Welcome to the latest edition of the Transfer DealSheet, your weekly guide to what is happening in the summer window.
Our team of dedicated writers, including Adam Leventhal and David Ornstein, will take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on, the players who could arrive and the ones who are on their way out across the Premier League and beyond. In last week’s edition, we looked at interest in Aaron Ramsdale and the saga around Conor Gallagher.
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, where they were given, have been included in the Transfer DealSheet.
This week, we look at the ongoing situation around Marc Guehi, the clubs chasing Joe Gomez, Arsenal’s situation around selling to buy and Liverpool’s interest in a goalkeeper for the long-term.
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 club or player you want to read about.
David Ornstein’s One To Watch – Marc Guehi
One of the transfer situations that has been brewing in recent weeks is Marc Guehi’s potential switch to Newcastle United.
Newcastle have made a series of bids for the England international, with the latest reaching £60million guaranteed plus a further £5m in add-ons. Palace, meanwhile, are holding out for around £65m plus £5m.
Given the discrepancy in valuations — Newcastle seem to be at their limit and Palace refuse to blink — the Tyneside club are now exploring other options in case the Guehi pursuit does not materialise. Newcastle do already have strong defensive options in case they do not make a signing — such as Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth, Dan Burn, Lloyd Kelly and Sven Botman, who will return from injury in December.
There is also interest from Fulham in Guehi’s centre-back partner Joachim Andersen, but that does not appear to have developed further since The Athletic last reported on it.
At present, there appears to be something of an impasse in the Guehi and Anderson situations.
Guehi is appreciated by other sides in the Premier League, including Liverpool. They are looking at centre-back options in case both Joe Gomez and Sepp van den Berge leave. They also know Virgil van Dijk has entered the last 12 months of his contract and there has been no fresh news about a renewal.
As it stands, though, Newcastle are the only suitor to enter meaningful talks. That makes Guehi the one to watch this week, especially considering the transfer deadline looms large and there is a need for a resolution one way or another.
What we’re hearing
- Paris Saint-Germain are interested in Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman. The 26-year-old London-born Nigeria international, who helped the Italian club with the Europa League last season, was left out of their squad for Monday’s first Serie A game of the season against Lecce. The Bergamo-based club do not want to lose Lookman this summer. One of his team-mates, midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, is of interest to fellow Italians Juventus, and that sale would be more lucrative to Atalanta. David Ornstein, James Horncastle, Guillermo Rai and Peter Rutzler
- Aston Villa are among the clubs with interest in Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, though no deal is imminent with all parties exploring their options. Villa manager Unai Emery is keen to strengthen at the back going into the Champions League and a player who can play across multiple positions in the back line, which Gomez is able to do, would be beneficial. Jacob Tanswell
- Paris FC midfielder Mohamadou Kante is having a medical at West Ham United. He is on the cusp of signing a five-year deal. Kante would immediately return to Paris FC on loan. The 18-year-old midfielder had previously been in discussions with Paris FC over a new and improved deal. Kante is a highly-regarded prospect and considered to be one for the future. Adam Leventhal
- Southampton forward Sekou Mara is expected to join Strasbourg this week in a deal worth €12million. The 22-year-old, who has finalised personal terms, travelled to France on Monday to undergo a medical after a fee was agreed between clubs. Jacob Tanswell
- Brighton have made a formal offer for Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley. Denmark international O’Riley began his senior career at Fulham before a season and a half at MK Dons. He joined Celtic in January 2022 and has won the Scottish Premiership three times since his arrival. Peter Rutzler and Andy Naylor
- Lamare Bogarde signed a long-term contract on Monday afternoon, committing his future to Villa. The Athletic reported earlier this month that the 20-year-old was close to finalising a new deal having been the subject of interest from rival Premier League side Nottingham Forest. Emery wanted the defender to remain at Villa after he impressed in pre-season. Jacob Tanswell
Bogarde has signed a new contract (Christian Hofer/Getty Images)
- Bournemouth’s Daniel Jebbison is set to go out on loan during this transfer window, but it’s likely to happen later rather than sooner. The reason? Coach Andoni Iraola has been impressed with him so far this summer, including in his 20-minute cameo in the 1-1 draw against Forest on the Premier League’s opening weekend. There are several Championship clubs waiting in the wings to sign the 21-year-old forward but they will be made to wait on a decision from Bournemouth. Adam Leventhal
- Ipswich have received enquiries from multiple Championship clubs for striker Ali Al Hamadi but are yet to agree a deal with any potential suitors. The former AFC Wimbledon attacker joined Ipswich in January and scored four goals in 14 appearances as they won promotion to the Premier League. He debuted against Liverpool as a substitute becoming the first Iraqi player to feature in the Premier League. Adam Leventhal
- Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab have made an approach for Watford’s Wesley Hoedt. Talks have taken place between all parties but nothing at this stage has been agreed. An offer has been made to 30-year-old Dutch defender Hoedt, who is the Watford captain and is into the final year of his contract, by the Saudis and they are confident of getting a deal done. However, the Championship side have turned away an initial club-to-club approach. Adam Leventhal
- Girona of Spain’s La Liga are interested in signing Yaser Asprilla but are yet to formalise an approach that meets Watford’s expectations. The Colombian midfielder came close to joining France’s Rennes for £25million but failed to agree personal terms. Asprilla is Watford’s most saleable asset and is on many clubs’ lists during this window. Adam Leventhal
Arsenal
What has happened this week?
Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino, engaging in direct negotiations with the Spanish club in the hope of reaching an agreement to sign the 28-year-old Spain midfielder. Ideally, they would like to offset his arrival with another major sale, in the vein of Emile Smith Rowe’s recent move to Fulham.
Academy full-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy has also left to join Genoa in Italy, for a total fee of around £3.5million with a sell-on clause included.
Nottingham Forest have made Eddie Nketiah their top target to strengthen in attack and are pursuing a move to sign the striker from Arsenal.
Wolverhampton Wanderers submitted a proposal to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal, which The Athletic reported on Monday. They have offered an initial loan move with an option to buy next summer. Arsenal would rather sell Ramsdale than let him leave on a temporary basis, but Wolves are pursuing a deal for the 26-year-old.
Why do Arsenal need to sell to buy?
It’s not quite as clear-cut as that.
Arsenal are mindful of the need to adhere to profit and sustainability rules (PSR) regulations.
The challenge, then, is to improve their playing staff while remaining compliant with the spending limits set by both the Premier League and UEFA, European football’s governing body. That means not only ensuring they meet the criteria now but also keeping flexibility around their spending potential in the future.
Arsenal want to raise the level of the squad and be responsible at the same time.
Balancing incomings with outgoings is the optimal way to achieve that.
Arsenal are chasing Merino (Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
What positions/players are they looking at?
As well as Merino, Arsenal would like to add a homegrown third-choice goalkeeper in what remains of the summer transfer window. They have also made preparations for the potential departure of Ramsdale by lining up Spanish side Espanyol’s 23-year-old Joan Garcia as a replacement. Arsenal have a verbal agreement in place with Garcia, who is first-choice to replace Ramsdale.
Arsenal have also been open to improving their attacking options. Time is running short, however — and an arrival may depend on buyers being found for both Nketiah and midfielder Reiss Nelson.
Which players could be leaving?
Forest have seen an opening bid for Nketiah, worth £25million including add-ons, rejected. But negotiations continue between the Premier League counterparts — while at the same time Forest are in talks with the player’s representatives.
Ramsdale, Nketiah and Nelson are all available for the right price.
Another situation to watch could be that of Jakub Kiwior — the Poland international did not even make the substitutes’ bench for Saturday’s win over Wolves in Arsenal’s Premier League season opener and is likely to have his first-team minutes impacted by the £42million arrival of fellow defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Several of the club’s academy players may also be permitted to leave on loan.
James McNicholas
What has happened this week?
Chelsea reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid to re-sign former loanee Joao Felix on a six-year contract with an option for a further year on Monday.
The 24-year-old Portugal international’s move to Stamford Bridge should break the impasse with Atletico over Conor Gallagher, who returned to London on a private jet last week as the Spanish club stalled on confirming his fully agreed €42million (£35.8m/$46.6m) transfer. This followed the collapse of striker Samu Omorodion’s proposed €40m move to Stamford Bridge from Atletico.
Gallagher returned to Chelsea’s Cobham base and trained alone while the two clubs moved on to discuss a possible deal for Joao Felix, who will become the Londoners’ 10th senior signing of a busy summer.
The first competitive game of new head coach Enzo Maresca’s tenure, against Manchester City on Sunday, was overshadowed by Raheem Sterling’s camp issuing a public statement saying he is seeking clarity on his future at Chelsea, having been omitted from the Italian’s 20-man matchday squad.
GO DEEPER
Raheem Sterling… fight or flight?
In more positive news for Chelsea fans, Cole Palmer was rewarded for a breakout 2023-24 debut season with a two-year extension that will keep him at the club until summer 2033.
Outgoing business also began to pick up steam with 20-year-old Lesley Ugochukwu joining Premier League new boys Southampton on a season-long loan. Diego Moreira, also 20, was sold to France’s Strasbourg and Hull City of the Championship agreed to pay £2million for 21-year-old striker Mason Burstow.
Where will Joao Felix fit at Chelsea?
In his ill-fated loan from Atletico for the second half of the 2022-23 season, Joao Felix was deployed as a No 9, a No 10 and on the left of a three-man attack at different times by Graham Potter and interim replacement Frank Lampard.
Chelsea believe he is a perfect fit for Maresca’s possession-focused, positional style of play, and it would not be a surprise to see him in a similar variety of attacking roles — though he might be best deployed as the advanced left-sided No 8.
Christopher Nkunku has a similar positional profile, and it will be interesting to see if Maresca concludes he can play the Frenchman, Joao Felix and attacking talisman Palmer — who likes to drift into more central areas from his starting position on the right — in the same side while maintaining a tactical balance.
