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Tottenham Hotspur’s quest to bolster their attack is dragging deeper into the summer transfer window, and Chelsea’s Pedro Neto has reportedly emerged as an alternative to their priority targets.

The ruthlessness that defined the start of Spurs’ summer has faded, with the club failing to make any discernible progress in their pursuits of Manchester City’s Savinho and Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo.

After barely avoiding relegation last season, the club entered the market knowing they’d have to pay premiums to persuade targets, who likely had more enticing proposals elsewhere, to join Roberto De Zerbi’s project.

They twice smashed their transfer record to acquire Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, who joined after Jan Paul van Hecke was proactively signed to replace Cristian Romero, now under the tutelage of Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid. However, Spurs haven’t added to their total outlay of more than $313 million since July 6, when Tonali’s arrival from Newcastle United was confirmed.

With the start of the Premier League season drawing ever closer, supporters have grown restless.

Chelsea’s Pedro Neto on List of Spurs’ Savinho Alternatives

Spurs have been after Savinho for a year. Manchester City eventually blocked his exit last summer after a $70 million deal was discussed.

They’ve been in hot pursuit of the Brazilian again despite his quiet 2025–26 season at the Etihad Stadium, and have reportedly been subject to City constantly changing the goalposts regarding the player’s valuation. The Times suggests a deal could now be worth as much as $115.7 million (£84.5 million).

He remains the priority, but Spurs are also considering a world without Savinho in Lilywhite. Fabrizio Romano has previously reported that Pedro Neto could be an option for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, and he’s since doubled down.

Al Hilal and Spurs are the two teams in the race for the Chelsea winger after Man City were priced out of a move. BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella understands that the Blues value Neto at $136 million (£100 million).

The 26-year-old enjoyed the most productive season of his career in 2025–26, recording 20 goal contributions in 52 outings across all competitions. Despite this uptick in productivity, few would argue that Neto has done anywhere near enough to justify such a lofty valuation.

Chelsea are merely capitalizing on a market that’s gone a bit crazy this summer, and are perhaps banking on Al Hilal stumping up the cash they’re said to be after.

Every Direct Chelsea to Tottenham Transfer

Spurs Chasing Three Forwards to Conclude Summer Transfer Window

Spurs have stuttered in their quest to bolster a frontline that desperately needs improving, yet Sky Sports News’ Lyall Thomas writes that, ideally, three new forwards will join De Zerbi’s window before the end of the summer window.

Savinho and Gakpo are atop their shortlist, with Neto in reserve. They’re also in the market for a center-forward, but haven’t yet identified an alternative to Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi after the Frenchman underwent foot surgery in July.

There’s still an expectation that Savinho, who’s pined for a move to north London all summer and was absent from Enzo Maresca’s Community Shield roster at the weekend, will sign for the club. However, Spurs are likely dependent on Liverpool landing Bradley Barcola to sign Gakpo.

The Athletic reported on Tuesday that while discussions have been held between Spurs and Gakpo’s representatives, there’s been no dialogue between the two clubs. Liverpool maintain that the Dutchman, who scored and assisted in the Reds’ 2–0 preseason victory over Como at the weekend, isn’t for sale, but their stance will surely soften if they reach a compromise with PSG for Barcola.

As it stands, Spurs supporters, remarkably, are preparing for an attack comprising Mathys Tel. Richarlison and Mikey Moore in their Premier League opener on Saturday.

Arsenal have been linked with a shock move for Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero, although this particular transfer saga could already be dead before it starts as Atlético Madrid are reportedly in talks over the Argentine.

Romero has long appeared likely to leave Spurs this summer, having seen his relationship with fans and the club, openly criticizing senior management in February, become strained.

The center back was sent off twice last season, missing matches because of suspension, battled with injuries and was briefly intending to skip the final game of the season—when he was ruled out anyway but Spurs could have been relegated from the Premier League—to watch boyhood club Belgrano face River Plate back home in Argentina.

