The Transfer DealSheet: Latest on Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid and more

Welcome to the third 2026 summer window edition of The Transfer DealSheet.

Our team of dedicated writers, including David Ornstein, will take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on in what promises to be an extremely busy transfer window. This includes the players who could arrive and the ones on their way out, across the Premier League and beyond in a World Cup summer.

The information found within this article has been gathered according to The Athletic’s sourcing guidelines. Unless stated, our reporters have spoken to more than one person briefed on each deal before offering the clubs involved the opportunity to comment. Those responses, when they were given, have been included in the Transfer DealSheet.

In this edition, we have David Ornstein’s One To Watch and updates on Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

We aim to bring you analysis you can trust about what is happening at Europe’s leading clubs and the latest information we’re hearing from across the market.

This article is long but detailed, so enjoy it all — or search for the team or player you want to read about.

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David Ornstein’s One To Watch

An eye-catching performer at the World Cup so far has been Crysencio Summerville, who hit a superb goal for the Netherlands in their 2-2 draw against Japan.

Summerville arrived at the tournament soon after suffering relegation from the Premier League with West Ham United — however, that does not appear to have affected his performance levels.

Nor has it dissuaded suitors from considering the 24-year-old as a potential signing in the transfer market; in fact, it may have made him a more appealing candidate.

One of those paying serious attention to Summerville are Manchester United, the tricky winger ranking highly among multiple options being studied in case they recruit in that position.

United have enquired about his situation and will be aware that it is expected to cost approximately £50million for West Ham to sanction the departure of a player under contract until June 2029.

Much will depend on the future of Marcus Rashford, given that Barcelona did not activate the €30m buy option in his season-long loan (it expired on Monday).

As things stand, Rashford will return to United next month and it is unclear whether a move happens before the window comes to a close.

Another switch to Barca is not completely discounted, nor the idea of fellow European sides pursuing the 28-year-old England attacker, although United intend only to entertain permanent solutions.

There is a £40m clause available to all admirers — bar local rivals Liverpool and Manchester City — and a number of Premier League teams have expressed interest.

But if Rashford goes back to Old Trafford, it is believed his preference would be to honour the remaining 24 months on his deal there rather than join an English team.

Such a scenario, in all probability, reduces the chances of United bolstering that part of head coach Michael Carrick’s squad.

It already is a lower priority than central midfield, where Ederson will join from Atalanta, and work continues to strengthen further.

United are currently focusing their efforts on Mateus Fernandes — also of West Ham — as talks through the 21-year-old’s agent Jorge Mendes advance, with personal terms not anticipated to prove an issue.

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Why would Summerville appeal to Manchester United?

Summerville is fundamentally a wide forward, used mostly on the left. He gravitated there for good reason: he’s physically small at 5ft 9in, and he’s dangerously quick.

While he has played across a number of positions during his senior career, there’s a reason he works out wide.

The goal he scored for the Netherlands against Japan on Sunday is a bit of a trademark. He loves to cut in off the flank and shoot for the far corner.

By far his best year came at Leeds United in 2023-24, a return of 19 goals and nine assists from 43 games.

So many of those goals were crucial, too, and he rarely struggled with injuries. His body hasn’t held up as well at West Ham, but even their relegation hasn’t diminished his stock.

Ronald Koeman started him for the Netherlands in Houston at the weekend, having only previously capped Summerville twice. Now Manchester United are looking closely at him, considering meeting his price tag of £50m. They obviously think that, like the World Cup, he can cope with a step up to the Champions League.

Phil Hay

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What Else We’re Hearing

• Free agent Jadon Sancho remains an option for Borussia Dortmund, and a return to the Bundesliga is still possible. However, Dortmund are eager not to block the pathway of two developing attacking players, Samuele Inacio and Mathis Albert. Seb Stafford-Bloor 
• While Arsenal have retained an interest in Nathaniel Brown, they have not made a formal offer for Eintracht Frankfurt’s German international full-back. In any case, Brown, who was born in Bavaria, is now committed to joining Bayern Munich and will wait for them to reach an agreement with Frankfurt. Seb Stafford-Bloor 

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Arsenal

What has happened this week?

Arsenal are exploring a deal for 24-year-old Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis. Sources believe Tzolis, who is predominantly a left winger, could be available for around €40million (£34.5m, $46.3m).

