Transfer carousel spins: Rodri’s Barcelona leap and Vieira’s Senegal gamble

The European window is edging towards its decisive stretch, and the market is starting to move with real weight. From Manchester to Munich, Riyadh to Dakar, the decisions being made now will shape seasons and, in some cases, legacies.

Here’s how a frantic day unfolded.

Sunderland braced to lose Geertruida

Sunderland look set to be prised open at the back.

Lutsharel Geertruida is reportedly on his way to PSV Eindhoven, with Fabrizio Romano claiming a loan deal with an option to buy is agreed. The clause is understood to be worth around £13million.

The Dutch defender will now travel for his medical and to sign his new contract, leaving the Black Cats facing a significant reshuffle in defence.

Everton eye Flemming after West Ham heroics

Zian Flemming has picked a good moment to remind everyone of his value.

The Burnley forward struck twice as the Clarets roared back from two goals down to snatch a point against West Ham on Sunday, and that display has not gone unnoticed. Everton are reported to be keen, with the former Millwall star also attracting interest from Italy.

With Burnley fighting to keep their attacking edge, the next bid for Flemming could test their resolve.

Al-Hilal line up £38.5m move for Watkins

Saudi Arabia’s recruitment drive is not slowing.

Al-Hilal are reportedly preparing a £38.5million offer for Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins. Romano reports that Watkins is open to the move, even though Villa have already rejected two approaches from the Saudi Pro League side.

Villa now face a familiar dilemma: cash in on a major offer or hold tight to the forward who has become central to their rise under Unai Emery.

Arsenal and Arteta in “constructive” contract talks

At Arsenal, the focus is on keeping the architect of their resurgence.

Chief executive Richard Garlick has confirmed that talks are ongoing with Mikel Arteta over a new deal. Speaking to Sky Sports, Garlick said discussions have been running “for a number of months” and described them as “very constructive and very progressive”.

He stressed that both sides want the same outcome: “He wants to be at this club, and we want him to be at the club,” Garlick said, adding that they hope to “find the solution sooner rather than later” once the transfer window is navigated.

Sunderland face fight for Mehalie

Sunderland’s defensive headache does not end with Geertruida.

The potential arrival of Dayann Mehalie from Toulouse would be a coup, but it comes at a cost to the French side. The 20-year-old full-back impressed in Ligue 1 last season and has drawn attention from clubs across Europe, not just the Black Cats.

If Sunderland can win that race, they will have secured one of the more intriguing young full-backs on the market.

Manchester United chase two more signings

The rebuild at Old Trafford is not finished yet.

Manchester United are expected to push through two more deals before the window closes. One target is Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, identified as a left-back option. Newcastle, though, are keen to keep the former Chelsea defender.

United are also working on a move for another midfielder, as they try to add depth and quality to a squad still short of the manager’s ideal profile.

Gavi shuts door on Old Trafford

Not every pursuit ends with a handshake.

Manchester Evening News report that Barcelona midfielder Gavi has rejected the chance to join Manchester United. United were said to be willing to meet the £35million asking price, but the Spain international wants to remain in Catalonia.

For United, it is a significant blow in their search for a top-level midfielder. For Barcelona, it is a clear win in their battle to keep one of their crown jewels.

£70m price set for Iliman Ndiaye

Another United-linked name comes with a hefty fee.

The Times report that Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye will cost at least £70million this summer. The Senegal international, who is in the final year of his contract, has been strongly tipped for a move away, with United among the admirers.

Everton’s stance is clear: anyone wanting Ndiaye will have to pay top dollar.

Garlick: Arsenal only want “dial‑changing” signings

Back at Arsenal, Garlick has lifted the lid slightly on their transfer strategy.

He admitted the Gunners made ambitious attempts to land Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, moves that ultimately did not materialise. But the principle remains.

“It’s players that are going to take Arsenal forward,” Garlick said. He explained that while the club once looked at signings to “build out the squad”, they are now targeting players who will “change the dial”.

That could mean elite stars or younger talents given time to develop, combined with academy products, as Arsenal look to maintain and surpass their recent success.

Wan-Bissaka set for Premier League return with Villa

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is heading back to familiar territory.

The former Manchester United right-back is reportedly closing in on a move to Aston Villa. West Ham have agreed to let him leave on loan with a mandatory buy option at the end of the season.

