Sunderland Faces Geertruida Departure as PSV Approaches
Sunderland look set to be stripped of one of their key defensive pillars, with Lutsharel Geertruida on the verge of joining PSV Eindhoven. Fabrizio Romano reports that the clubs have agreed a loan deal that includes an option to buy worth around £13 million, a sizeable fee that underlines how highly the Dutchman is rated.
Geertruida is now expected to travel for his medical and to sign his new contract, leaving the Black Cats facing a major reshuffle at the back just as the season beds in.
The blow could be doubled. Sunderland’s move for highly rated Toulouse full-back Dayann Mehalie is being talked up as a potential coup, but also a risk: the 20-year-old has drawn serious attention from across Europe after an impressive Ligue 1 campaign. If the Black Cats do get him, they’ll be prising away one of the most coveted young defenders on the continent.
Everton eye Flemming and brace for Ndiaye battle
Everton’s attacking plans are starting to take shape on two very different fronts.
At Burnley, Zian Flemming has forced his way into the conversation. The forward hit a brace in a spirited comeback from two goals down to earn a point against West Ham on Sunday, and that performance has sharpened interest from Goodison Park. The former Millwall standout is also attracting suitors from Italy, so Everton are stepping into a crowded race.
The real financial test, though, lies with Iliman Ndiaye. The Times report that any club, including Manchester United, will have to stump up at least £70 million to prise the Everton star away as he enters the final year of his contract. It’s a price-tag that signals Everton’s intent to hold firm unless an elite offer lands on the table.
Off the pitch, chief executive Angus Kinnear has admitted the club will miss their own internal deadline to sign a right-back before the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace. Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside, he praised Jake O’Brien for doing a “sterling job” as cover but accepted that David Moyes will start the campaign without a natural specialist in that role.
“The players we thought we had the option of are still available for us… I’m confident that we’ll bring a right-back in,” Kinnear said, while acknowledging supporters’ frustration and insisting the club are “working hard” to get a deal done.
Al-Hilal turn to Watkins as Kane talks linger
Saudi money is circling England’s leading strikers again.
Al-Hilal are preparing a £38.5 million bid for Aston Villa and England forward Ollie Watkins, according to Fabrizio Romano. The striker is said to be open to the move to the Saudi Pro League, but Villa have already knocked back two approaches from the same club and are under no pressure to sell a player central to their project.
On the other side of the Saudi push stands Harry Kane. talkSPORT report that Al-Hilal have also held talks with the Bayern Munich forward’s representatives as he enters the final year of his contract in Germany. The “door has not been shut,” but the expectation remains that Kane will stay at Bayern for this season, leaving the Saudis to focus their firepower elsewhere.
Arsenal’s big-game vision: Arteta talks and “change the dial” signings
Arsenal are trying to lock down their present while plotting an even bigger future.
Chief executive Richard Garlick has confirmed that talks over a new contract for Mikel Arteta are well under way. Speaking to Sky Sports, he stressed that discussions have been running “for a number of months” and described them as “very constructive and very progressive.”
“We’ve got a transfer window to navigate over the next couple of weeks, but we’ll look to conclude that as soon as we can,” Garlick said. “He wants to be at this club, and we want him to be at the club, and I’m sure we’ll find the solution sooner rather than later.”
Garlick also lifted the lid on Arsenal’s transfer strategy. The Gunners have swung for the fences with ambitious moves for Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez and are now focusing on players who, in his words, will “change the dial.”
“In the past we’ve looked at players that maybe helped build out the squad or get us to a certain level,” he explained. “But now we’re competing right at the top level, and we do need to bring in players that are going to change the dial.
“That might be younger players that come into your squad and give them time to develop… and if we’re able to combine those players that are coming through the academy with some of the best players in the world then we’ve got every chance of maintaining that success and going beyond what we’ve already achieved.”
Manchester United hit resistance but push on for reinforcements
Manchester United’s summer has taken another twist.
The club have reportedly been snubbed by Barcelona midfielder Gavi, according to the Manchester Evening News. United were said to be willing to meet the £35 million asking price, but the Spain international wants to stay in Catalonia, dealing a sharp blow to Erik ten Hag’s midfield plans.