It prompted club legend Glenn Hoddle to remark: “I’d drive him to the airport and say don’t bother coming back.” Going to Argentina while to complete injury rehab had been agreed with Spurs staff but manager Roberto De Zerbi admitted he knew “100%” why fans were angry. In the end, Romero did return to England for the match attended by other unavailable players.

But while most of the speculation in recent weeks has focused on Atlético Madrid, Inter and even Real Madrid prior to Los Blancos signing Ibrahima Konaté instead, Arsenal’s “admiration” for Romero has come to light in a report from The Athletic.

However, Spurs have not been made aware of such interest from the Gunners and would not entertain selling to their fierce, local rivals. It is a “non-starter.”

The very notion evokes memories of the highly controversial Sol Campbell transfer that transpired in 2001. But it was altogether different. Campbell was a free agent, having run down his Tottenham contract, and was able to choose his next club without any input from Spurs.Â

William Gallas was also a free agent when he joined Tottenham in 2010 after being released by Arsenal. That one didn’t really hurt because, unlike Campbell and Romero, he had just turned 33 and was on the downslope of his career rather than at his peak.

Players Who Moved Between Arsenal, Tottenham

Gallas was the last player to move directly between Arsenal and Tottenham.

Others, like David Bentley, Emmanuel Adebayor, have played for both without going straight from one to the other. Even Harry Kane briefly turned out for Arsenal in his youth, picked up by Spurs two years after the Gunners released him as an eight-year-old for, allegedly, being “a bit chubby.”

But transfers between the two are rare and have become rarer.

Transfers since 1919 when Arsenal moved from south London to north London and the Arsenal-Tottenham rivalry is considered to have begun.

Why Would Arsenal Want to Sign Romero?

If Arsenal have a glut of riches in any one position on the face of it, it is center back. In the Gunners’ squad right now there are seven players comfortable in the middle of defense.

Piero Hincapié was the latest to join after his loan was made into a permanent transfer in June, but the number dilutes a little by several—including Hincapié—being repurposed as fullbacks. Players like Jurriën Timber and Riccardo Calafiori have become more known for playing at right back and left back respectively. Ben White, signed as a center back in 2021, is also now largely a right back when fit, and is linked with a move away this summer anyway.

In terms of center backs who Mikel Arteta actually regularly uses at center back, Arsenal perhaps only have three—Gabriel, William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera. With Saliba set to miss an “extended period” because of a back injury, cover is suddenly thin on the ground.

Romero is proven in the Premier League and this interest appears opportunistic, born out of his less than ideal situation across north London at Tottenham. But Spurs will not sell to Arsenal.

Which Club Will Cristian Romero Actually Join?

Spurs have already recruited two new center backs this summer, spending around $70 million (£52 million) on Netherlands international Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion, on top of the free-agent capture of Marcos Senesi.

It gives De Zerbi four senior center backs without Romero—including Kevin Danso and Ben Davies—even before accounting for what the immediate future holds for Kōta Takai. Archie Gray also played a lot of soccer last season as a center back.

For Romero, The Athletic notes there is a “verbally agreed” transfer fee in principle between Spurs and Inter. However, he is yet to negotiate a contract with the Italian champions. Instead, BBC Sport report that Atlético Madrid have renewed their interest from last summer and consider Romero an active target again. Talks are underway over a deal, reported elsewhere by the BBC, in the region of £40 million.

Currently, reuniting with Argentine compatriot Diego Simeone seems like the most likely outcome—particularly if Atlético firm up their interest with a bid in the region of Spurs’ valuation.

London rivals collide on the other side of the world when Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur face off in a preseason friendly in Sydney, Australia on Saturday.

Both sides have already taken to the field for warmup matches this summer, with Chelsea’s opening game under new manager Xabi Alonso particularly eye-catching. The Blues were 6–4 winners over Western Sydney Wanderers, with João Pedro’s nine-minute hat trick late in the match clinching victory.

This will be Tottenham’s fourth match, meanwhile. Roberto De Zerbi’s men have won two and drawn one. New recruit Mateus Fernandes provided the winner against MK Dons, which was followed by a 2–0 win over Auckland FC and 1–1 stalemate with Sydney FC.