Wan-Bissaka has been given the green light to travel to the West Midlands for a medical as Villa continue to reshape their defensive options.

Saudi interest grows in Harry Kane

Harry Kane’s future is back on the agenda.

With the England captain entering the final year of his Bayern Munich contract, talkSPORT report that Al-Hilal have held talks with his representatives. The “door has not been shut” on a possible move to Saudi Arabia.

For now, the expectation is that Kane will stay at Bayern this season. But with his contract ticking down, the noise around his next step will only get louder.

Rodri’s emotional City farewell and Barcelona switch

One of Manchester City’s defining players of the last decade has explained his exit.

Rodri, now a Barcelona player, spoke warmly about the club he leaves behind. “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.”

He called seven years “the right moment to say goodbye, to write a good story,” adding that both he and City can look back at “the whole movie” with pride. “My heart will always be blue all my life,” he said. “And they always have Rodri for anything they need.”

Barcelona have paid a heavy price to secure him. The Spanish giants have agreed a reported fixed fee of £60million despite Rodri being in the final 12 months of his contract. The midfielder will earn around £11million per season, more than £210,000 per week, on a four-year deal that runs until he is 34.

Fofana tug-of-war: Newcastle v Forest

Youssouf Fofana is at the centre of a Premier League battle.

Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are both pushing to sign the AC Milan midfielder, according to Matteo Moretto. Newcastle have already made an enquiry, with Milan having informed the France international that he is no longer part of their plans.

With both clubs desperate to strengthen their midfields, this could be one of the more fiercely contested deals of the late window.

Wolves move for Cozier-Duberry

Wolves are looking to add more spark out wide.

The Championship side have made an enquiry for Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, Sky Sports report. The ex-Arsenal youngster is one of several attacking targets as Wolves try to sharpen their forward line.

Brighton have already turned down a £7.5million bid from Rangers, underlining how highly they rate the 19-year-old.

Vieira takes Senegal reins until 2030

A Premier League great is stepping into the international arena.

Patrick Vieira has been confirmed as Senegal’s new head coach, taking charge immediately on a contract that runs through to 2030. It is his first job in international management.

He inherits a squad with recent continental pedigree and high expectations. With key competitive fixtures looming later this autumn, Vieira has little time to ease in. Senegal expect to keep winning.

Vicario returns to Serie A with Juventus

Guglielmo Vicario is back in Italy and back in Serie A.

The Tottenham goalkeeper has joined Juventus on an initial free loan. The agreement includes an option to buy set at €8million, with a further €2million in potential add-ons.

Juve gain an experienced, modern shot-stopper for the rest of the campaign, while Vicario gets the chance to establish himself at one of Europe’s traditional giants.

Fullkrug heads home to Werder Bremen

Niclas Fullkrug is going back to where it all began.

West Ham United have confirmed that the striker has rejoined Werder Bremen on loan for the 2026/27 season. Sky in Germany report that the deal includes an option to make the move permanent, with the 33-year-old agreeing to a wage cut to make the return happen.

Under contract at the London Stadium until 2028, the Germany international heads back to the club where he started his senior career, hoping to reignite his form in the Bundesliga.

Everton still hunting right-back, Kinnear stays calm

Everton’s search for a right-back has hit a delay, but the message from the boardroom is clear: don’t panic.

Chief executive Angus Kinnear told BBC Radio Merseyside that the club will miss their target of signing a new right-back before Saturday’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace. David Moyes will again have to improvise, with Jake O’Brien earning praise for doing a “sterling job” as cover.

Kinnear insisted the options they want are “still available” and said, “I’m confident that we’ll bring a right-back in. It’s a position we’ve needed.” He acknowledged fans’ anxiety but stressed the club are “working hard to bring one in”.

Southampton fight to keep Leo Scienza

Southampton are trying to hold their nerve as Premier League clubs circle.

Playmaker Leo Scienza, 27, is attracting serious interest after a standout Championship campaign in which he scored seven goals and provided nine assists. Saints want to keep the core of the side that narrowly missed out on promotion last season.

But if a big offer lands on the table, St Mary’s will have a decision to make. Keep their creator-in-chief for another promotion push, or cash in and rebuild on the fly?