Arsenal are reportedly targeting Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze as a key summer signing, with a £68 million release clause set to expire today, August 1, 2025. Eze, a former Arsenal academy player, has become a standout performer in the Premier League and helped Palace win the FA Cup earlier this year. Since joining from Queens Park Rangers, the 27-year-old has made nearly 150 appearances for Palace and debuted for England in 2023.
The terms of Eze’s buyout clause require clubs to formally submit an offer two weeks before the season begins—meaning Arsenal must act immediately or face negotiating a higher transfer fee. While the Gunners are interested, reports suggest they may need to offload a forward before making a formal bid. Arsenal’s summer spending has already reached £195 million with new signings including Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, and Cristhian Mosquera.
In other transfer news, Manchester United appear to have the upper hand in the race to sign Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško, despite submitting a lower financial offer than rivals Newcastle United. Both clubs have made offers exceeding RB Leipzig's reported €75 million valuation, with Newcastle proposing an €80m deal plus €10m in add-ons. However, Šeško reportedly prefers a move to Old Trafford, giving United a strategic edge. Key factors in United’s favour include the strong relationship between Manchester United's Director of Recruitment, Christopher Vivell—formerly RB Leipzig’s technical director—and the German club. This connection may have helped facilitate negotiations. Additionally, United may utilise existing squad players as part of the deal, making their package more attractive despite the lower headline fee. Though Newcastle can offer Champions League football and a potential starting role if Alexander Isak departs, Šeško has already agreed to personal terms with both clubs. The final decision rests largely with the player, and betting markets have suspended odds, anticipating he will choose Manchester United.
Raheem Sterling may soon join his fifth Premier League club, with Fulham reportedly interested in signing him from Chelsea. The 30-year-old winger, who has previously played for Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and spent last season on loan at Arsenal, is in talks with Fulham. Despite his decorated career, including winning 10 major honours with Manchester City and scoring over 100 goals for them, Sterling struggled to make an impact at Arsenal last season, recording just one goal in 28 appearances across all competitions. Fulham, who have made only one summer signing so far—goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte—are aiming to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season. Sterling could offer an experienced attacking option, though questions remain about his form. Chelsea's removal of his profile from their official squad list suggests the club is planning his exit, although he is still under contract until 2027.
Newcastle United have already added Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale to their squad for the 2025/26 season, but have struggled to secure several other targets, including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, and Marc Guehi. Their £26 million bid for AC Milan's German centre-back Malick Thiaw has been rejected, although Newcastle denies submitting a formal offer. Thiaw, who has played 85 times for Milan, could be available due to the club's failure to qualify for European football. With just two weeks before the season begins, Newcastle still seek reinforcements at centre-back and striker, especially as star forward Alexander Isak has expressed a desire to leave—potentially to Liverpool. Newcastle may also revisit their interest in Crystal Palace's Guehi, reportedly valued at £40 million. Currently, Sven Botman is their only centre-back under 30, emphasising the urgency to rejuvenate the backline.
In a significant move, Manchester City have re-signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley for a reported £27 million, activating their buy-back clause. Trafford, who began his career at Chelsea, has been a standout performer for Burnley and is considered a rising star in English football. His return to Manchester City is seen as a strategic move to bolster their goalkeeping options and secure a promising talent for the future.
