Arsenal Pursues Barcola as United Targets Hall and Chelsea Signs Chavarria
The transfer window is drifting towards its decisive weeks and the Premier League’s heavyweights are scrambling to land their final pieces.
Arsenal have been handed fresh encouragement in the race for Bradley Barcola, with Liverpool growing tired of negotiations and considering walking away. The Gunners, who are also tracking Julian Alvarez and Iliman Ndiaye, are weighing up defensive options too, with Jules Kounde and Ezri Konsa both on their list.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s future is suddenly in play. After Bruno Guimaraes’s move to Arsenal, the versatile defender has been offered to both Chelsea and Manchester United, throwing his long‑term role into serious doubt.
United, meanwhile, are hunting a left-back. Lewis Hall, David Raum, Antonee Robinson and Jorge Salinas have all been linked as the club look to reshape that side of their defence before the deadline.
Chelsea complete Chavarria signing
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have moved first. The club have confirmed Pep Chavarria as their ninth signing of the summer.
The Spaniard could not hide his delight.
“As a person, I am very friendly and familiar. I am very happy always to be with my team-mates. I’m very happy to be here and I want to meet my new team-mates,” he said.
On the pitch, he promised energy.
“As a player, I love to attack, defend, box-to-box, and I have a lot of intensity. I have a lot of energy on the pitch. They are my biggest abilities.
“I have played in Spain all my life, and for me the Premier League is the best league in the world right now, with a lot of quality and intensity. I think that it’s the best league for me.”
He called the move a dream.
”I’m so excited to get started. This is a dream for me as Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is a big opportunity but I am prepared and will work hard to help the team achieve success.
“There are a lot of people who have helped me get to this moment and I have to thank my family. They have always supported me and today is only possible because of them.”
Tottenham ready to cash in as Porro attracts Barcelona
Across north London, Tottenham’s window is shaping up to be just as busy.
Cody Gakpo and Savinho remain at the top of their attacking wishlist, while Cristian Romero is set for a move to Atletico Madrid. Inter Milan are pushing to bring in Djed Spence, with Spurs willing to sanction a cut‑price exit.
Standard Sport understands Inter are close to an agreement worth around £25.6million for the England full-back. Spence, whose stock rose after an impressive World Cup campaign, wants guarantees over game time and is open to a new challenge.
Roberto De Zerbi cannot promise him the minutes he craves at Tottenham and has made it clear he will not block a move for the 26-year-old if the right offer lands.
Interest in Spurs players does not stop there. Barcelona have made an initial approach for Pedro Porro as they brace for the possibility of losing Jules Kounde. Goal report that the Catalan club have contacted Porro’s camp with Arsenal circling Kounde and Barcelona already lining up alternatives.
Porro only signed a new long-term deal in June, tying him to Spurs until 2031, and De Zerbi views the Spain international as a key figure. Any move will be a fight, but if Arsenal go hard for Kounde, Barcelona’s pursuit of Porro is expected to intensify.
Tottenham are also being linked with Omar Marmoush, Florin Balogun and Georges Mikautadze as they weigh up further attacking reinforcements.
Liverpool stall on Barcola
Liverpool’s stance on Barcola is giving Arsenal even more encouragement. Frustration has grown during talks and the Reds may now move away from the deal, leaving the Gunners in a stronger position in the chase for the Lyon winger.
The Merseyside club are also watching developments around Gakpo and Savinho, both admired by Tottenham, as the late-window market for forwards threatens to ignite.
United and Arsenal alerted as Ndiaye turns down Saudi move
Iliman Ndiaye has rejected an offer from Al Hilal, keeping alive hopes at Arsenal and Manchester United of a future move for the Everton forward.
The Senegal international, 26, has been linked with a Goodison Park exit this summer, but reports indicate he wants to stay in the Premier League and is confident he can attract major interest in future windows. There is no rush on his side. Arsenal and United have both been credited with interest before the Saudi bid arrived.
Hall pushes for Old Trafford switch
Back at United, the Lewis Hall saga is gathering pace.
Newcastle insist the defender is not for sale. They are already reeling from the departures of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and captain Bruno Guimaraes and are desperate to avoid another key loss.
United have sounded out Newcastle over the conditions of a deal, only to be told Hall will not be leaving. Even so, The Sun report the England international remains very keen on a move to Old Trafford and has made his desire to go clear.
The same outlet previously claimed Hall blamed Eddie Howe’s tactical calls for his absence from England’s 2026 World Cup squad. Howe has since gone, replaced by Matthias Jaissle, but the report states Hall’s frustrations linger and a transfer away from St James’ Park is still his preferred outcome.
Palace bring Guessand back, Spurs loan out Yang
Crystal Palace have dipped into the market with a familiar face. The club have re-signed Evann Guessand on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, with an option to buy.
“I'm so happy to be here,” Guessand said. “I already have good memories here – but I think it's only the beginning. I hope many more are coming.”
Tottenham, meanwhile, have sent Yang Min-Hyeok back out on loan. The young striker, who spent last season at Portsmouth and Coventry, will join Belgian side Westerlo for the upcoming campaign as Spurs look to fast-track his development.
The window is tightening. Big names are unsettled, Europe’s elite are circling, and Premier League clubs are one decisive call away from reshaping their seasons. Who blinks first?
