the first day of September at 11 in the evening to complete their business.
Arsenal’s Plans
The North London side wants to strengthen their starting eleven after winning the league title. They need fresh faces on the left wing and in the middle of the park. However, the club must follow strict money rules. This means they need to sell some squad members before they can buy new ones.
Mikel Arteta’s team has admired Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid for many months. The Spanish club wants to keep the Argentine striker and has rejected offers from Barcelona and Real Madrid. If Alvarez does move, he prefers to join Barcelona. Because of this, Arsenal are looking at other options.
They have increased their interest in Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. However, any deal will wait until after the World Cup. The Gunners also like Anthony Gordon, but they were happy to let Barcelona try to sign him. Kvicha Kvaratskhelia will probably stay at Paris Saint-Germain, but Arsenal have watched his teammate Bradley Barcola. They have also looked at Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig and Jean-Matteo Bahoya from Eintracht Frankfurt. Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi is another name on their list.
In midfield, Arsenal are watching several stars including Sandro Tonali, Elliot Anderson (who is close to joining Manchester City), and Adam Wharton. They have not picked a top target yet. The club might also sign a young defender who can play in many different positions at the back.
Aston Villa’s Situation
After returning to the Champions League, Villa need more players in their group. However, they must sell one or two big names to follow UEFA’s money rules.
Morgan Rogers is their most valuable player at around £80 million. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain all want him. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez has strong interest from Juventus. Italian reports say the Old Lady is confident of signing him. Ollie Watkins also has many admirers who will bid if the price is right.
If Martinez leaves, Villa will search for a new number one keeper. They like James Trafford at Manchester City. The club also wants a central midfielder, wingers, and another striker. They are interested in Harry Wilson, whose contract at Fulham has ended.
Bournemouth’s Stance
The Cherries want to keep their best young players. Dean Huijsen, Alex Scott, and Junior Kroupi are not for sale. Huijsen has a release clause of £86.6 million that starts next summer. Kroupi does not have this clause, but Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Manchester City, and Arsenal are all watching him.
Scott is on the wanted list at Manchester United and Liverpool. Because of this, Bournemouth are talking to him about a new contract. The club needs a left-sided centre-back to replace Marcos Senesi, who has joined Tottenham for free. They also want a new striker and are working to sign Christos Mandas from Lazio permanently after his loan. Right-back Alex Jimenez faces an uncertain future after his suspension.
Brentford’s Activity
The Bees have already bought young defender Jannik Schuster from Red Bull Salzburg. They still need a left winger and central midfielder. A move for Said El Mala from FC Koln failed because his family asked the club to sign his brother too. Now they are looking at Feyenoord’s Leo Sauer. They have also tried to sign Max Beier from Dortmund and Omari Hutchinson, who is now at Nottingham Forest.
For midfield, they like Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, Joey Veerman from PSV, and Pape Matar Sarr from Tottenham. Mathias Jensen and Rico Henry might leave despite having extra years in their contracts. Fabio Carvalho, who is returning from injury, has interest from other clubs, but Brentford think he will have a great season. Centre-back Ethan Pinnock is more likely to depart. Striker Igor Thiago will not be sold unless someone pays more than £100 million.
Brighton’s Moves
The Seagulls have signed winger Zadok Yohanna from AIK in Sweden. They need a right-back, with Olympiakos’ Costinha as a target. They also need centre-backs because Adam Webster is leaving and Jan Paul van Hecke is talking to Tottenham. Brighton have offered £30 million for Spurs defender Luka Vuskovic and also want Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse.
Carlos Baleba is wanted by Manchester United, while Matt O’Riley has interest from Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. Joel Veltman is out of contract but is discussing new terms. Up front, they hope Charalampos Kostoulas improves but are looking for other options as Danny Welbeck gets older.
Chelsea’s Approach
New manager Xabi Alonso believes the squad is strong but can get better. They want experienced players with great skill and character, not just young talent. They need a goalkeeper, centre-back, central midfielder, and left winger. They are interested in Morgan Rogers like their rivals Arsenal. They expect Mike Penders to return from his loan at Strasbourg and challenge for the first team.