Andrea Berta’s immediate deputy, Maurizio Micheli, watched the Greece international in action against Sweden on June 4 — and Arsenal are giving consideration to moving forward with a deal.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Arsenal formalising their pursuit of Tzolis would not end their interest in the likes of Morgan Rogers or Bradley Barcola, as outlined by The Athletic in the June 2 Dealsheet.

The club have also been considering entering the market for a central midfield player — although it is not yet clear how Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence as an option in the middle of the park impacts those plans.

Mikel Arteta remains a fan of Sandro Tonali, but with the player under contract for at least three more years (Newcastle United hold an option for an extension until 2030), any deal may prove prohibitively expensive.

Arsenal are admirers of Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. The 22-year-old enjoyed an outstanding Premier League campaign and is also a target for Manchester United.

Arsenal’s drive to recruit promising emerging talent continues. Alongside their pursuit of Leicester’s Jeremy Monga, they are interested in signing Elijah Upson — son of former Arsenal and England centre-back Matthew. The 18-year-old defender is currently with rivals Tottenham, but is set to leave upon the expiry of his contract on June 30.

Would Monga be part of the first-team picture at Arsenal?

Monga, who turns 17 in July, is already playing senior football with Leicester City. He has even featured in the Premier League, becoming the second-youngest player when he was brought on as a substitute for Leicester aged just 15 years and 271 days. He made a further six appearances in the top flight before 30 Championship appearances across 2025-26.

Were he to sign for Arsenal, it’s unlikely he would feature that frequently immediately. He would, however, be granted the opportunity to train regularly with Mikel Arteta and the first team, enabling the manager to assess him at close quarters.

Which players could be leaving?

The Tzolis interest may be connected to the futures of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, whose contracts are both currently set to expire next summer. Of the pair, Trossard is currently closer to an exit, with interest from Turkey.

Arsenal remain open to offers for Gabriel Jesus, Christian Norgaard and Fabio Vieira, who is the subject of interest from Hamburg. Arsenal also face a decision on the future of 19-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.

James McNicholas

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What does Alex Scott offer?

Scott showed sparks of his technical ability across his first two seasons at Bournemouth but excelled in 2025-26 as Andoni Iraola’s side secured Europa League football.

The 22-year-old is a willing receiver under pressure, reads the game brilliantly and is at his best when allowed to combine quickly with his team-mates. Below against Crystal Palace, he helps move the ball from Bournemouth’s half to Antoine Semenyo on the left wing in seconds.

Scott first receives from his centre-back and quickly turns the pass around the corner.

In classic Bournemouth style, that pass is immediately pinged forward to their striker. As the rest of the play seems to be progressing forward, Scott has the intelligence to hold his run to receive a pass again.

The switch with his left foot to Semenyo takes out the entire Palace defence in one go.

Outside of that, Scott is a good dribbler, with his 1.95 fouls won per 90 ranking only behind Bruno Guimaraes and Elliot Anderson among central midfielders with 900 or more minutes. While he did not get too many opportunities to carry the ball over long distances, he could hurt teams with skill over short spurts of acceleration.

That was crucial out of possession too, where he was often required to defend large spaces. Scott contested 10.4 duels per 90 and won 56 per cent of those.

After struggling with knee injuries in 2023-24 and 2024-25, Scott looked his fittest self in 2025-26. His relentlessness and aggression with and without possession will be an asset to any top team.

Anantaajith Raghuraman

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Chelsea

What has happened this week?

Chelsea sold Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for €60million (£51.7m; $69.4m). The deal comprises a €55m fixed fee and €5m in add-ons.

The move suited both parties. Cucurella was keen on a move back to Spain, while Chelsea have generated a decent fee for a player who turns 28 next month and had become unsettled at Stamford Bridge. Another factor behind the decision is Chelsea’s belief in 20-year-old Jorrel Hato. The Netherlands international had a strong second half of the 2025-26 campaign.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Chelsea are looking for two or three players who can go straight into the first XI. The club want to find a replacement for Cucurella, although the player in question will be able to operate in multiple roles.

Strasbourg’s Valentin Barco fits this description. He can play as a left-back, wing-back and in midfield. Sources in France say a deal with Chelsea is already in place, although the Premier League club have yet to confirm. Barco has already revealed he is leaving the Ligue 1 side.

