Arsenal have only a handful of major moves left after securing Christos Tzolis for £34m as a replacement for Leandro Trossard and adding Illan Meslier on a free deal as a third‑choice keeper following his exit from Leeds. The defending champions are now looking to build on their title triumph by targeting top‑class talent for the left‑wing and central midfield slots.
Preliminary work has already been undertaken to assess the price tags attached to potential signings such as Brazil’s Vinicius Junior and Bruno Guimarães. Vinicius, who is entering the final year of his contract at Real Madrid, remains on Arsenal's radar alongside PSG’s Bradley Barcola and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez after the club turned down Aston Villa’s valuation for their primary target Morgan Rogers. However, sources at Sky Sports News say Real Madrid are confident the Brazilian will renew his deal and are not expecting him to leave this summer.
Arsenal will therefore continue to monitor the situation closely while keeping alternative options on the table. In midfield, Arsenal are eager to secure Bruno Guimarães to add depth and quality.
The Brazilian has reportedly told Newcastle that he would like to move to North London, and intermediaries have been discussing the figures required for a deal. Newcastle, however, have signalled they are reluctant to part with their playmaker, meaning any agreement will likely need to be financially compelling. Funding for these high‑profile targets is expected to come from player sales, an area where Arsenal have traditionally struggled. The club faces uncertainty over the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, both of whom are entering the final year of their contracts and are valued at roughly £18‑£20m.
Martinelli’s contract includes a club‑held option for an additional year, protecting Arsenal from losing him on a free transfer should a suitable buyer not materialise this window. Nonetheless, the sale of a left‑winger is unlikely to be approved until a suitable replacement arrives.
Defender Ben White has attracted interest from Everton, but recent injuries to Jurrien Timber and William Saliba could make Arsenal hesitant to let the England centre‑back go. Timber’s fitness for the start of the season remains in doubt, while Saliba is expected to miss a significant period due to a back injury. Consequently, Arsenal are also scouting for centre‑back cover. John Stones was a candidate but has now joined Inter, and a valuation gap with Aston Villa over Ezri Konsa has stalled that potential move.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, are under pressure to comply with UEFA’s financial fair play regulations and may need to sell a marquee player or two. Recent departures of Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers for a combined £152m illustrate this trend. Villa have bolstered their squad with Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes and Alejandro Garnacho, but further reinforcements are required as the futures of Leon Bailey and Emiliano Martinez remain uncertain.
Hull City are reportedly close to signing Bailey, while Juventus continue to monitor Martinez, though a valuation gap has seen them explore alternatives such as Zion Suzuki. Chelsea’s transfer activity has been prolific, yet the club is not finished. They are eyeing midfield reinforcements despite the imminent arrival of Jordan Henderson on a free transfer from Brentford.
Alex Scott has been linked with a move, but Bournemouth have been firm in retaining their midfielder. Enzo Fernandez’s situation could become pivotal if Chelsea decide to splurge on a high‑profile midfielder.
In the south, Brighton are actively seeking forwards, midfielders and wingers. They need a replacement for Danny Welbeck, who has departed for Chelsea, and are also looking to add depth behind Fabian Hurzeler for their European campaign. While they have identified Carlos Baleba as a long‑term target, immediate priorities include a new No 9 and a wide attacker to complement existing options such as Stefanos Tzimas and Charalampos Kostoulas.
Everton’s manager David Moyes still has work to do, with a particular focus on signing a right‑back. The club have approached Celtic for Alistair Johnston and are also keen to replace Idrissa Gana Gueye in midfield.
Striker recruitment remains a priority, with Liam Delap re‑emerging as a potential target after his move to Chelsea fell through. Leeds United, after missing out on Julian Brandt, are now concentrating on securing a club‑record £40m signing for goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City, while also scouting for a versatile left‑ or right‑back and additional midfield options.
Their strategy this summer has been to acquire younger, high‑potential players in the £20‑£40m range, a policy that may shift if key assets like Bruno Guimarães become available. Bournemouth have already bolstered their defence with Antonio Silva from Benfica and are now contemplating additions in midfield and attack, though they have no immediate urgency for a goalkeeper as Marco Rose is satisfied with his current options.
Brentford’s summer focus has been on strengthening the midfield, culminating in a club‑record signing of Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare. With the departure of Jordan Henderson, the Bees may also explore a more advanced midfield recruit and are monitoring left‑back options, especially as Roma show interest in Kevin Schade. In the north‑east, Newcastle United have committed to spending over £140m on five players, including a new left winger and two midfielders, while also planning to bring in a versatile full‑back.
Their policy of targeting younger talent could be tested if they decide to sell Bruno Guimarães or other key assets. Forest, under Oliver Glasner, are keen to fill the void left by Elliot Anderson with a midfield signing such as Lucas Bergvall, though negotiations with Tottenham have proved challenging. They are also considering a centre‑forward to replace Chris Wood, potentially targeting a younger No 9. Tottenham, after breaking their wage ceiling and transfer record for Tonali, Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke, have indicated that a "bomba" is still to come, with a focus on enhancing their attack.
Manchester City’s Savinho is reportedly eager to leave the Etihad for Spurs, and the club are also eyeing other left‑wing options, including Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo. Overall, with just under a month remaining in the summer transfer window, clubs across the Premier League are juggling player sales, contract renewals and strategic signings. Arsenal aim to convert their title success into sustained dominance, while other clubs balance financial constraints with the need to reinforce key positions. The next few weeks will determine whether these ambitions translate into concrete deals or whether clubs will have to settle for alternative solutions as the deadline approaches.