United are not standing still. Reports claim they still expect two more signings before the window closes. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall has emerged as a left-back target, though the Magpies are determined to keep the former Chelsea man. United are also working on bringing in another midfielder as they look to add depth and quality in the middle of the pitch.
Their interest in Iliman Ndiaye remains complicated by Everton’s £70 million valuation, turning what might have been an opportunistic move into a major financial decision.
Rodri’s emotional City farewell and big-money Barcelona move
Rodri has walked away from Manchester City with medals, memories and a huge new deal at Barcelona.
The midfielder, who spent seven years at the Etihad, spoke warmly about his old club as he completed his move to Spain. “It’s not like I miss [City] because I don’t feel like I’m leaving,” he said. “I think I’m just moving to another club, but my heart will always be linked to the city and to the club.
“I always try to be involved in the games, try to come and watch them and keep in touch with my ex-teammates… Seven years is the right moment to say goodbye, to write a good story.
“Both parts, club and player, we’re proud of this, and this was the reason for my decision. My heart will always be blue all my life. And they always have Rodri for anything they need.”
Barcelona have paid heavily to make it happen. Despite Rodri being in the final 12 months of his City contract, the Spanish giants have agreed a fixed fee of £60 million. The 28-year-old will earn around £11 million per season, more than £210,000 a week, on a four-year deal that runs to his 34th birthday.
Wan-Bissaka set for Premier League return with Villa
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is closing in on a route back to the Premier League.
Aston Villa have struck an agreement with West Ham for a loan that includes a mandatory buy option at the end of the season. The former Manchester United right-back has been given the green light to travel to the Midlands for a medical, with Unai Emery keen to bolster his defensive options for a campaign that will stretch across domestic and European fronts.
Fofana tug-of-war and Wolves’ winger hunt
Midfield steel is suddenly on the market at AC Milan, and Premier League clubs are circling.
France international Youssouf Fofana has been told he is no longer in Milan’s plans, and Matteo Moretto reports that Newcastle have already lodged an enquiry. Nottingham Forest are also in the frame, setting up a straight fight for a player who brings energy, bite and experience in the centre of the park.
Wolves, meanwhile, are pushing to add pace and flair out wide. They have made an enquiry for Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, according to Sky Sports. The former Arsenal youngster is one of several attacking options on their list, but Brighton have already rejected a £7.5 million bid from Rangers, underlining that any deal will not come cheap.
Vieira takes the Senegal reins
Patrick Vieira is stepping into international management with a long runway and high expectations.
The former Premier League and France midfield great has been confirmed as Senegal’s new head coach, taking charge immediately on a contract that runs through to 2030. He inherits a squad fresh from recent continental success and must quickly mould it in his image ahead of key competitive fixtures later this autumn.
It is a bold move for both coach and country, tying their futures together for the rest of the decade.
Vicario and Fullkrug on the move
Two familiar names are on the road again.
Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has sealed a return to Serie A, joining Juventus on an initial free loan. The deal carries an €8 million option to buy, plus a further €2 million in performance-related add-ons. For Juve, it’s a relatively low-risk way to strengthen their goalkeeping department; for Vicario, it’s a chance to establish himself as a number one in Italy.
Niclas Fullkrug is heading back to where it all began. West Ham have confirmed that the striker has rejoined Werder Bremen on loan for the 2026/27 season. Sky in Germany report that the agreement includes an option to make the move permanent, with the 33-year-old accepting a wage cut to push the deal through. Under contract at the London Stadium until 2028, he returns to the Bundesliga to reignite his form at the club that launched his senior career.
Southampton dig in over Scienza
Southampton’s resolve is about to be tested.
Playmaker Leo Scienza is drawing interest from Premier League clubs after a standout Championship campaign. The Brazilian, 27, scored seven goals and provided nine assists as Saints fell just short of promotion last season, and his creativity has not gone unnoticed.
The club are determined to keep the core of that side together. Yet with top-flight teams circling and the possibility of a big-money bid on the horizon, Southampton may soon have to decide whether to cash in or double down on their promotion push.