Chelsea also want a centre-back and a versatile attacker. Chelsea are keen on Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers for the latter, although are aware they face stiff competition for his signature. Other targets may depend on who leaves and whether they need replacing.

Xabi Alonso will have a big squad of players on day one. Does this need to change?

The failure to qualify for European competition means Chelsea will be even more wary about keeping the squad to a manageable size, which is why they are not looking at making too many signings from the outset.

There are already going to be three additions. Winger Geovany Quenda is joining after Chelsea agreed a £40million fee with Sporting CP 15 months ago. Striker Emmanuel Emegha is also completing his move from Strasbourg, which was put in place last September. Goalkeeper Mike Penders, who was on loan at Strasbourg last season, is going to compete with Robert Sanchez for the No 1 position.

With several other players returning from loan spells, Chelsea will need to cut numbers. Alonso is only going to want to work with players who have a genuine future at Chelsea. Those who do not can expect to work away from the main group, as has been the case in previous summer windows.

Two signings from last year that made little impact — Jamie Gittens and Dario Essugo — are part of the plans for 2026-27.

Which players could be leaving?

Now that Cucurella has gone, Enzo Fernandez’s situation is going to come under even more scrutiny.

He spoke earlier in the year about a desire to live in Madrid, which has led to a lot of speculation about the midfielder angling for a move to the Bernabeu, too. Chelsea are not desperate to sell but will cash in should someone meet their asking price of £120m.

With Nicolas Jackson returning from a loan spell at Bayern Munich, Chelsea are going to have four first-team centre forwards with Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Emegha.

One of the strikers, other than Joao Pedro, will be sold. Jackson has a chance of staying at Chelsea because of his ability to play on the left as well as down the middle. Delap has interest from Premier League clubs, while Emegha’s involvement is not certain yet despite being a new arrival.

Backup goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen wants to leave to get more first-team football, and he will go for the right fee.

A decision on which centre-backs will go permanently or on loan may depend on who is happy to drop down the pecking order now that Levi Colwill is fit and a starting centre-back is going to be bought. However, Josh Acheampong is not for sale. Aaron Anselmino, who had injury issues on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg last season, will take part in pre-season before a decision about another loan is made.

Three returning loanees, defender Axel Disasi, winger Tyrique George and striker David Datro Fofana, are going to depart permanently. Everton have an option to buy George following his spell there. There are other clubs keen on signing the academy graduate.

Under-21 striker Jimmy-Jay Morgan is expected to complete a move to Championship side West Brom.

USMNT international goalkeeper Gaga Slonina is earmarked for a sale rather than just a loan now. Brazil Under-20 striker Deivid Washington is going to be loaned out again.

Simon Johnson

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Liverpool

What has happened this week?

Liverpool Under-21s defender Carter Pinnington agreed a permanent move to West Brom. There is no upfront transfer fee for the 19-year-old centre-back, but there are add-ons related to appearances and also a sell-on clause.

Liverpool have a good relationship with West Brom, whose technical director Dominic Price was previously a first-team analyst at Anfield. Pinnington, who joined Liverpool’s academy at under-sevens level, didn’t make a senior appearance for the club, but was named on the bench for the Carabao Cup tie with Crystal Palace last October.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Signing wide attackers is Liverpool’s priority in the summer window. The Athletic reported on June 4 that they had made contact with Bundesliga club RB Leipzig in their pursuit of Yan Diomande.

The Ivory Coast international showcased why he’s rated so highly with an eye-catching performance in their opening World Cup victory (1-0) over Ecuador. Diomande won’t come cheap, with Leipzig sources stating that it would take a bid in excess of €130million (£112.3m, $151m) to convince them to sell. Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola is also admired.

With Mohamed Salah having left, Federico Chiesa’s future uncertain and Hugo Ekitike recovering from a ruptured Achilles, Liverpool are expected to buy at least two attacking players. Reports in South America have suggested that striker Darwin Nunez could return to Anfield after a spell at Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, but senior Liverpool sources insist that is not the case.

Centre midfield and right-back are also positions that need to be addressed.

There’s an acceptance internally that, due to the World Cup and Andoni Iraola’s desire to assess the talent he’s inherited in the early stages of pre-season, business is more likely to happen later in the window this time around.

