Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd agree midfielder terms, Arsenal identify new targets after injury blow, Liverpool hijack PSG bid

CloseArsenal are set to sign a centre-back this summer after it was confirmed that Premier League title winner William Saliba has been ruled out for an “extended period” with a back injury. The Gunners could turn to Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa or former Manchester City centre-back John Stones, who is available as a free agent. Meanwhile, Arsenal have announced the signing of 24-year-old forward Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge in a £34m deal are also set to step up their pursuit of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes - but the Magpies are said to be frustrated by the lack of contact from the Premier League champions in what could turn into a protracted transfer saga.

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has set out his targets for the transfer window and has confirmed the Reds “definitely need to sign a winger”. Liverpool have now reportedly turned their attention towards Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, who is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain, while PSG’s Bradley Barcola is also still a target. Manchester United are still interested in adding another midfielder after signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans and have “reached an agreement in principle” with France international Manu Kone, according to reports in Italy, while Alejandro Garnacho has joined Aston Villa on loan from Chelsea, after their record signing of Morgan Rogers.

Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and reports, belowRecommendedAston Villa completes Alejandro Garnacho loan deal from Chelsea with option to buyArsenal consider two centre-backs as cover for William Saliba after major injury blowAlvarez, Barcola and 10 huge Premier League transfers that could happen this summerArsenal interested in Ezri Konsa and John Stones after William Saliba injury Arsenal are looking into a significant investment at centre-back with William Saliba expected to be out long-term following a major injury blow.The France centre-back has returned from the World Cup 2026 with a back injury and while surgery is not required, he is expected to be out for an extended period.The Independent understands that the Gunners will therefore pursue a new centre-back in the coming weeks as cover and are prepared to spend big to add depth to the position, rather than bring in a player on loan.

Although there is cover for Saliba in the shape of Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Califiori, Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White, some of that group’s own injury issues and Mikel Arteta’s previous preference to avoid shifting his first-choice full-backs has led to a decision to spend again at centre-back this summer.The Independent understands Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and John Stones, available on a free transfer after his Man City contract expired, are both being considered.Arsenal consider two centre-backs to replace William Saliba after injury blowThe Gunners are willing to spend big on a centre-back as cover for Saliba, who is expected to miss significant time despite not needing surgery to fix a back problem sustained during the World Cup with FranceJack Rathborn 23 July 2026 17:43Aston Villa and Tottenham tracking Rafael Leao?

Rafael Leao seems to have been linked with a move to Arsenal for a long time but Aston Villa now have interest in the Portuguese attacker and will have money to spend once the Rogers deal goes through.Villa appear likely to sign ex-Brighton left-back Pervis Estupinan from AC Milan, with Lucas Digne set to move to PSG, and Unai Emery’s side have also discussed Leao with Milan.Talks are not yet very advanced but the 27-year-old is looking to move on from the San Siro this summer and could be available for around £50m, with Spurs also keeping tabs.

(Getty)Jamie Braidwood23 July 2026 17:21Elliot Anderson completes £117m move to Man City Elliot Anderson has completed his £116m move to Manchester City and declared that, despite becoming their record signing, he can get better.And the England international took a swipe at City’s neighbours by calling his new club the “kings of Manchester”.Manchester United also wanted to buy the 23-year-old from Nottingham Forest before City smashed their transfer record by agreeing a £116m deal – which was set to make Anderson the most expensive English player ever, until Chelsea then paid £117m for Morgan Rogers.

Anderson, who has signed a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium, has warned he has not reached his peak yet.“I'm only 23, so I've got plenty of time to get to my best levels and I definitely think I'm not there yet and there's more to come from me,” the former Newcastle midfielder said. Elliot Anderson has sealed his move to Manchester City (Getty)Richard Jolly 23 July 2026 17:00Premier League transfers: Top deals so far1.

Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa to Chelsea) - £117m2. Elliot Anderson (Nott’m Forest to Man City) - £116m3. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle to Tottenham) - £100m4.

Matheus Fernandes (West Ham to Tottenham) - £84m5. Jeremy Jacquet (Stade Rennais to Liverpool) - £53.7m6.

Johan Manzambi (Freiburg to Aston Villa) - £51m7. Ja