Despite the upcoming clash being a friendly, there is always tension in the air when these sides lock horns. An entertaining, high-intensity affair is projected in front of a possible crowd of up to 83,000 spectators at the Accor Stadium.

Chelsea vs. Tottenham Score Prediction

Chaotic Encounter Ends Level

One can never be entirely confident when making preseason predictions. Mass rotation, weakened sides and the result’s lack of significance often feed into unusual affairs—as Chelsea can vouch for after their 10-goal thriller last time out.

Alonso and De Zerbi will be reliant upon an unorthodox blend of first-teamers, youngsters and new signings, which should make for a chaotic affair brimming with goal-mouth action.

If this was a Premier League fixture, Chelsea would be undeniable favorites. With it being preseason, the playing field has been leveled.

Chelsea’s defensive woes: Even with their preferred backline installed last season, Chelsea struggled to keep clean sheets. Conceding four to Western Sydney Wanderers suggests those issues have not yet been remedied, especially with Alonso forced to name an inexperienced and makeshift defense.

Tottenham’s youthful team: Spurs had significant representation at the World Cup and that has left De Zerbi without a host of regulars for the start of preseason. The Italian has had to call upon academy players, who might be required to step up against a talented Chelsea side fighting for Alonso’s approval.

Prediction: Chelsea 2–2 Tottenham

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham

Chelsea’s bloated roster is a longstanding issue, but it’s handy for Alonso in preseason. The former Real Madrid manager has an arsenal of first-team options available, with the likes of Estêvão, Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill and Pedro all potentially starting after World Cup omissions.

Alonso should opt for a stronger team than selected against Western Sydney Wanderers, with few—if any—of the academy starlets featuring in the first XI.

Dastan Satpaev scored his first goal for Chelsea last time out and the Kazakhstani teenager should be handed some more minutes. Marco Palestra, another summer signing, could be called off the bench, but $156 million recruit Morgan Rogers is not available as he recovers from the World Cup with England.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Adarabioyo, Colwill; Lavia, Essugo; Estêvão, Palmer, Gittens; Pedro.

Tottenham Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea

Tottenham don’t boast quite the same depth or quality as Chelsea right now and still have players missing with injuries sustained last season. Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski and Xavi Simons are all currently sidelined.

Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Jan Paul van Hecke and Destiny Udogie were all omitted against Sydney FC as precautions, with De Zerbi revealing he’s unsure how many will be available against Chelsea.

De Zerbi should make some changes from last time out, however, potentially adding new signings Andy Robertson and Sandro Tonali into the starting XI.

Tottenham Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Kinský; Gray, Van Hecke, Davies, Robertson; Tonali, Bergvall; Solomon, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison.

What Time Does Chelsea vs. Tottenham Kick Off?

Location: Sydney, Australia

Stadium: Accor Stadium

Date: Saturday, Aug. 1

Kickoff Time: 5:45 a.m. ET / 2:45 a.m. PT / 10:45 a.m. BST

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Roberto De Zerbi’s first full season at Tottenham Hotspur could be full of fireworks, particularly if the club’s summer transfer business is anything to go by.

Close to £240 million has been splashed out on Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke, while the experienced Andy Robertson has also made his way to north London after the conclusion of his Liverpool contract.

De Zerbi’s tasked with taking Spurs away from the doldrums. Last season’s scrape with relegation was an experience no supporter will want to experience again, particularly as 12 months previously things had also taken a sour turn under Ange Postecoglou.

In the immediate crosshairs, Sydney—a game De Zerbi will expect to win, though he won’t have a vast number of his mega stars to call on.

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Tottenham Hotspur have broken their transfer record once again to seal the signature of midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.

Just four days after the blockbuster acquisition of Mateus Fernandes for $112 million (£85 million), Spurs have gone one better, breaking their own transfer record once again to snap up Tonali in a package worth a reported $133 million (£100 million).

When it became clear that Tonali was available this summer, a number of England’s elite sides made their interest known. The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been linked but, according to Tonali, his decision was not a difficult one.