Felix is on his way back to Stamford Bridge (Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
With those three, summer signings Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Pedro Neto, wingers Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke and midfielder Enzo Fernandez (who captained Chelsea against Manchester City on Sunday), Maresca now has a wealth of high-profile options who can theoretically operate just behind or around a No 9.
Joao Felix’s arrival is unlikely to be good news for Sterling as he seeks clarity on his Chelsea future this week, having been omitted from Maresca’s squad against City.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Chelsea are still monitoring striker Victor Osimhen’s situation at Italian club Napoli, but they are only prepared to pursue a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer in what remains of this window. This is a scenario they are aware does not interest the player at this stage. Any arrival will be independent of fellow striker Romelu Lukaku’s potential move the other way.
Osimhen and Napoli are likely to explore alternative options first. A loan to Stamford Bridge remains a possibility, and Chelsea are prepared to keep that door open until the end of the window in case the 25-year-old Nigeria international has a change of heart.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are expected to confirm they have reached an agreement with Genk to sign 19-year-old goalkeeper Mike Penders. He will stay at the Belgian club to continue his development this season, before formally moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer 2025.
Chelsea remain in discussions with Brazil’s Gremio over 16-year-old attacking midfielder Gabriel Mec.
Which players could be leaving?
There is going to be quite a long list.
Chelsea have rejected one offer from Napoli for Lukaku but have told them they are prepared to compromise on his £37.8million release clause being paid in one lump sum. This would mean accepting a smaller initial fee but with add-ons included. However, one of the counter-proposals (including add-ons) Chelsea floated would mean Napoli could pay a greater sum than if they just met the release clause in full now.
Now Chelsea have acquired Joao Felix, there is optimism Gallagher’s protracted switch to Atletico Madrid will go through before the deadline a week on Friday. Chelsea are working on finding solutions to Sterling’s and Ben Chilwell’s situations. Both were omitted by Maresca from the squad against Manchester City on Sunday. The duo are on high wages and Chelsea are open to the possibility of them being sold before the end of the window.
They are also pursuing deals for the departures of two academy graduates in Armando Broja and Bashir Humphreys.
Chelsea are now prepared to let Broja join another club on loan, with an obligation to buy included worth around £30million. Promoted Ipswich Town are trying to secure his signature but Chelsea’s decision to include a loan first has alerted other clubs. There will be certain criteria to be met for a permanent transfer to take place and it is regarded as a very similar transaction to the one that saw Lewis Hall join Newcastle United initially on loan last summer before a permanent move in this one.
Broja could leave Chelsea (Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
Humphreys’ transfer is far more advanced. He is expected to join Championship leaders Burnley on an initial loan with an obligation to buy. Maresca appeared to indicate Carney Chukwuemeka could be loaned out, but that would only happen if an obligation to buy is included. The 20-year-old midfielder already has a release clause in his contract.
Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is wanted by several clubs, including Strasbourg, after losing his place in Maresca’s first team setup. Another former first-choice ’keeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, is also still waiting to secure a move. Defender Trevoh Chalobah has interest from Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. Striker David Datro Fofana is another on the ‘for sale’ list.
One player who may have had a reprieve is Cesare Casadei. The midfielder is back training with the first team after a minor knee injury and there is a possible spot in the squad for him now Ugochukwu has gone to Southampton.
Teenager Alex Matos could leave the club permanently this summer and is attracting interest from Strasbourg and other top-division clubs across Europe. However, Chelsea do not currently want to sell the 19-year-old and a season-long loan move remains a possibility. Fellow youngsters Leo Castledine and Harvey Vale are still waiting to secure loans of their own.
Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey
Liverpool
What has happened this week?
Liverpool held talks with Valencia over a possible deal for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Spanish club value the 23-year-old Georgia international at around €45million (£38.4m; $49.9m).
Their interest in Mamardashvili is about long-term succession planning, however. They aren’t looking to recruit a ’keeper for this season. Even if a fee can be agreed, he wouldn’t arrive at Anfield until 2025 or 2026. Alisson’s status as Liverpool’s No 1 is not currently under threat. Possible loan options for Mamardashvili have been discussed. Bournemouth have shown interest but Premier League rules do not allow Liverpool to buy him then loan him straight to the south-coast club.
As the wait for the first signing of the Arne Slot era continues, Liverpool agreed a fee of around £10million with Red Bull Salzburg for midfielder Bobby Clark. The 19-year-old England youth international has been given permission to travel to Austria to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical. Liverpool have also negotiated a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause.
Fellow youngster Luca Stephenson, 20, has headed to Scotland’s Premiership, joining join Dundee United on a season-long loan.
Why have Liverpool not pursued another No 6?
When top target Martin Zubimendi turned down a move to Anfield and opted to stay at Spain’s Real Sociedad, Liverpool insisted they were unlikely to sign an alternative holding midfielder in this window.
Liverpool believe the 25-year-old Spain international was a rarity in terms of fitting the profile of what Slot wants in a No 6 and they were also under the belief that he was 1) available and 2) wanted to join them. It remains to be seen if Liverpool’s stance changes before the deadline at the end of next week.