With a new manager in place, is there any world in which Liverpool U-turn on Salah?

No chance. Salah got the Anfield send-off he deserved at the end of the season after nearly nine years of outstanding service.

All parties felt that it was the right time to go their separate ways, with Salah having initiated the talks that led to Liverpool agreeing to effectively rip up the final year of his contract in March.

Arne Slot’s subsequent exit and the appointment of Iraola changes nothing. Liverpool are focused on filling the Salah void this summer, and the Egyptian is weighing up his options as he prepares to embark on a new challenge at the age of 34.

Which players could be leaving?

Salah, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Rhys Williams have all departed as free agents.

Midfielder Curtis Jones, who only has one year remaining on his contract, is the subject of interest from Inter, with Liverpool valuing him at around £35m.

Chiesa has said that he intends to hold talks with Iraola to establish where he stands in his plans before deciding on his future.

Luca Stephenson remains in discussions over a permanent move, with Bolton Wanderers leading the chase to sign him.

James Pearce

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Manchester United

What has happened this week?

Elliot Anderson has long been United’s first-choice midfield target but Manchester City saw a total package in excess of £120m rejected by Nottingham Forest earlier this month and, at that level of financial commitment, United are not in contention.

Jadon Sancho’s long-anticipated exit as a free agent this summer was confirmed despite United having an option of triggering a one-year extension clause for the 26-year-old, who joined in a €85m deal from Borussia Dortmund in 2021.

Why have goalkeepers become such a key issue for Man Utd?

Senne Lammens enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, solidifying his place as United’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, but there is a lot more uncertainty about who will provide back-up. Altay Bayindir is expected to depart in search of more regular first-team opportunities, with interest from his native Turkey.

Andre Onana is set to return to Carrington when first-team training resumes next month following his loan spell at Trabzonspor. The Turkish Super Lig club’s president, Ertugrul Dogan, has expressed a desire to re-sign the 30-year-old, and there is not a wealth of other interested parties.

Radek Vitek will return from a successful loan spell at Bristol City but is expected to seek first-team football next season, either in the form of a permanent or temporary move. Tom Heaton signed a one-year extension earlier this month but has made just three appearances in five seasons and is set to continue in his role as third-choice goalkeeper.

What positions/players are they looking at?

As my colleague David Ornstein reports above, Manchester United have enquired about Crysencio Summerville’s situation.

With Forest’s asking price for Anderson stretching beyond a British record transfer fee, United are focusing their efforts on alternatives such as Mateus Fernandes.

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of United’s priority targets and interest is expected to be formalised with an opening bid, but the Old Trafford hierarchy are not prepared to meet West Ham United’s demands of £80m.

United have also explored the parameters of a deal for in-demand Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who could be available for £60m this summer.

Bournemouth insist Scott is not for sale, however, and are attempting to renew his contract, which is currently set to expire in 2028. Any new deal could include a release clause of around £75m.

Ederson is set to complete a total €45m move from Atalanta next month, likely following his participation with Brazil at the World Cup.

Other considerations in midfield include Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton.

Fulham midfielder Sander Berge is another player that United are now running the rule over as an option. United considered Berge in 2024 when he left Burnley for Fulham, and he has a chance to cap an impressive season at his first World Cup with Norway. Fulham would want to make a profit on the £25m they paid two years ago.

United’s interest in left-back Lewis Hall remains, although Newcastle United are not looking to sell. United may still seek to strengthen the left-hand side of their attack rather than at left-back, with Patrick Dorgu able to cover either position. Another centre-forward could also be sought to provide competition for Benjamin Sesko.

With uncertainty over who will prove back-up for Lammens, United have explored a move for Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who will become a free agent this summer. Sam Johnstone is another option, with two years remaining on his deal at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Which players could be leaving?

Barcelona’s €30m option to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis following his loan spell at Camp Nou expired yesterday.

Despite Rashford’s desire to stay in Catalonia, the likelihood of Barcelona triggering that clause has appeared remote for months, but especially following Anthony Gordon’s €80m signing from Newcastle.

Rashford’s salary of more than £300,000-per-week — making him one of United’s highest-paid players — could see any exit run later into the summer, at which point the 28-year-old will have returned for pre-season training at Carrington. United face the same challenge in finding suitors for Onana.