“I’m very happy to be here,” he told club media. “When I arrived at the Club today, it felt fantastic. People said about there being four or five clubs—there was only one.

“I spoke to the Head Coach for close to two hours about the Club, the fans, the stadium and our football. It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham. I’ve played against Tottenham a few times and always found a great atmosphere made by great fans. I can’t wait to start the season.”

Manager Roberto De Zerbi added: “Sandro is a special player and a great signing for our Club.

“I have followed him for a long time, as he came through the youth system at my hometown club, Brescia, and I’m so happy to be working with him now. Given his qualities, there was a lot of interest in Sandro this summer. However, he was very clear in his desire to join Tottenham, and I know our fans will love what he brings to the team.”

Tonali’s Tottenham Shirt Number Confirmed

Spurs are undergoing a squad rebuild under new manager De Zerbi, who reunited with former Brighton & Hove Albion center back Jan Paul van Hecke before overseeing this massive midfield spend.

Fernandes has been given the No. 18 shirt, and he’ll be joined in midfield by Tonali, who will be wearing the No. 16.

It’s an all-new shirt number for Tonali, who has spent the majority of his senior career for both club and country wearing the No. 8 shirt aside from at Brescia, where he wore No. 4.

The No. 16 shirt has a mixed record at Tottenham. It was most recently handed temporarily to young defender Luka Vušković, who was sold to Brighton without getting the chance to wear it. Before that, it belonged to on-loan forward Timo Werner.

Arnaut Danjuma, Kyle Walker-Peters and Kieran Trippier have all worn the shirt over the past decade, while Kyle Walker and Gareth Bale both enjoyed spells with 16 on their backs before trading for lower numbers.

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Tottenham Hotspur have struggled to get one over their fierce north London rivals in recent times, but it would appear as if they’ve scuppered Arsenal’s move for top midfield target Bruno Guimarães.

Having endured back-to-back 17th-place finishes and flirting dangerously with relegation to the EFL Championship last season, the upper managemane at Spurs is intent on ensuring the Lilywhites fly up the Premier League table in Roberto De Zerbi’s first full season at the helm.

Spurs were expected to be busy, but few foresaw the level of spending they wouldd embark on at the very start of the summer transfer window. Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dúbravka joined as free agents, and £52 million ($69.5 million) was spent on Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jan Paul van Hecke, who was set to enter the final year of his contract on the south coast.

Then, Spurs went about completely distorting the midfield market. Forced to pay premiums, given their recent domestic slide, the club have committed a combined £185 million ($247 million) to acquire Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. Nearly all of that money is guaranteed.

The monstrous £100 million ($134 million) deal for the latter makes it extremely unlikely that Newcastle United will also allow Tonali’s slicker and more sophisticated midfield partner, whom Arsenal admire, to leave the club ahead of the new season.

Newcastle Have No Intention of Selling Bruno Guimarães

Arsenal were also believed to be in the running for Tonali, but the Premier League champions were not willing to commit the necessary finances to getting a deal done.

Thus, the Gunners moved onto Guimarães and have already had a £55 million ($73 million) bid rejected by the Magpies.

While reports suggest the Brazilian, currently shining at the World Cup, could have his head turned, Newcastle have told the midfielder and his camp that have no intention of letting him go.

Speaking about the situation on YouTube, Fabrizio Romano commented: “Always been a player appreciated by [Mikel] Arteta, but now with Newcastle, it’s not going to be an easy one at all because Newcastle again made money with [Anthony] Gordon, made money with [Sandro] Tonali, and they already told Bruno Guimarães and they told people close to him that they want to keep the player.

“So, it’s not going to be easy at all for Arsenal to get it done,” he added.

Romano says Guimarães is the Gunners’ “top target in midfield” and suggests they could make another bid. For now, though, the door is closed from Newcastle’s perspective.

Hadt Spurs not made Newcastle an offer they simply couldn’t refuse for Tonali, the Magpies likely would have been more willing to part ways with 28-year-old Guimarães.

Why are Arsenal Targeting Midfielders in Summer Transfer Window?

