London transfer news: Chelsea sign Rogers, Arsenal pursue Guimaraes, Man Utd eye Sarr

By George Aldridge — 22 July 2026 — 3 min read

The summer transfer window is actively underway, with several prominent London clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham, looking to bolster their squads. Manchester United and Liverpool are also making moves as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Chelsea has reportedly secured a significant signing, agreeing to a substantial £117million fee with Aston Villa for Morgan Rogers. This move comes after Arsenal had also shown interest in the England international. Official confirmation of Rogers’ transfer to West London is anticipated soon.

Chelsea’s Defensive Pursuits and Rejected Bids

In addition to securing Morgan Rogers, Chelsea is reportedly in discussions with Crystal Palace regarding a potential move for central defender Maxence Lacroix. Reports suggest that acquiring Lacroix, a France defender, could cost around £55m this summer.

The club has also been active in exploring other defensive options. Chelsea has added John Stones to their shortlist for centre-backs this summer. Stones, an England international, is currently a free agent after his contract with Manchester City expired following the conclusion of the World Cup.

However, not all of Chelsea’s transfer efforts have been successful. The club saw a £60million bid for midfielder Alex Scott rejected by Bournemouth. Despite the rejected offer, Scott could still depart Dorset as he has reportedly declined multiple contract offers from Bournemouth.

Arsenal’s Targets and Other Club Movements

Arsenal, while missing out on Morgan Rogers, is expected to announce the signing of Christos Tzolis. The club continues to pursue Bruno Guimaraes. Additionally, Nico Williams has reportedly re-emerged as a target for the Premier League champions.

Elsewhere, Manchester United has acquired youngster Tynan Thompson from Tottenham. The club is also reportedly intensifying efforts to sign Manu Kone and has opened talks with Crystal Palace for Ismaila Sarr. Sarr, a Senegal international, scored 21 goals across all competitions last season, attracting attention from United as they seek to enhance their squad depth. Manchester United is also reportedly looking at Nottingham Forest wing-back Neco Williams, a Wales international who can play on either flank.

Tottenham, having already spent over £200m this summer, could complete a double acquisition of Savinho and Pedro Neto. Spurs also rejected a £46m bid from Newcastle United for midfielder Lucas Bergvall. With these new signings, some current players, such as Argentina defender Cristian Romero, may depart the club.

Further Transfer Rumours and Managerial News

Liverpool is reportedly interested in Spain’s World Cup final player Ferran Torres. Meanwhile, former Chelsea centre-back Malang Sarr is set to join Saudia Arabian side SC Neom, having reportedly turned down offers from Europe to move to the Saudi Pro League.

Newcastle United has made enquiries regarding AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori. Coventry City is also reportedly pursuing the defender, with Milan valuing him between €15million and €20m. Tomori is considering his options as Milan looks to sell him before his contract expires in 2027.

In managerial news, Zinedine Zidane reportedly wants Fabien Barthez to join his backroom staff as goalkeeping coach when he takes over as France head coach. However, Barthez currently lacks the necessary coaching qualification, which Zidane and the French Football Federation are reportedly looking to address quickly to ensure all staff members are fully qualified.

Bournemouth is making progress in talks to sign Benfica defender Antonio Silva, despite Benfica’s reluctance to sell the player. The club is confident a deal will be reached as they seek a replacement for Marcos Senesi.

Paris Saint-Germain has withdrawn from the race to sign midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with manager Luis Enrique reportedly aiming to maintain a clear pathway for young midfield talent within the club.

Source: standard.co.uk