United are open to listening to offers for Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee, whose playing time was limited towards the end of the season under Michael Carrick.

Mark Critchley and Laurie Whitwell

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Manchester City

What has happened this week?

There was a shift in the Josko Gvardiol situation, with the Croatia international previously considering his future amid interest from top European clubs. During the past week, though, he lurched towards staying at City and signing a new deal, and it is now expected that he will put pen to paper on a new contract that runs until 2031.

City’s talks with Nottingham Forest regarding Elliot Anderson also established that a package worth £120m would not be enough to move the needle, and it will now be down to City to return with another offer.

Two possible targets at full-back, Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella, were removed from the market, with Porro signing a new deal at Spurs and Cucurella signing for Real Madrid.

What positions/players are they looking at?

City are looking at a right-back, holding midfielder and a winger, but would broaden that out into other positions depending on outgoings.

How far would City go for Anderson?

City have already shown a willingness to go well above the £100m they spent on Jack Grealish, but after being told to come up with even more, it remains to be seen how much they believe they need the England midfielder.

City have been known to walk away from negotiations when they feel the asking price is, in their opinion, unrealistic. They have also struggled at times in difficult negotiations with Daniel Levy at Tottenham and Aurelio De Laurentiis at Napoli, and it would hardly be surprising if Evangelos Marinakis continues to drive a hard bargain.

City have not been put off yet — they would have walked away last week if they did not want to go higher — but there is still some way to go.

Which players could be leaving?

There are several players with question marks over their future. Nathan Ake is expected to leave, while Mateo Kovacic could also go.

James Trafford is the subject of interest from several clubs, Nico Gonzalez could move on after being unable to nail down a consistent starting role in the last 18 months, and it could be a similar story for Tijjani Reijnders, though a change in manager could offer some hope to the Dutchman.

Savinho is the subject of interest from Tottenham, while Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish will be looking for new clubs, either on loan or permanently.

Rodri has one year left on his deal, and there is no sign of a new agreement at present, but there are doubts over whether he would leave this summer or on a free next year, if he does not extend his stay at City.

Sam Lee

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Newcastle United

What has happened this week?

Steve Nickson, Newcastle’s long-serving head of recruitment, has informed the club of his intention to leave, with a move to a Championship club anticipated, as reported by The Athletic.

Nickson has been at Newcastle for 15 years and has been in his present senior role since 2017. While he is highly regarded internally, his prospective departure is not expected to affect summer business, with transfer targets already identified.

Ewen Jaouen, the 20-year-old goalkeeper, joined on Wednesday from Reims for an initial £18.5million ($24.8m). He is expected to begin 2026-27 as second choice, competing with whoever is the No 1, given the France Under-21 international has yet to play at a higher level than Ligue 2.

Eddie Howe, the head coach, is hoping to bring in at least one further shot-stopper, with Newcastle expected to make a third attempt to sign James Trafford, as revealed by The Athletic. The 23-year-old England international was a target in each of the past two summers and Newcastle had agreed a fee with Burnley last July, before Manchester City enacted their buyback option.

There have been talks with Osasuna for Victor Munoz, the 22-year-old forward. Newcastle have identified the Spain international as Anthony Gordon’s successor, and it is hoped that a deal can be sealed soon.

Newcastle have also pushed back strongly against reports that Lewis Hall, the left-back, had a falling out with Howe after being dropped (and briefly deployed at right-back) late in the season.

Manchester United are among the admirers of Hall, who was a surprise omission from England’s World Cup squad. But the 21-year-old is tied down until 2029 and it would require a huge offer for Newcastle to consider selling Hall, with signing full-backs the priority, rather than losing another.

Where does Newcastle’s interest in Munoz stand?

Newcastle have held extensive discussions with Osasuna and the player’s camp, making it clear how highly they rate the 22-year-old attacker and how keen they are to sign him. Munoz has a €40m release clause in his Osasuna contract, though Newcastle are hoping to negotiate a lower initial fee, likely with add-ons.

Real Madrid, his former club, retain buyback clauses — including one for €8m, active until the end of July — and 50 per cent of Munoz’s economic rights. Osasuna must inform Madrid once they receive an official offer, which is yet to happen, and split the proceeds equally, though the transfer is fully negotiated by his present club.