Arsenal had been expected to prioritize attacking signings this summer, with supporters crying out for an upgrade on the left wing, despite the Gunners finally claiming their first Premier League title in 22 years last season.

There’s a chance Arsenal do make a big splash at that position, with Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola among the players linked.

However, Arteta also believes that further evolution is required in midfield. Christian Nørgaard is set to move on after just a year in north London, so there’s room for at least one addition to the engine room.

Ultimately, the Spaniard couldn’t rely upon Nørgaard to cover for either Martín Zubimendi or Declan Rice, forcing the pair to play a lot of soccer. Adding a player like Guimarães, arguably one of the world’s best midfielders, would allow Arteta to more willingly offer Rice, in particular, respite.

The Brazilian prefers life as a No. 8, but is versatile enough to impress at the base of midfield. His tenacity and industry complement an immense ’feel’ for the game in possession, with Guimarães such a positive and dynamic midfielder who’s so creative when tasked with bypassing pressure.

He would be quite the transfer coup for Arsenal, but Newcastle’s stance will likely force the Gunners to pivot to an alternative. With the market suddenly so inflated thanks to Spurs’ work, the Premier League champions may have to spend more than they would like to boost their engine room.

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Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, paying a club-record fee to beat Manchester United to his signature.

Spurs have parted with a whopping $112 million (£85 million) to sign Fernandes, who admitted the chance to link up with Roberto De Zerbi played a huge part in convincing him to make the move.

“I’m very excited for this next step,” Fernandes explained. “Spurs is a massive club and the Head Coach was a key part of why I have decided to join.

“When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way—going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the Club.”

Revealing his plans for Fernandes, De Zerbi added: “I’ve admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.

“Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments.

“I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I’m excited to start working with him.”

Fernandes’s Transfer Record Will Not Last Long

Fernandes will not be the only midfielder moving to Tottenham this summer. Spurs have already sealed an agreement to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a deal which will once again break the team’s transfer record.

Tonali, who boarded a flight from Milan on Thursday to finalize his switch to Spurs, is due to join in a package worth as much as $132.8 million (£100 million)—the vast majority of which is guaranteed.

As he prepared to depart for Spurs, Tonali spoke to Sky in Italy about his impending move and, like Fernandes, pointed to the importance of De Zerbi.

“De Zerbi played a big role in this,” Tonali explained, “and then it’s a lifestyle and family choice after three years at Newcastle.Â

“De Zerbi deserves a lot of the credit, he did it not only as a Brescia native and a friend but also as a hard worker, he’s committed to this.”

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Only 24 hours after it was revealed Tottenham Hotspur would make Mateus Fernandes the most expensive player in the club’s history, Sandro Tonali will make the switch to north London for even more than the £85 million ($112.8 million) it’s costing to sign the Portuguese.

Tonali’s Newcastle exit has felt inevitable for some time, increasingly so once the Magpies tumbled into the bottom half of the Premier League table and failed to qualify for any European competition.

There were slightly strange Arsenal rumors in January, before Manchester United and Manchester City became linked more recently. But it will be Spurs for Tonali, amid multiple reports on Wednesday of the clubs reaching common ground on a £100 million ($132.8 million) deal.

Spurs agreed for the full £85 million ($112.8 million) fee payable to West Ham for Fernandes to be guaranteed, going where Manchester United were not prepared to. Sky Sports and The Athletic note that Newcastle are assured of £92.5 million ($122.8 million) for Tonali, with the remaining £7.5 million ($9.9 million) in ‘achievable add-ons.’

Ambitious Tottenham Summer Continues

Spurs have finished 17th in the Premier League two years in a row and were in genuine danger of relegation this past season right until the final day.

It has been an embarrassing collapse for a club that within the last decade has challenged for the Premier League and played in the Champions League final.

But Spurs officials seem determined to arm manager Roberto De Zerbi with a squad capable of quickly climbing the table and getting back into UEFA action.

In addition to Fernandes and Tonali providing a serious midfield boost, in excess of £50 million ($66.4 million) is going on center back Jan-Paul van Hecke—that’s a total spend already not far short of £237 million ($319 million). Smart use of the free agent market has also brought in defenders Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, and backup goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka.

