Chelsea have stunned the Premier League by agreeing a £117 million deal for Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, with the player set to undergo a medical today. The move hijacks Arsenal's long-standing interest in the winger, who was widely expected to join the Gunners earlier in the summer.
Arsenal's Three-Man Shortlist for Defensive Cover
Arsenal are now targeting free agent John Stones, Ezri Konsa, and Real Sociedad's Jon Martin as potential replacements for the injured William Saliba. Saliba is expected to miss up to five months with a back fracture, prompting Mikel Arteta to seek defensive reinforcements. Stones, who left Manchester City last season and impressed at the World Cup, has previously worked with Arteta at City.
Konsa has been linked with a move to the Emirates, while Martin is also on the shortlist. The Sun reports that Arsenal may bring in Stones as injury cover, though competition from other clubs could emerge.
Manchester United Midfield Moves and Exit Fallout
Manchester United remain active in the midfield market after signing Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Contact has been made over Sander Berge, while the club is dealing with Radek Vitek's transfer request, submitted after a pre-season friendly. United have also been linked with a bid for Kone.
Chelsea's Busy Window: Lacroix and Sarr
Chelsea have been informed of the cost to sign Maxence Lacroix and are considering a loan move for Mamadou Sarr. Manager Xabi Alonso is pushing to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kerim Alajbegovic, disrupting his proposed move to Atalanta. The Blues' interest has put the Italian club's deal on hold.
Tottenham's Spending Spree and Spence's Exit
Tottenham have already spent over £200 million this summer, more than any other Premier League club. They remain interested in further reinforcements but have rejected an offer from Newcastle for Lucas Bergvall. Djed Spence is set to push for a move to Inter Milan, according to reports in Italy, as he does not feature in Roberto De Zerbi's long-term plans.
Tottenham are also confident of signing Savinho from Manchester City, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Liverpool's Contract and Forward Targets
Liverpool have tied down Dominik Szoboszlai to a new contract and are targeting a forward signing, with links to Bradley Barcola. A wonderkid has passed a medical at the club.
Other Transfer News
Real Madrid have no intention of signing Manchester City midfielder Rodri, whose contract expires at the end of next season, The Athletic reports. Arsenal may need to reduce their £20 million asking price for Gabriel Jesus amid interest from AC Milan, according to Jorge Nicola. Newcastle and Liverpool face a setback in their pursuit of Koln winger Said El Mala, who is expected to remain with the Bundesliga club. Sunderland are interested in Monaco striker Folarin Balogun after his three-goal World Cup campaign, but Juventus lead the race, with Monaco unwilling to sell for less than €50 million. Christ Inao Oulai has signed for Fiorentina.