There have been suggestions in Spain that his former club are pushing to have a buyback option, valid for 12 months, inserted into any prospective transfer to Newcastle. Claims of an arrangement along those lines have been played down at the Newcastle end.

With Munoz at the World Cup with Spain, who drew 0-0 with Cape Verde on Monday evening, a medical would be expected to take place in the U.S. should a deal be struck.

Newcastle are keen to get the Munoz transfer sealed, given that if the versatile attacker impresses on the global stage, that may prompt greater interest. Newcastle feel that conversations with Munoz’s representatives have been positive, though.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Bringing in an attacker to replace Gordon and a new No 1 goalkeeper are the top priorities, with Munoz and Trafford their key targets.

At least one full-back is wanted, with Club Brugge’s Joaquin Seys and Toulouse’s Dayann Methalie discussed as options in January.

Newcastle will look to replace any midfielders who may leave, with Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Auxerre’s Kevin Danois among those watched.

Whether another forward is sought remains to be seen and may depend upon potential exits. Newcastle approached Swedish club AIK about Zadok Yohanna, but the 18-year-old right winger opted to join Brighton & Hove Albion instead. Yohanna would have been signed alongside, not instead of, Munoz.

An experienced third-choice goalkeeper will also be required, should Nick Pope depart.

Which players could be leaving?

The sale of another potential star in Sandro Tonali remains possible. No concrete offers have been made for the Italian, and Newcastle would demand a high fee for the midfielder, but multiple elite Premier League clubs have been monitoring the 26-year-old’s situation.

Newcastle will listen to offers for Joe Willock, the 26-year-old midfielder who is entering the final 12 months of his contract, and the expectation is that he will depart.

Tino Livramento has attracted interest from Manchester City and Arsenal previously, though the 23-year-old’s injury problems have cast doubt over an exit.

If Trafford or another potential No 1 goalkeeper arrives, then Pope is likely to leave. In those circumstances, Newcastle would not stand in the England international’s way if he asked to move on, given he would essentially be relegated to third-choice goalkeeper status. Premier League interest is anticipated in the 34-year-old.

Chris Waugh

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Tottenham Hotspur

What has happened this week?

Marcos Senesi officially joined Spurs after The Athletic reported in April that they were the leading contenders for his signature. The defender then received a last-minute call-up to Argentina’s World Cup squad.

However, the biggest news to emerge over the last week is Pedro Porro signing a new contract until 2031 with the option of an extra year. Real Madrid were interested in the Spain international, but their first-choice target at right-back is Inter’s Denzel Dumfries. Porro, 26, is in the prime of his career and convincing him to sign a new deal is a huge boost for Roberto De Zerbi.

Spurs have submitted two offers for Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke. Brighton have given them a dilemma by making a £30m bid for Luka Vuskovic.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Spurs have mainly been focused on improving their defensive options, but at some stage their attention will switch to further up the pitch. Last summer, Spurs discussed a package worth in the region of €50m for Manchester City’s Savinho but failed to agree a deal. Spurs remain interested in the versatile winger Manchester City signed from French side Troyes in 2024 for €40m.

Savinho has scored two goals and registered nine assists in 53 league appearances for City over the last two seasons. The majority of his assists (eight) came in the 2024-25 campaign. The 22-year-old barely played last season as Pep Guardiola preferred Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku out wide.

The price needs to be right for Spurs to push forward with a deal for Savinho, who was left out of Brazil’s World Cup squad. An alternative option they are interested in is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jean-Matteo Bahoya. Spurs have been in contact with the player’s representatives, but have not made a formal approach. The 21-year-old scored three goals for Frankfurt in the Bundesliga last season and is likely to leave this summer.

Would Spurs countenance the sale of Vuskovic?

Vuskovic has not played a game for Spurs since he agreed to join from Hajduk Split in 2023. The move could not become official until after he turned 18 in February 2025, and then he spent last season on loan with Hamburg.

The centre-back gained a lot of admirers for his performances in Germany, and his stock could keep rising if he performs well for Croatia at the World Cup.

Spurs rate Vuskovic highly and The Athletic previously reported there had been discussions about a new contract, but his future would be decided after the World Cup. Brighton’s bid and strong interest from leading clubs in Europe make the situation more urgent. Vuskovic believes Brighton have shown themselves to be a good developing ground for young talent.