It shows a clear focus and determination to improve the core solidity of the squad, making a team that lost 39 of 76 Premier League matches over the last two seasons, much harder to beat.

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One of the summer’s biggest transfer sagas appears to be nearing a conclusion, with Tottenham Hotspur set to beat Manchester United to the £85 million (€98 million, $112 million) signing of West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes.

The Hammers were relegated after a disastrous 2025–26 campaign, but Fernandes was hugely impressive in midfield and earned a Premier League Young Player of the Season nomination. The 21-year-old’s displays attracted suitors from across the Premier League and beyond, with United and Arsenal leading the early race before Spurs jumped into the fold.

After weeks of see-saw speculation, The Athletic report Tottenham have outbid their competitors with a staggering £85 million (€98 million, $112 million) offer, adhering to West Ham’s demands that turned off United, who were not willing to pay such a high fee for the Portugal international.

The £85 million is said to be a guaranteed fee, and Fernandes, who tallied four goals and four assists when playing in every Premier League game last season, ultimately made the decision to join Roberto De Zerbi’s project in north London.

How Fernandes Fits at Tottenham Hotspur

On paper, Tottenham might not seem like the most glamorous destination for Fernandes. Spurs barely fended off relegation last season, finishing 17th in the Premier League for the second season in a row.

De Zerbi also already has a handful of midfield options, including Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. The latter has expressed his desire to leave the club, but recent reports claim Tottenham has no intention of selling the Sweden international.

Yves Bissouma, though, is leaving as a free agent, while Joao Palhinha returned to Bayern Munich after his loan spell ended.

Fernandes, who still has four years left on his contract with West Ham, is expected to slot right into De Zerbi’s midfield, where he can show off his versatility, playmaking and impressive passing range. He also is not afraid to do the dirty work in midfield, and comes with an extremely high work rate.

Despite Spurs’ woes over the last two years, making the move to north London is a massive step for Fernandes, who has spent much of his time in England starring for underwhelming teams.

Now set to play under the lights at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the young midfielder will be under pressure to help the club get back to its standards and truly re-establish itself as one of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six.’

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Man Utd’s Next Steps After Opting Against Big Bid

United came into the summer transfer window in the market for midfield reinforcements after Casemiro left Old Trafford as a free agent this summer. The Red Devils have already agreed a deal for Atalanta midfielder Éderson—which is not yet finalized—but they also had their sights set on Fernandes.

Losing out on the Portugal international, as well as Manchester City bound Elliot Anderson, forces United to turn back to the drawing board in search of another midfielder to join Kobbie Mainoo in the engine room.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali or Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba have been linked, but affording a deal has been complicated by the fact Manuel Ugarte, who was a player United hoped to offload this summer, suffered a knee ligament injury in Uruguay’s 1–0 defeat to Spain at the 2026 World Cup.

He is expected to be out for a minimum of nine months, with a future sale likely to come at a reduced price.

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Arsenal will begin their Premier League title defense against newly-promoted Coventry City in a Friday night extravaganza.

After a historic campaign which saw the Gunners end their 22-year wait for the league title and reach the Champions League final, Arsenal will be confident of maintaining their dominance next term as Mikel Arteta seeks to build a dynasty in north London.

Coventry at home might be a routine opener—on paper, at least—but things then get harder with games Aston Villa and Chelsea immediately afterward.

Arsenal supporters will be immediately scanning the calendar for north London derby dates: the away game with Tottenham Hotspur is staged in early December and the reverse fixture at the Emirates arriving in May. Historic rivals Manchester United will also provide a stern challenge, with clashes taking place in December and February.

Games against last season’s runners-up Manchester City occur at the end of November and January respectively, while the Gunners finish up their campaign at home to Brighton & Hove Albion—where they hope to be lifting another Premier League title aloft.

*Live TV broadcasts will be chosen for select Premier League games throughout the season, dates and/or kick-off times remain subject to change. All kick-off times stated are Eastern Time (ET) and British Summer Time (BST) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), depending on the time of year.

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