Welcome to the 2026 summer transfer window edition of The Transfer DealSheet, an in-depth look at the latest moves and rumors across Europe's top clubs. This edition promises to be a busy one, with deals being worked on and players on their way in and out of Premier League and beyond. Our team of writers, including David Ornstein, will take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on.
David Ornstein's One To Watch
Crysencio Summerville, a 24-year-old winger, has been an eye-catching performer at the World Cup so far. He scored a superb goal for the Netherlands in their 2-2 draw against Japan. Summerville's performance has caught the eye of Manchester United, who are considering a move for the player. United have enquired about his situation and are aware that it will cost approximately £50 million for West Ham to sanction his departure. Much will depend on the future of Marcus Rashford, who is a key player for United.
What Else We're Hearing
Free agent Jadon Sancho remains an option for Borussia Dortmund, and a return to the Bundesliga is still possible. However, Dortmund are eager not to block the pathway of two developing attacking players, Samuele Inacio and Mathis Albert. Arsenal have retained an interest in Nathaniel Brown, but have not made a formal offer for Eintracht Frankfurt’s German international full-back. Brown, who was born in Bavaria, is now committed to joining Bayern Munich and will wait for them to reach an agreement with Frankfurt.
Arsenal
Arsenal are exploring a deal for 24-year-old Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis. Sources believe Tzolis, who is predominantly a left winger, could be available for around €40 million (£34.5 million, $46.3 million). The club have also been considering entering the market for a central midfielder, although it is not yet clear how Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence as an option in the middle of the park impacts those plans. Arsenal’s drive to recruit promising emerging talent continues. Alongside their pursuit of Leicester’s Jeremy Monga, they are interested in signing Elijah Upson — son of former Arsenal and England centre-back Matthew. The 18-year-old defender is currently with rivals Tottenham, but is set to leave upon the expiry of his contract on June 30.
Chelsea
Chelsea sold Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for €60 million (£51.7 million; $69.4 million). The deal comprises a €55 million fixed fee and €5 million in add-ons. The move suited both parties. Cucurella was keen on a move back to Spain, while Chelsea have generated a decent fee for a player who turns 28 next month and had become unsettled at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are looking for two or three players who can go straight into the first XI. The club want to find a replacement for Cucurella, although the player in question will be able to operate in multiple roles. Strasbourg’s Valentin Barco fits this description. He can play as a left-back, wing-back and in midfield.
Liverpool
Liverpool Under-21s defender Carter Pinnington agreed a permanent move to West Brom. There is no upfront transfer fee for the 19-year-old centre-back, but there are add-ons related to appearances and also a sell-on clause. Liverpool have a good relationship with West Brom, whose technical director Dominic Price was previously a first-team analyst at Anfield. Liverpool are looking at signing wide attackers, with Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola on their radar. Centre midfield and right-back are also positions that need to be addressed.
Manchester United
Manchester United have enquired about Crysencio Summerville’s situation. With Nottingham Forest’s asking price for Elliot Anderson stretching beyond a British record transfer fee, United are focusing their efforts on alternatives such as Mateus Fernandes. The 21-year-old has emerged as one of United’s priority targets and interest is expected to be formalised with an opening bid, but the Old Trafford hierarchy are not prepared to meet West Ham United’s demands of £80 million. United have also explored the parameters of a deal for in-demand Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who could be available for £60 million this summer.
Manchester City
City are looking at a right-back, holding midfielder and a winger, but would broaden that out into other positions depending on outgoings. City have not been put off yet — they would have walked away last week if they did not want to go higher — but there is still some way to go. There are several players with question marks over their future. Nathan Ake is expected to leave, while Mateo Kovacic could also go. James Trafford is the subject of interest from several clubs.
Newcastle United
Newcastle have identified the versatile attacker Victor Munoz as Anthony Gordon’s successor, and it is hoped that a deal can be sealed soon. Newcastle are keen to get the Munoz transfer sealed, given that if the versatile attacker impresses on the global stage, that may prompt greater interest. Newcastle will look to replace any midfielders who may leave, with Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Auxerre’s Kevin Danois among those watched.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs have submitted two offers for Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke. Brighton have given them a dilemma by making a £30 million bid for Luka Vuskovic. Spurs have mainly been focused on improving their defensive options, but at some stage their attention will switch to further up the pitch. Last summer, Spurs discussed a package worth in the region of €50 million for Manchester City’s Savinho but failed to agree a deal.
Barcelona
Barcelona want to make a big signing, and they went into this summer determined to make a big signing. They want Julian Alvarez, but signing him will not be easy. They want Alvarez, but signing him will not be easy. If Alvarez is not gettable, could Barcelona move for a different option? Joao Pedro was also of interest to the club, but Chelsea have said he is not for sale. Victor Osimhen is one of the players they have in their sights, but Alvarez remains the priority.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid and Mourinho keep working on strengthening the positions they identified as needing improvement back in May. They have already landed a second-choice right-back (Denzel Dumfries for his €20 million release clause at Inter), a first-choice left-back (Cucurella) and are closing in on a dominant centre-back (Ibrahima Konate as a free agent) and a midfielder (Bernardo, who can play in the attack too). The plan is to bring in another creative midfielder and, depending on departures and subject to budget, another defender.