Spurs will be reluctant to sell Vuskovic, but they need to raise funds to improve their attack. Should they demand more money and cash in on Vuskovic? Or hold onto him at all costs?

In an ideal world, if De Zerbi does not think Vuskovic is ready to be the first-choice right-sided centre-back next season, then he would go out on another loan. Spurs need to decide whether to stick or twist.

Which players could be leaving?

Ben Davies and Yves Bissouma were due to become free agents later this month. Davies has signed an extension, but Bissouma will be released when his contract expires.

Spurs have already signed two defenders in this transfer window, and that figure will increase if they secure Van Hecke. It means some players will be surplus to requirements and The Athletic has previously reported there is uncertainty over the future of Radu Dragusin.

There is a strong chance captain Cristian Romero will leave, and he could be followed out of the exit door by last season’s top-scorer Richarlison and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Jay Harris

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Barcelona

What has happened this week?

Barcelona went from seemingly having Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella as options to seeing Bernardo in talks with Real Madrid and the former Chelsea full-back, who came through La Masia, signing for Madrid.

While the board liked Bernardo, Hansi Flick, though not doubting the player’s quality, felt he had a surplus of options in midfield. They already have Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Marc Bernal and Marc Casado. The latter is expected to leave due to a lack of playing time.

Flick is pleased with the options he has in this position and felt that Bernardo could take playing time away from young players who need to gain more experience.

As for left-back, Barca want Joao Cancelo to stay due to his quick adaptation and immediate impact since arriving on loan last January.

They are not actively seeking a way out for Alejandro Balde, unless the player himself comes forward with an offer. Therefore, both will be the left-backs for next season, alongside Gerard Martin.

The club had been monitoring Cucurella; they liked him but did not prioritise him precisely because they already had depth in that position. Club sources told The Athletic that, though they were interested, they would not have wanted to pay the €60million fee.

The arrival of both players was contingent on the departure of one player per position: Casado and a defender.

However, Madrid’s latest moves have not gone unnoticed by club sources: “It seems Deco is their sporting director,” they say sarcastically, referencing Barca’s own sporting director.

What positions/players are they looking at?

All efforts are focused on one thing: a centre-forward in general, and Julian Alvarez in particular.

Robert Lewandowski’s departure means the club is searching for a centre-forward. Historically, they’ve always had a star in that position, and they went into this summer determined to make a big signing.

They want Alvarez, but signing him will not be easy. They wanted to seal the deal before the World Cup began, but their initial offer of €100million was met with memes on Twitter from Atletico Madrid. They realise this is going to be a long haul.

If Alvarez is not gettable, could Barcelona move for a different option?

Joao Pedro was also of interest to the club, but Chelsea have said he is not for sale. Victor Osimhen is one of the players they have in their sights, but Alvarez remains the priority.

Some within the club also believe it is only a matter of time before Lamine Yamal ends up playing in a central role.

Which players could be leaving?

Ansu Fati may be the first to leave. The forward was loaned to Monaco last season, and they are set to exercise their option to buy the player for €11million.

Fati had hoped to return to Barca, given that the Catalans were looking for a winger, but the arrival of Anthony Gordon dashed those hopes. Barcelona want to retain some control over the player and will keep 30 per cent of any future sale.

The club are also prioritising the departure of Casado, who is considering several offers. The midfielder would like to stay at the club where he came through the ranks, but having had little playing time last season and knowing that Flick does not count on him, he has decided to seek a move.

Diego Kochen is expected to leave the club on loan. The club believes the 20-year-old goalkeeper needs playing time and, given that Barcelona’s goalkeeping position is crowded — with Inaki Pena and Marc-Andre ter Stegen also returning — they feel that the best option for the American is to leave in search of playing time.

Sources close to the player say he had offers to join the Spanish second division but needed the assurance of a club that would provide quality playing time for such a young goalkeeper.

Laia Cervello Herrero

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Real Madrid

What has happened this week?

Florentino Perez was officially announced as president after winning the first member vote in 20 years against challenger Enrique Riquelme, a 37-year-old renewable energy entrepreneur.