Zubimendi was seen as a rare option (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
“It’s not easy to find players who can help us or strengthen the squad,” Slot said. “Zubimendi was one of them, but he decided not to come. We go forward with the ones we have.”
Ryan Gravenberch impressed after being handed the No 6 role in Saturday’s season-opening win over Ipswich Town but tougher tests than Kieran McKenna’s promoted side line ahead. Slot wants a ball-player rather than a combative-type in that position. Last summer’s signing Wataru Endo, who was an unused substitute at the weekend, has slipped down the pecking order.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Internal discussions have been had over defensive options since Joel Matip left when his contract expired at the end of last season.
Recruiting an attacking wide player has also been a topic of debate.
Liverpool agreed a £75million fee with Newcastle for Anthony Gordon in late June, with Joe Gomez poised to move in the other direction for £45m. However, those deals collapsed when Newcastle pulled out. Liverpool’s admiration for Gordon remains strong but Newcastle are no longer under financial pressure to sell to satisfy the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
Which players could be leaving?
Gomez’s future at Liverpool remains uncertain after Slot left him out of the 20-man squad for the trip to Ipswich.
The club’s longest-serving player, Gomez is considering his options with interest from several Premier League clubs. His versatility has been a big asset, but he now finds himself behind Virgil van Dijk, Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konate at centre-back, while Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas are the understudies for full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
Luis Diaz has been linked with Barcelona all summer but Slot is adamant the Colombian winger is going nowhere.
It promises to be a busy end to the window in terms of outgoings, as Liverpool consider offers for players such as Nat Phillips, Sepp van den Berg, Ben Doak and Tyler Morton, while Kaide Gordon, Stefan Bajcetic and Owen Beck have been attracting loan interest.
James Pearce
Manchester City
What has happened this week?
The big news is the potential return of former City captain Ilkay Gundogan after the midfielder suddenly became surplus to requirements at Barcelona just a year after joining them as a free agent.
Following Oscar Bobb’s loss long-term with a leg fracture, there were more links with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. While City do like the 26-year-old, he is not among their priorities at the moment.
Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo were linked with moves to Saudi Arabia, although it is all part of the same plan and only one, if either, would go. UK newspaper The Daily Mail reported on Sunday that Al Hilal are considering both players, as well as Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong on a three-man shortlist. It was not possible for The Athletic to confirm Al Hilal’s interest in the trio.
An interesting quirk here is that our Transfer Dealsheet has previously reported that City have been eyeing up Frimpong, who was in their academy as a teenager, in case Walker were to move to the Saudi Pro League, so that is one to keep an eye on. Sources close to Walker and City, kept anonymous to protect relationships, have played down interest in him from Saudi.
The best solution for City would probably be for Cancelo to go, as he has no future under manager Pep Guardiola — but not many suitors either following last season’s loan to Barcelona.
City want to bring Gundogan back (Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Rodri has a big new contract offer on the table, which was first reported by UK newspaper the Sunday Mirror and has since been confirmed by The Athletic. The Spain midfielder’s deal expires in summer 2027 and City want to tie him down. They are ready to make him one of the club’s biggest earners, close to Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.
Kalvin Phillips has completed a loan move to Ipswich for the season, while City are also in the process of signing 19-year-old striker Divin Mubama, who left West Ham during the summer when his contract expired. He would be an option for City’s under-23s but would also train with the first team at times.
Does Bobb’s injury change City’s transfer plans?
The immediate message from City to the agents they have been working with was ‘no panic’.
They knew within hours of Bobb’s injury that he would be back before the end of the calendar year, so they do not plan to bring in a winger who will push the 21-year-old down the pecking order when he does return.
What positions/players are they looking at?
City’s search continues as it was then. They are not looking for a big-name, big-money signing, as they believe they have enough top players already and that adding any more could upset the balance, particularly as they want to strengthen two areas where they have undisputed starters in Rodri and Haaland.
So the plan is this: they are looking for experienced players who will bring quality to the squad but will not expect to play every week and will not be especially expensive. That explains the interest in Gundogan’s possible return, and they have drawn up a shortlist of striker targets, too, and they are actively working on at least one of the latter.
Which players could be leaving?
The interesting thing about a potential exit for Walker is that it would have to happen late in the window.
If City do indeed plan to re-sign Frimpong as a replacement then it may be a simple operation. But anything that would require them to essentially come up with a new plan (they would know the players to target but have to explore contracts/availability) is likely to be too much to ask in the last week and a half of the window.
That is generally City’s approach late in a window; last summer, they blocked backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega’s move to Bayern Munich to prevent disruption, and as it stands there are not many of their players, if any, who are especially close to moving on. A big offer could change things, but the chances are that the squad is more or less set now, apart from the intended low-key striker and midfield targets.
Sam Lee
What has happened this week?
United’s summer signings made an impact in the season opener against Fulham, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring a late winner and Noussair Mazraoui putting in an accomplished display at right-back. Matthijs de Ligt got his debut as a substitute, and Old Trafford even got a first sighting of Leny Yoro, who was part of the presentation to the crowd before kick-off wearing a protective boot and using crutches after his foot surgery.
