United seal Ederson and pursue Mateus Fernandes with Spurs in the way
The 2026 summer window arrives packed with movement. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and continental giants are already working behind the scenes as the post-World Cup market heats up – and some deals promise to shape the face of European football for years to come.
United lose Ugarte but do not change their plans
Manuel Ugarte’s knee ligament injury is the worst-case scenario for Manchester United’s midfield. The Uruguayan was on the list of possible departures – a transfer that would have freed up financial and squad room for the club to execute its market strategy. It will not happen.
The good news is that the Red Devils never made their plans dependent on the former PSG man leaving. After a season of cost containment, the club has enough breathing space to operate independently. The deal for Ederson, from Atalanta, is already sealed – only the medical remains, which will only take place after the Brazilian returns from international duty. Next on the list is Mateus Fernandes, the West Ham midfielder. But the path will not be easy: Tottenham Hotspur also want the player, and the tug-of-war between the London and Manchester clubs is set to heat up in the coming weeks.
Rashford in a holding pattern
A question mark hangs over United’s attacking department. Everything depends on Marcus Rashford. The 28-year-old English forward is expected to report back to Michael Carrick’s group for pre-season next month – and, for now, he is in the coach’s plans. Without a definitive decision, the situation remains open.
The current scenario rules out a third loan: Barcelona do not intend to make it permanent, and Rashford, under contract until 2028, shows no interest in another Premier League club. Without suitors weighty enough to tempt him, a return to his roots looks the most likely path. But nothing is settled.
Arsenal go after Bruno Guimarães, Newcastle reject the initial offer
The Gunners made a £60 million proposal. Newcastle turned it down immediately and reinforced that the midfielder is not for sale – as well as denying having received any direct contact from the London club. The ball is now with Arsenal: raise the offer or give up. Wage matters should not be an obstacle if the deal advances, but Newcastle’s position is firm. In parallel, the club confirmed the conversion of Piero Hincapie‘s loan, from Bayer Leverkusen, into a permanent transfer from 1 July.
Other moves stirring the market
PSG do not need to sell Bradley Barcola – at least for now. With the deal for Gonçalo Ramos to join Milan for a record fee for the Italians, the financial pressure has eased. The problem is that Barcola wants more time on the pitch and is reluctant to renew. The club believes the forward is worth far more than the £116 million Manchester City will pay for Elliot Anderson. Lee Kang-in and Randal Kolo Muani, however, could leave Paris.
Brentford are negotiating with Callum Wilson, a free agent after his West Ham contract expired. The 34-year-old striker is one of the options to strengthen the attack – a signing that would clear the way for young 19-year-old Kaye Furo to be loaned out. Coventry City, meanwhile, should soon announce 22-year-old Swiss defender Aurele Amenda, from Eintracht Frankfurt. A formalised deal is expected as early as this week.
And Aston Villa are monitoring Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes as a replacement for Emiliano Martínez – should the Argentine world champion receive an offer deemed reasonable. The French club is willing to negotiate around £20 million. Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, of Parma, has also been sounded out. Villa would prefer to keep Dibu, but the market may have the final word.
