Arsenal Boosted in Barcola Pursuit as United Target Hall and Chelsea Sign Chavarria

The summer window is starting to snarl now. With the deadline creeping into view, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham are all trying to squeeze through late business in a market that refuses to settle.

At the centre of it, Bradley Barcola. Arsenal have been given fresh encouragement in their pursuit of the winger, with Liverpool increasingly prepared to walk away after growing frustration in negotiations. The Reds are weighing up alternative attacking options, including Julian Alvarez and Iliman Ndiaye, and could now pivot away from the Barcola saga entirely.

Arsenal’s defensive planning is running in parallel. Jules Kounde has emerged as a serious target, with Ezri Konsa also on their list as they look to reinforce at the back before the window shuts.

Hall pushes for United move as Newcastle dig in

Manchester United’s search for a left-back is turning into one of the window’s running stories. Lewis Hall remains high on their agenda, alongside David Raum, Antonee Robinson and Jorge Salinas.

Newcastle, though, are refusing to budge. Having already lost Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and captain Bruno Guimaraes, they are adamant Hall is not for sale. United have sounded out the conditions of a deal and been told exactly that.

The defender has not cooled on the idea. Hall is described as “very keen” on a move to Old Trafford and, according to reports, has made clear his desire to leave St James’ Park. His frustrations date back to tactical decisions under former boss Eddie Howe, which he is said to believe played a part in missing out on England’s 2026 World Cup squad. The arrival of Matthias Jaissle has not changed his stance. The tug-of-war is set.

Chelsea complete Chavarria as Lewis-Skelly offered around

At Stamford Bridge, the churn continues. Chelsea have confirmed Pep Chavarria as their ninth signing of the summer, underlining the scale of their rebuild.

The Spaniard spoke with clear excitement about the move. He described himself as friendly and family-oriented off the pitch, and a high-energy, box-to-box presence on it, stressing his love of attacking and defending with intensity. For him, the Premier League is “the best league in the world” and the perfect stage for his game. Calling Chelsea “one of the biggest clubs in the world”, he labelled the transfer a dream and paid tribute to his family for helping him reach this point, vowing to work hard to drive the team towards success.

Chelsea also believe Manchester City hold an interest in Enzo Fernandez, a subplot that could yet shape the final weeks of their window.

Elsewhere, Myles Lewis-Skelly has been offered to both Chelsea and Manchester United following Bruno Guimaraes’s move to Arsenal, a deal that has thrown fresh doubt over the versatile defender’s long-term future at his current club.

Tottenham ready to cash in as Porro attracts Barcelona

Across north London, Tottenham’s plans are bold and ruthless. Cody Gakpo and Savinho sit at the top of their attacking wishlist, while the club are prepared to cash in on key names to reshape Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.

Cristian Romero is set to join Atletico Madrid, a major sale that would fund Spurs’ next phase of recruitment. Inter Milan are pushing to sign Djed Spence, with talks advancing over a cut-price deal believed to be worth around £25.6million. Spence’s stock is high after an impressive World Cup campaign, and he wants guarantees over game time that De Zerbi cannot offer. The head coach has made it clear he will not block a move for the 26-year-old if he chooses to go.

Inter are not the only heavyweight circling Tottenham’s defence. Barcelona have made an initial approach for Pedro Porro as they brace for possible movement around Jules Kounde. With Arsenal’s interest in Kounde growing, Barca have sounded out Porro’s camp as a potential replacement. Any deal will be complicated. Porro only signed a long-term contract with Spurs in June, tying him down until 2031, and De Zerbi views the Spain international as a key part of his project. If Arsenal step up for Kounde, though, Barcelona’s pursuit of Porro is expected to intensify.

Spurs’ outgoing business is not limited to the back line. Young striker Yang Min-Hyeok has been sent out on loan again, this time to Belgian side Westerlo, after spells with Portsmouth and Coventry last season. Names such as Omar Marmoush, Florin Balogun and Georges Mikautadze remain linked as Tottenham look to sharpen their attack.

Liverpool consider next move as Ndiaye rejects Saudi offer

Liverpool’s stance on Barcola is loosening, and their attention could soon swing more firmly to other targets. One of those is Iliman Ndiaye, whose future at Everton is under scrutiny.

The Senegal forward has rejected an offer from Al Hilal, choosing not to jump at a Saudi move despite heavy speculation. At 26, Ndiaye is understood to prefer staying in the Premier League and believes he can attract significant interest in future windows without rushing into a transfer now. Arsenal and Manchester United have both been credited with interest in the past, and his decision to turn down Saudi money keeps the door open for England’s elite.

Guessand returns to Palace

Crystal Palace have quietly pulled off a piece of business of their own. The club have re-signed Evann Guessand on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, with an option to buy included in the agreement.

Guessand could not hide his delight at returning. He spoke of “good memories” from his previous spell and insisted this is only the beginning, hoping for many more positive moments to come in south London.

The market is still shifting under everyone’s feet. Big clubs are circling the same targets, key players are forcing decisions, and the clock is ticking. Which of these sagas will define the final weeks of the window?