Chelsea appear set to strike a surprise double deal for England veterans Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson as Xabi Alonso seeks to add experience to his squad. The Brighton striker, 35, and Brentford midfielder, 36, could continue an intriguing summer of incomings at Stamford Bridge after the marquee addition of Morgan Rogers earlier in the window.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are plotting an audacious move for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr and want to sign the Brazil winger this summer. The Premier League champions are preparing to offer the 26-year-old the biggest contract in their history but Real Madrid may yet offer the Brazilian fresh terms.
It could be a busy few weeks for Mikel Arteta’s side as they also look to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes and add another centre-back, with England internationals Ezri Konsa and John Stones both of interest – though the latter appears bound for Italy. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe confirmed that he wants to keep Guimaraes, but added that his future at the club is out of his control.
Elsewhere, Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has set out his targets for the transfer window and has confirmed the Reds “definitely need to sign a winger”, while France international Bradley Barcola is reportedly open to leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer. PSG, who are set to miss out on the signing Yan Diomande to Real Madrid, would demand a record fee, however.
Manchester United are still interested in adding another midfielder and have “reached an agreement in principle” with France international Manu Kone, according to reports in Italy. Aurelien Tchouameni remains a target, too.
Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and reports with our live blog below
DONE DEAL! Ipswich sign Dutch shot-stopper
Ipswich have completed a deal for goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, who joins from Union Saint-Gilloise and says…
“This is a very proud moment for me.
“This is a great opportunity for me to show my qualities and test myself in the best league in the world, so I’m really looking forward to making memories together.
“I’ve had great conversations and everything here has been really positive, so it’s made me very excited to join Ipswich Town.
“I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates and can’t wait to meet the fans and get started.”
Harry Latham-Coyle28 July 2026 13:45
Josko Gvardiol signs new Manchester City deal as defensive rebuild begins
The Croatia international has put pen to paper on a five-year contract, with an option for a sixth season.
Gvardiol follows Abdukodir Khusanov, who also agreed a contract extension, as City’s defence for the future takes shape after the departures of John Stones and Nathan Ake.
Richard Jolly28 July 2026 13:25
Manchester City have confirmed World Cup-winning midfielder Rodri has undergone successful back surgery.
It is not yet clear how long the Spain international will be sidelined but the club say he will now “begin a short period of rehabilitation”.
The 30-year-old had been troubled by a back issue for some time, prompting what City have described as a “minor” procedure.
It is another setback for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who has endured a series of fitness problems since suffering a serious knee injury almost two years ago.
A club statement read: “Manchester City can confirm Rodri has undergone successful minor back surgery.
“The midfielder had been feeling discomfort for some time but has now undergone a procedure to address the issue and will now begin a short period of rehabilitation.”
The update comes as speculation continues over Rodri’s future. The former Atletico Madrid player, who has one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Rodri has undergone back surgery (PA Wire)Vinicius Jr decision gives boost to Arsenal rumours
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr will not be training with the club this week as rumours abound over a possible move to Arsenal.
The winger is entering the final 12 months of his contract with Los Blancos and negotiations over a new deal are at a standoff.
The Standard say that Arsenal are yet to make a formal approach for the Brazilian but are admirers of his and are monitoring the situation between the player and Real.
Previous reports claimed that the Gunners are prepared to offer a huge contract to Vini Jr though Real are thought to want to keep the player with a new long term deal.
(Getty)
Mike Jones28 July 2026 12:45
Crystal Palace set to secure centre-half replacement
With Maxence Lacroix bound for Chelsea, Crystal Palace have moved swiftly to secure centre-half cover. 19-year-old defender Raphael Le Guen is edging closer to completing his move from Brest, according to L’Equipe, having agreed personal terms.
Harry Latham-Coyle28 July 2026 12:30
Nottingham Forest back in for Liam Delap
Nottingham Forest are reported by The Telegraph to be interested in Liam Delap. Attempts to sign the striker last summer were quickly ended as Chelsea swooped, but the paper believes that Oliver Glasner may target the young English forward as he seeks to improve his squad after taking the role at the City Ground.
Liam Delap is facing an uncertain future at Chelsea (Getty)
Harry Latham-Coyle28 July 2026 12:15
What Manchester United’s midfield makeover reveals about their transfer strategy under Michael Carrick
Manchester United remain on the hunt for at least one more midfielder this summer, but their transfer strategy has felt distinct to others. Richard Jolly explains why – and what it says about Michael Carrick’s management.
Harry Latham-Coyle28 July 2026 11:55
Top 10 transfer deals so far this summer
1. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa to Chelsea) – £117m
2. Elliot Anderson (Nott’m Forest to Man City) – £116m
3. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle to Tottenham) – £100m
4. Matheus Fernandes (West Ham to Tottenham) – £84m
5. Jeremy Jacquet (Stade Rennais to Liverpool) – £53.7m
6. Johan Manzambi (Freiburg to Aston Villa) – £51m
7. Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton to Tottenham) – £51m
8. Marco Palestra (Atalanta to Chelsea) – £48.6m
9. Andrey Santos (Chelsea to Man Utd) – £48m
10. Luka Vuskovic (Tottenham to Brighton) – £46m
Morgan Rogers has joined Chelsea (Getty)
Harry Latham-Coyle28 July 2026 11:35
Could Emiliano Martinez leave Aston Villa?
Emiliano Martinez wants to leave Aston Villa this summer, Juventus boss Luciano Spaletti has claimed.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Spaletti said: “He’s a goalkeeper who wants to change clubs, and we’re looking for competitiveness. But we currently have two [keepers].”
Juventus have placed Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez at the top of their summer wish list, but Villa director of football operations Damian Vidagany revealed earlier this month that Martinez would not be sold.
Aston Villa have already sold key players Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans this summer.
Emiliano Martinez could be on the move (Getty)
Harry Latham-Coyle28 July 2026 11:20
Micky van de Ven excited by Tottenham’s summer spending spree as he makes promise to fans
Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven believes the club is demonstrating “new ambition” following a substantial £237m summer spending spree, and has promised a more entertaining brand of football under Roberto De Zerbi next season.
The significant investment comes after a turbulent period for Spurs, which saw them narrowly avoid relegation on the final day of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
Majority owners the Lewis family subsequently pledged to be “all in” for a necessary rebuild, leading to six new arrivals. The club has twice broken its transfer record, first for £85m midfielder Mateus Fernandes, then securing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle in a £100m deal.
Harry Latham-Coyle28 July 2026 11:00