After making four signings, United’s focus has switched to outgoings, with talks stepping up over Scott McTominay’s potential exit. Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna travelled to England for face-to-face meetings on McTominay and progress is being made, although reports in Italy of personal terms being agreed with the player are incorrect.
McTominay may be on his way out of Old Trafford (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Fulham also renewed their interest in McTominay, having previously made bids below United’s valuation of at least £25million, but ended up going for Sander Berge, on Monday agreeing a deal of £20m plus £5m in add-ons.
Fulham moved on when it became clear McTominay wanted to wait on offers from other clubs. Galatasaray made an attractive offer of personal terms, while Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, who gave McTominay his United debut, are also interested. Everton represent another opportunity in the Premier League but they would have to get creative with a transfer given their limited funds. McTominay’s situation may be left late in the window.
Jadon Sancho being left out of United’s squad, albeit after an ear infection, reminded people of his availability. Sancho is also looking to play regular football somewhere.
How much more business are United planning?
United have got the bulk of their work done, addressing key positions up top and at the back, but it could be a busy climax to the window with several players up for sale and the club still wanting to add a midfielder.
United still need to be disciplined on spending, having already broken off negotiations for players deemed too expensive, and there is a resolve to avoid any panic as the deadline approaches. Getting funds into the club is the priority at the moment. United want to continue a policy of buying players at the younger end of the spectrum.
What positions/players are they looking at?
Bringing in a No 6 remains the final piece of the jigsaw laid out at the start of the summer, and though United have previously halted talks over Manuel Ugarte at Paris Saint-Germain, the Uruguayan is still under consideration.
Sources connected to the discussions believe an agreement is possible as deadline approaches, with agent Jorge Mendes working on the deal, but it may come late. United had been considering Berge but did not progress initial talks, but they do have alternative targets also.
United missed four big chances against Fulham, and though Zirkzee made a scoring impact, executives are keeping a new centre-forward in mind given Rasmus Hojlund’s injury. An arrival in that area of the pitch would need a major sale first, however. United are not progressing with discussions on Ivan Toney due to the cost involved in fee and wages. Toney is subject to interest from Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli.
United are also said to have decided against pursuing a left-back, ruling out a move for Fenerbahce’s Ferdi Kadioglu, despite reports in Turkey. Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot offer options in that position, and Erik ten Hag said Luke Shaw’s injury would not keep him out for too long.
Which players could be leaving?
McTominay has the most attention, but United are also looking to offload Christian Eriksen, who is 32 and has one year left on his contract. United have been looking for at least £5million for the Danish international. Ajax, where Eriksen first emerged, present the prospect of an emotional full circle, and the transfer has been proposed to the Dutch club. But Ajax need sales to balance the books and, as things stand, there is no expectation of a move for Eriksen.
Victor Lindelof and Hannibal Mejbri are two more on the fringes of the squad who could go.
Manchester United are looking to offload Eriksen (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Sancho is a live situation, with United asking for £40million. But finding a club to meet his wages is an issue. PSG have been consistently linked but Sancho has not been part of their plans so far this summer. Some at United sense Chelsea may make an approach.
Panathinaikos are in talks with United over a deal for winger Facundo Pellistri.
United also feel Saudi Arabia could yet present an outlet for a player or two.
Laurie Whitwell
What would Ugarte bring to Manchester United?
Ugarte is a defensive midfielder in the true sense of the term. The Uruguayan derives joy from winning the ball back rather than creating opportunities with it at his feet. Ugarte offers combativeness, energy, and aggression that United could certainly do with in holding midfield.
He struggled to meet the demands that Luis Enrique placed on his holding midfielders at PSG last season, having been signed before the Spaniard’s appointment. The 23-year-old started the season well and still ranked high in several defensive metrics on average as the graph below shows, but his tendency to go after the ball meant he left space behind him for teams to exploit.
Ugarte is not known for his ball progression, which was a key factor behind his poor fit in Enrique’s high-possession system. He averaged just 4.1 progressive passes and 0.8 progressive carries per 90 in Ligue 1 last season, both of which were below the league average (5.4 and 1.6 respectively).
Against Fulham in United’s 2024-25 league opener, Casemiro contributed in both defence and attack on his way to a stellar display. If that is Ten Hag’s requirement from his defensive midfielder going forward, Ugarte would need to improve his passing.
Ugarte also seemed to occasionally struggle with the pace of the game at times, as his tackle efficiency and interception volume dropped from his 2022-23 season at Sporting Lisbon, while his aerial duel success rate fell from 63 to 54 per cent.
So, while Ugarte looks like a decent option for United in an extremely diluted defensive midfielder market, there will be tactical questions for Ten Hag to resolve.
Anantaajith Raghuraman
Newcastle United
What has happened this week?
The Marc Guehi saga has dragged on. Steve Parish, the Palace chairman, has spoken on multiple occasions publicly about Guehi, describing him as a “superstar” who requires a premium price.