The departure of Alvaro Arbeloa, who is in talks with Fulham to become their new coach, was confirmed, as was the signing of Jose Mourinho as new head coach until 2029. The Athletic reported that former German midfielder Sami Khedira is expected to join the Portuguese’s backroom staff, having been coached by him at Madrid between 2010 and 2013.

Mourinho travelled to Madrid last week and met at a city centre hotel with general manager Jose Angel Sanchez and chief scout Juni Calafat. With Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes present, they continued to plan the squad for next season.

From there, a swift operation was launched to sign Bernardo Silva on a free transfer after he did not renew his contract with Manchester City, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid having shown interest.

The club moved quickly to secure the signing of Marc Cucurella over the weekend. The Athletic reported that Madrid and Chelsea reached an agreement worth €55m plus €5m in add-ons. The left-back wanted to leave Chelsea this summer and preliminary talks had taken place weeks ago.

However, Madrid had first discussed interest in Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol and Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori. With Gvardiol set to sign a new contract with City and no progress being made on the Italian, Mourinho requested the signing of Cucurella, who signed a contract until 2032 and was officially announced on Monday.

As for a centre-back, other names under consideration are City’s Ruben Dias,  Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund and Alessandro Bastoni of Inter.

What positions/players are they looking at?

Madrid and Mourinho keep working on strengthening the positions they identified as needing improvement back in May. They have already landed a second-choice right-back (Denzel Dumfries for his €20m release clause at Inter), a first-choice left-back (Cucurella) and are closing in on a dominant centre-back (Ibrahima Konate as a free agent) and a midfielder (Bernardo, who can play in the attack too).

The plan is to bring in another creative midfielder and, depending on departures and subject to budget, another defender.

For midfield, some of the names being considered are Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez or West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes. The Argentina international, 25, wants to play Champions League football and his preferred option is Madrid, but Chelsea would want around £120m.

Nico Paz’s future is still to be decided. The expectation from Madrid throughout the year had been that the Argentine international would return from Como, with Madrid informing him that they will exercise the buy-back option for him this summer for around €9m.

However, the formal steps to do so have not been taken yet. The signing of Bernardo and the club’s search for another creative midfielder make it difficult to fit Paz into a prominent role. Mourinho and Nico have already spoken, while Como are aware that the player would be happy staying for another season in Italy, enjoying Champions League football under Cesc Fabregas.

Signing a striker is not a priority, but it has not been completely ruled out either. For that to happen, several players would have to leave (one of whom could be Gonzalo Garcia) and the deal would have to fit within the budget, which makes this option highly unlikely.

Will Real Madrid aim for another big signing after their failed Alvarez bid?

It’s still unclear, but the plan is to sign a top-class midfielder, which would require a significant investment.

Which players could be leaving?

Madrid need to sell players to free up squad places and have more funds for signings.

With the departures of Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, the four signings already made and the return of Endrick (whom Mourinho also wants to see playing on the right wing), the squad currently has 27 players — 26 for official purposes, as Franco Mastantuono was registered with the reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla. La Liga regulations allow for the registration of 25 players.

Madrid and Mourinho want Raul Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Fran Garcia or Dani Ceballos to leave.

Asencio, whose contract was renewed in 2025 until 2031 — though it has not been announced yet — wants to stay, and those closest to him suggest he feels the club’s confidence in him. Madrid have been keen for Mendy to leave in recent transfer windows, but the Frenchman wants to stay and his injury makes any move highly unlikely.

Garcia wanted to join Bournemouth in the winter transfer window and will be weighing up his options this time around. Ceballos, whose contract expires in 2027, will seek to leave for the third consecutive summer, but wants to do so on a free transfer, while Madrid aim to receive money for his departure.

Madrid are open to offers for Eduardo Camavinga, whom Mourinho does not see as untouchable. The Frenchman wants to stay, and those close to him say it is “impossible” for him to leave.

There have been reports in Italy about a possible move for Brahim Diaz to Juventus, but the player renewed his contract last season and is only thinking of staying.

Madrid would consider a loan move for Mastantuono. The Argentine’s priority is to stay, and his camp has made this clear to those who have enquired about his situation. He would only seek a move if the club tells him to, something that seems unlikely as sources close to Mourinho indicate that he is a player he likes a lot and has faith in.

Mario Cortegana