It’s once again that exciting period in football – the transfer window is officially open until September 1. This time is crucial as clubs look to secure major signings to boost their squads for the upcoming season.
Here are the latest updates from the day, brought to you by Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team…
Crystal Palace locked in Matsima talks
Crystal Palace remains in active discussions to acquire center-back Chrislain Matsima from Augsburg.
The team is keen on enhancing their defensive lineup.
In a notable move, they have already secured Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer following his departure from Celta Vigo.
Gunners get their man
Arsenal have completed the signing of winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34million
Arsenal have completed the signing of winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34million.
The fee is a record for the Belgian Pro League.
The 24-year-old, formerly of Norwich City, scored 17 goals and added 23 assists in 36 league appearances last season.
Magpies swoop for £30m star
Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign Monaco defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba.
The 20-year-old is due on Tyneside this morning for his medical after a fee around £30million was negotiated between the clubs.
The deal also includes a 15 per cent sell on clause for the France U20 international.
Bamba only made his breakthrough last season and has played just 18 league games but is highly regarded after his development through the France youth ranks.
Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign Monaco defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba (left)
Saints stand firm on Charles fee
Southampton risk pricing Shea Charles out of a move to the Premier League as they push for over £30million for the Northern Ireland international.
Fulham are the latest club to be rebuffed after they offered in the region of £24million for the 22-year-old.
The Cottagers believed they could strike a deal on the understanding Saints would accept £25m plus add-ons. However, the Championship side are demanding more.
Charles, who they bought from Manchester City in 2023, made 38 appearances last season and scored what looked to be the winning goal in the play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough only for the club to be excluded from the showpiece Wembley final as a consequence of ‘Spygate’, as exclusively revealed by Daily Mail Sport.
Leeds United had made the early running for Charles.
They also made three offers to Southampton which were subsequently rejected and are likely to consider other options.
Manchester City also hold a 15percent sell-on.
Saints are trying to build for the new season against the backdrop of head coach Tonda Eckert facing a suspension after he was charged with misconduct by the Football Association for his role in the Spygate scandal. He had until Tuesday to respond to the charges.
West Brom are also keen on Saints forward Cameron Archer.
Leeds in talks with City over Trafford move
Leeds United are in talks to sign England international goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City.
Trafford, who went to the World Cup this summer, only rejoined Manchester City from Burnley last summer but managed just four Premier League outings.
Leeds are on the hunt for a new No 1 goalkeeper after Karl Darlow left for Manchester United.
Trafford came through City’s academy but, after making no first-team appearances, left for Burnley in 2023 after a series of loans.
He rejoined last summer in a £31million deal – a record sum for a British goalkeeper.
As Daily Mail Sport reported in April, Trafford was back on Newcastle United’s agenda to be their number one but they were aware it as becoming increasingly difficult amid competition and valuation last week.
Leeds are acting are losing Darlow. Illan Meslier has also joined Arsenal while Torino want Lucas Perri.
They have asked about Zion Suzuki at Parma but are hopeful Trafford will join as he looks to cement his place as Jordan Pickford’s main rival to the England number one jersey.
Aston Villa and Spurs have also shown interest in Trafford but he sees an opportunity at Leeds to build his future.
Newcastle have also met Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth’s representatives who remains subject of offers from Coventry City and was also on Leeds’ radar.
Leeds United are in talks to sign England international goalkeeper James Trafford (right)
Young Reds stopper leaves on loan
Liverpool goalkeeper Armin Pecsi has joined TSV Hartberg in Austria on a season-loan.
The 21-year-old, who made his senior international debut for Hungary last month, arrived at Anfield a year ago m.
He has been a regular for Liverpool’s U21s and was also included in the senior side’s matchday squad on five occasions.
Blues ramp up pursuit of Leverkusen teenager
Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegović.
As previously reported by Daily Mail Sport, the exciting Bosnia international has had interest from Leeds United, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Atalanta.
Leverkusen sold the 18-year-old to Red Bull Salzburg last year but, after an impressive season, took up their option to buy him back this summer for £7million.
However, the winger made such an impression in Austria, and on international duty with Bosnia, that a number of Premier League and Italian sides have been enquiring to see if Leverkusen are willing to make a quick profit.
His value was initially around £18m but after he scored a spectacular long-range goal in Bosnia’s 3–1 group-stage win over Qatar at the World Cup, and Chelsea were alerted, his valuation is now closer to £30m.
Champions Arsenal, Aston Villa and Leeds United met his representatives for talks as have Napoli, Roma and Inter Milan from Serie A.
Atalanta were considered to be in pole position earlier this month but Chelsea and Xabi Alonso were made aware of the opportunity and are now looking to strike a deal.
They have moved Alejandro Garnacho to Aston Villa and see greater potential in Alajbegovic who was named in Bosnia’s squad for the World Cup and made a big impact in Group C against Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.
Born in Cologne to Bosnian parents, Alajbegovic is quick, skilful and can play across the front line.
His father and agent, Semin, was also a footballer, spending his entire career in Germany’s lower tiers.
Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegović
Harrison poised for MLS return
Leeds United are finalising terms with New England Revolution for the sale of Jack Harrison.
As Daily Mail Sport reported earlier this month the Revolution have been pursuing the 29-year-old this summer but were trying to navigate the required personal terms and fee.
The winger, who started his senior career with New York City, spent last season on loan at Fiorentina and has two years left on his contract at Elland Road.
Leeds are continuing negotiations with Manchester City over a fee for James Trafford.
The England goalkeeper is also expected to have a release clause in any contract he signs at Leeds.
City are also looking for a replacement should they agree terms.
Bettoni heads to Stamford Bridge
Chelsea have confirmed Harrison Bettoni has joined from Wigan Athletic on a four-year contract 2030.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder was part of Wigan’s first team last season and appeared 27 times during a breakthrough campaign.
Chelsea beat off stern competition for his signature from Manchester City and AC Milan.
Click below for all the transfer developments over the last few days…
WEDNESDAY: West Ham star Crysencio Summerville set for £60m Saudi Arabia move despite Roma’s late attempt to hijack deal
TUESDAY: Fulham plot £24m bid for Southampton’s Shea Charles… after Leeds have three bids rejected
MONDAY: New York meeting key to Chelsea’s Maxence Lacroix move
SUNDAY: Roma ponder new bid for £50m-rated Crysencio Summerville
SATURDAY: Revealed: The figure Middlesbrough are set to pocket from Morgan Rogers’ move to Chelsea