Guehi is still a Palace player and captained his side during their 2-1 defeat at Brentford. Bryan Mbeumo cut inside Guehi to hand Brentford the lead and his general performance was questioned, but it felt like quite a statement for Palace to start the defender. If Guehi’s exit was imminent, it would have represented a huge risk for Palace to play him.
The 24-year-old remains Newcastle’s first-choice central-defensive target.
Almiron has had interest from Charlotte FC (Masashi Hara/Getty Images)
When it comes to outgoings, nobody has left St James’ Park over the past week, though discussions were held with Charlotte FC about Miguel Almiron potentially returning to MLS.
Newcastle had a verbal agreement with Charlotte, but the deal collapsed due to the player and his agent’s demands. In response, Charlotte lowered their offer to $9million, a figure that was deemed too low.
Although Newcastle were open to selling Almiron at the right price, they were not actively pushing for his departure. Eddie Howe is happy to keep the 30-year-old as part of his squad, though there is still a possibility that Almiron departs, especially if a right-winger is signed.
If Newcastle don’t sign Guehi, are there other plans?
As The Athletic revealed last week, Newcastle are actively exploring alternative centre-back options in case a compromise fee is not reached for Guehi.
Palace have been clear throughout that they want a guaranteed fee of at least £65million for him — a figure Newcastle feel is excessive. As of yet, their valuation has not reduced and, following Fabian Schar’s dismissal against Southampton and subsequent three-game ban, Newcastle’s need for central-defensive reinforcements has only become more acute.
Newcastle realise that the Guehi situation cannot be allowed to drag on much longer and, unless a deal is struck over the next few days, the likelihood is they will move on, given the deadline is on Friday next week.
Who exactly they may pivot towards remains unclear, even if the background work has already been undertaken on other defenders.
Newcastle discussed a £45million deal for Joe Gomez in June as they briefly negotiated with Liverpool, his club, for the potential sale of Anthony Gordon, and the 27-year-old did sit out their win at Ipswich Town on Saturday. AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw has long been watched, while Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea has featured on target lists before.
There are other domestic and overseas-based names being discussed, too. Guehi is still the priority, but decision time is fast approaching.
What positions/players are they looking at?
A right-sided centre-half and right-winger have always been priorities this summer — and, with just a week and a half left in the window, neither position has been strengthened yet.
While a centre-back is expected to arrive, a right-sided forward being brought in may depend on outgoings. Newcastle are keen to keep their wage budget as a reasonable percentage of their annual revenue, while PSR concerns have not been entirely extinguished.
Almiron may still be sold, but senior departures in other positions may free space for a winger, too. A loan, rather than a permanent deal, may also be explored, possibly with an option or obligation to buy.
Howe has been keen to bring in a new face on the right wing for several windows. Newcastle missed out on their leading target, however, with Michael Olise joining Bayern Munich from Palace instead.
Jacob Murphy’s pre-season form lessened the urgency for reinforcing that position, especially given Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon are both fit, with the latter comfortable playing on the right. Almiron is also still a Newcastle player and, even if an upgrade is desirable, has been a reliable performer for Howe.
Newcastle have watched Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest, Chelsea’s Noni Madueke and Nicolas Gonzalez, Fiorentina’s Argentina international, among others.
Madueke has been watched by Newcastle (James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images)
Which players could be leaving?
There is a continuing desire to cut costs, bring in revenue and reduce the average of the squad — something Paul Mitchell, the new sporting director, is mindful of. Moving players out could facilitate a greater volume of incomings.
Curiously, despite only joining from Nottingham Forest on June 30, as part of the sale-swap which took Elliot Anderson to the City Ground to help satisfy PSR, Odysseas Vlachodimos may leave on loan. Newcastle have five senior goalkeepers, and while Martin Dubravka had been expected to leave, the Slovakia international was named on the bench at the weekend.
Vlachodimos, meanwhile, was left out of the squad and, with John Ruddy third-choice and Mark Gillespie providing further backup, a senior goalkeeper needs to depart. The Greece international appears the most likely to at this stage.
Kieran Trippier’s future remains uncertain. The 33-year-old is into the final 12 months of his contract and a move to Saudi Arabia has been floated but is yet to progress. Both Trippier and Almiron were unused substitutes on Saturday.
Callum Wilson was also expected to leave but his present back injury has complicated matters.
Ryan Fraser and Isaac Hayden do not have futures on Tyneside. Jamal Lewis, who spent 2023-24 on loan in the Championship with Watford, is available too.
Unusually, Newcastle do not presently have any players out on loan. However, that is expected to change, with multiple youngsters expected to head out. Jamie Miley, the 20-year-old elder brother of Lewis, featured regularly during pre-season and is attracting interest from EFL clubs.
Chris Waugh
What has happened this week?
It was not as dramatic as last week when Spurs tied up their club-record signing of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.
