CaughtOffside

Aston Villa have stepped up their search for a new striker by making an opening offer for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, with uncertainty continuing to surround Ollie Watkins’ future. Unai Emery’s side are exploring several high-profile attacking options before the September 1 deadline. Want more CaughtOffside coverage?

Arsenal remain firmly interested in signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, but the Gunners are refusing to make a huge bid until they receive one crucial signal from the Argentina international. Mikel Arteta’s side believe an agreement can eventually be found with Atletico over the transfer fee. The bigger challenge is convincing Alvarez himself, whose preferred destination throughout the summer has been Barcelona.

Chelsea are bracing themselves for a serious late push from Manchester City for Enzo Fernandez, with the Premier League champions preparing to submit a formal offer before the summer transfer window closes. The Argentina international has now reportedly opened the door to moving to the Etihad Stadium, adding fresh pressure on Chelsea as the September 1 deadline approaches.

With PSG winning the UEFA Super Cup against Aston Villa last night, it’s yet another European trophy for Luis Enrique’s side. Speaking after the game, Enrique made it clear that PSG were still as hungry as ever and that they’re going to chase a third Champions League title in a row this season. The Ligue 1 giants beat Arsenal on penalties after a 1-1 draw last term, and thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 the year before that, so they’ll no doubt be the big favourites to lift the trophy again in 2026/27.

Aston Villa have made an ambitious late move for Rafael Leao, with talks now underway with AC Milan over a potential deal for the Portugal international. The 27-year-old has been linked with a Milan exit throughout the summer, but Villa have suddenly emerged as serious contenders during the final days of the window. With Champions League football on offer and Unai Emery looking to add another elite attacker, Leao could become one of the most eye-catching signings in the club’s recent history.

Liverpool are preparing to step up their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with the France international remaining their main attacking target heading into the final week of the transfer window. Andoni Iraola has made adding another wide forward a priority following Mohamed Salah’s departure, and Barcola appears to be the player Liverpool want most.

Manchester United are keeping a close eye on VfB Stuttgart centre-back Finn Jeltsch as the club continues planning for the long-term future of its defence. The 20-year-old has established himself as one of Germany’s most highly-rated young defenders and is already attracting attention from several major European clubs. United are understood to admire his technical qualities and composure in possession, although Bayern Munich currently appear to be among the strongest contenders for his signature.

Manchester United remain hopeful of pulling off a surprise move for Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly before the summer transfer window closes, despite the Gunners placing a substantial valuation on the England international. The 19-year-old’s versatility is particularly attractive to Michael Carrick, who still wants another left-back. Lewis-Skelly can also operate centrally in midfield, potentially giving United two solutions with one signing.

Chelsea’s push to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has hit a major obstacle, with the Cherries reportedly rejecting three separate offers from the Blues this summer. The 23-year-old England international has become an increasingly important transfer target for Chelsea as they assess their midfield options during the final week of the window.

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Bradley Barcola from PSG before the summer transfer window closes. According to reports from L’Equipe, the 23-year-old attacker and his representatives are confident they will get the deal done soon. PSG and Liverpool have been locked in talks over a move for the French international for several weeks, and it seems that the gap in valuation between the two clubs has narrowed.