But it has still been a fairly busy week at Tottenham Hotspur as they prepared for Ange Postecolgou’s second season in charge. The departures of fringe players have continued: Emerson Royal has joined AC Milan after three seasons at the club. Oliver Skipp moved to Leicester City, ending his long association with Spurs but giving him the chance to play more first-team football and develop his own career.
Beyond that, Spurs have continued to find loan destinations for their promising youngsters. Dane Scarlett has gone to Oxford United. Jamie Donley has moved to Leyton Orient, after signing a new long-term deal at Spurs.
But the most exciting development of the week for Spurs fans was the surprise arrival of Wilson Odobert from Burnley for an initial £25million. Odobert is a talented winger who has always been an analytics outlier, and he will add extra one-v-one ability across the Spurs frontline this season.
Will Solanke be the standout signing of the summer?
There are still 10 days left but the expectation is that Dominic Solanke will be the biggest signing Spurs make this summer. It is certainly worth remembering what a big move it is for Spurs to go for Solanke, spending a fee of up to £65million on a peak-age centre-forward from another Premier League club. Solanke turns 27 in a few weeks.
Traditionally, it has not been Spurs’ policy to spend big fees on established players, and although they paid an initial £50million to sign Richarlison two years ago they have not exactly seen a good return on it. Solanke however comes in having scored 19 Premier League goals for Bournemouth last season, more than Richarlison has ever scored. He will instantly be one of Spurs’ most important players.
Solanke will be one of Tottenham’s most integral players (Warren Little/Getty Images)
By spending big on Solanke this summer, Spurs have invested in the present rather than the future. And that will surely give them a good chance of a stronger season on multiple fronts this year.
What positions/players are they looking at?
After the signing of Solanke, the next priority at Tottenham became a winger, but they managed to find one in Odobert, who is now awaiting a work permit.
So the next question is whether they make one more move in the last 10 days of the window. There has been a long-standing interest in a dynamic No 8 midfielder since the start of the window, and remember that, back in June, Spurs were trying to put together a deal for Jacob Ramsey at Aston Villa.
They also have a historical interest in Conor Gallagher, whose move to Atletico Madrid is expected to proceed after Chelsea agreed to buy Joao Felix. It might be that Spurs are well-stocked enough in midfield, especially with the two 18-year-olds Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray having impressed in pre-season.
But, equally, it might still make sense to add one more experienced option, especially with Yves Bissouma having damaged his standing at the club with his laughing gas Snapchat mishap before a ball has even been kicked.
Which players could be leaving?
Tottenham have done a good job of moving on players during the summer window. They have not just found loan spots for youngsters but sold on good players who played significant roles for Ange Postecoglou last season.
Royal to Milan, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Marseille and now Skipp to Leicester. Spurs have brought money in, even though Richarlison has not moved to Saudi Arabia for £60million as some thought he might. But there are still question marks over a few players left in the squad, even if we assume that Richarlison will stay.
Sergio Reguilon has not played for Spurs since April 2022 but he is still there, unclear about his future. Manor Solomon could also leave. And Giovani Lo Celso, back from his successful Copa America campaign, impressed in flashes last season but was spoken about as a potential makeweight in deals earlier this summer.
Jack Pitt-Brooke
The latest from Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves are targeting Burnley’s Dara O’Shea as a possible solution to the centre-back issue that has become their top priority in the final days of the transfer window. Head coach Gary O’Neil wants a player with Premier League experience to supplement their existing pool of centre-backs, and O’Shea has emerged as one of their top targets.
Wolves have spent £27million this summer and committed another £23m on a permanent deal for Celta Vigo striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, which will be triggered after a relatively low number of appearances. They brought in £90m from the sales of Max Kilman and Pedro Neto, once they had paid Maidenhead £4m as part of a sell-on clause for Kilman.
The exact amount of cash remaining available in this window remains fluid and dependent on what deals become available, while the pot will be swell if they sell fringe players Goncalo Guedes, Daniel Podence and the out-of-favour Fabio Silva.
But it is increasingly clear that the club will end the summer with a significant profit for the second successive year despite head coach O’Neil and sporting director Matt Hobbs speaking in the spring about a ‘break-even’ window.
O’Neil would also like a winger and Wolves have enquired through intermediaries about Ajax’s Carlos Forbs but there is a feeling that a deal could prove too expensive.
Steve Madeley
Barcelona
What has happened this week?
Ilkay Gundogan is exploring his future at Barcelona, as reported by The Athletic on Monday, with Manchester City interested in their former midfielder.
There is also interest from clubs in Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia in the 33-year-old, who left City for Camp Nou last summer.Gundogan’s contract runs until 2026, but his sale would help alleviate some issues regarding the registration of players.
The afternoon before the first league game of the season — and Hansi Flick’s La Liga debut as manager; a 2-1 win at Valencia — Barcelona registered Inigo Martinez, Pau Victor, Marc Casado and Pablo Torre.
However, Dani Olmo was not registered in La Liga and did not travel, although Flick said this was because he was not physically ready yet.
Olmo is will have to wait to make his Barca debut (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Elsewhere, the transfer of Julian Araujo to Bournemouth for €10million was confirmed.
How have Barcelona now registered a glut of players?
The most complicated player to register was Martinez due to his salary. Casado, Victor and Torre have lower salaries and were easy to register.
The option of not registering the salary of the second year of Martinez’s contract was considered due to the club’s financial difficulties.
But Barcelona are happy with the centre-back’s performance, his attitude and contribution to the dressing room. They could register Martinez because Ronald Araujo was also allowed to be registered under a La Liga rule (article 77) whereby the club can include a player if he has a long-term injury even if it means they exceed the cost limit.
Another decision will be made by the end of the year or the beginning of 2025, when the Uruguayan is expected to return. Then Barcelona would need to find the budget to register Martinez again.
What positions/players are they looking at?
A left winger. With Nico Williams giving multiple signals that he will not be joining, Barcelona are working on an affordable alternative, although the addition of Olmo — who can play in four different positions including left winger — could cool the search if they don’t find anything that convinces them.
The other position they wanted to fill was holding midfielder. With the emergence of Marc Bernal and Casado, who Flick seems to like, and the fact they can’t find a player who suits what they are looking for with the budget they have, the debate has been closed. Barcelona are going to bet on their academy.
Which players could be leaving?
Those most likely to leave are Vitor Roque, Clement Lenglet and Mika Faye. Another unknown quantity is Ansu Fati. The club would be willing to accept an offer if it came in, although the fact that he is injured — and his sentimental value to the club — make it a complicated transaction.
Faye’s transfer has been on the club’s radar since the start of the summer. It looked like his destination would be Portugal, but now it seems it will be Ligue 1. With Lenglet, his high salary complicates his transfer.
Vitor Roque, who was signed last year, did not adapt to the club and the league and is expected to be transferred. Pre-season did not convince Flick otherwise. Roque did not impress him while other strikers did, such as Victor, who earned more minutes than the Brazilian and was registered with La Liga.
Laia Cervello Herrero
What has happened this week?
At Real Madrid, the answer when asked about signings is clear: “The squad is closed.” Carlo Ancelotti repeated it before the first La Liga match against Mallorca, although he added immediately: “We must wait until the transfer market closes.” Real like to have their squad planned at the beginning of the season and are not planning any arrivals, but that does not mean there cannot be last-minute news, especially departures.
The Athletic reported this week that Mario Martin is set to join Real Valladolid on loan, with the move expected to be made official on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Martin was one of the few players from the youth team the coaching staff thought could play in the first team. However, there were doubts within the board that he would have minutes to progress.
Do Madrid look like they have a strong enough squad after the opening weekend?
Madrid have shown they have more potential in attack than last season with Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior. All four were starters and gave a show in the Super Cup, but it is not all good news. The team lacks balance in defence and playmaking.
The departure of Toni Kroos and the change from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 in attack is what Ancelotti is having the hardest time sorting out and the Italian was not happy with the first week of La Liga.
Ancelotti during the first game of this La Liga season (Oscar J Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images)
One option would be to bring in a midfielder, but the club is not thinking right now about replacing Kroos with a similar-profile player. Why? Because there is none. The solution, they think, is to change the style and make the team consistent.
What positions/players are they looking at?
The club is not looking to strengthen in the current market circumstances, but this position could change if Andriy Lunin leaves.
In that case, Madrid could bring in a backup goalkeeper for Thibaut Courtois. Kepa Arrizabalaga may come back. At the moment, the Basque goalkeeper, who spent last season on loan at Madrid and is keen to return, is training in London after not travelling with Chelsea on their U.S. tour. He has a contract with Chelsea until 2025.
The other circumstance that could see Madrid make a signing would be if Bayern were to relax their position regarding Alphonso Davies, who they have not put up for sale as of now.
If he does not renew his Bayern contract, he could join Madrid as a free agent in 2025. But, as it stands, there is no prospect of the transfer taking place this summer.
In fact, Madrid have moved to secure the renewal of their left-back Ferland Mendy, whose contract expires in 2025 and whom Ancelotti considered essential. According to sources close to the French left-back, who wanted to remain anonymous to protect relationships, his renewal until 2027 is on track — though he has not yet signed.
The same goes for Madrid’s other full-back Dani Carvajal, who knows that the club is happy with him and that they want to extend his contract beyond 2025.
Which players could be leaving?
Beyond Martin, Madrid are considering the departure of other younger players of a high level who need to make the jump to elite football, such as Nico Paz.
As The Athletic has reported, the coaching staff considered Paz, along with Martin, a candidate to enter the first team, but the board doubted he would have a place and is now listening to offers.
As in most cases of young Madrid players, a loan exit with an option to buy is being studied for the 19-year-old Argentine midfielder.
Some European top-division clubs have been in contact with the player’s camp, including those from La Liga and Serie A, and it is expected they will submit an offer in the last days of the transfer window.
The other case is Uruguayan striker Alvaro Rodriguez. Options are being looked at for the 20-year-old, including Real Sociedad.
Guillermo Rai
(Top photo — design: Eamonn Dalton; photos: Getty Images)
