Premier League giants Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal are expected to make late deals in the summer transfer window. However, spending by Premier League clubs has been significantly lower than last summer, with a difference of £800m. This decrease in spending can be attributed to the looming threat of transfer bans and points deductions for clubs that fail to meet profit and sustainability rules.
Chelsea, under the ownership of Todd Boehly, has been the biggest spender in the Premier League this summer, with over £200m spent on players like Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The club is still looking to sign a new striker before the European window closes. Victor Osimhen has been a long-term target for Chelsea, but there is also interest from Saudi Arabia. However, Osimhen’s salary demands may be too high for Chelsea, giving Al-Ahli an advantage in securing his signature. Another potential target for Chelsea is Brentford’s Ivan Toney, who has attracted interest from other Premier League clubs and Saudi Arabia. Surprisingly, there have been rumors of Chelsea’s interest in Manchester United flop Jadon Sancho.
In order to balance the books and trim the squad, Chelsea needs to offload several players. Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell have been banished from first-team training and will not feature this season if they fail to secure last-minute moves. Sterling has attracted interest from Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace, but he may have to take a pay cut to secure a move. Romelu Lukaku, who cost Chelsea almost £100m, is closing in on a return to Italy with Napoli. Chelsea is also in talks with Ipswich Town over a deal for striker Armando Broja.
Manchester United, on the other hand, has spent almost £150m on four new signings. They are preparing to unveil Manuel Ugarte as their fifth summer signing, strengthening their midfield options. Manchester United has explored moves for Chelsea outcasts Sterling and Chilwell, with Sterling even being open to joining Manchester United despite his ties to Manchester City. However, it remains to be seen if the deal will go through. Manchester United has also considered a swoop for Ivan Toney, but it seems unlikely at this stage.
In terms of departures, Manchester United has agreed to sell Scott McTominay to Napoli and Hannibal Mejbri to Burnley. They are also looking to get rid of Jadon Sancho before the transfer deadline.
Arsenal, who have secured back-to-back second-place finishes in the Premier League, have made a subdued start to the summer window. They have brought in Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori and turned David Raya’s loan stint from Brentford into a permanent deal. Mikel Merino has also joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad. The only gaps in Arsenal’s squad appear to be in the final third, with doubts over Kai Havertz’s ability to lead the line and Bukayo Saka in need of support on the right flank. Arsenal may look to strengthen in these areas before the deadline, but it would depend on sales. Ivan Toney has been touted as a possible target for Arsenal, and they are also in the market for a new back-up goalkeeper, with Joan Garcia from Espanyol being a top contender.
In terms of departures, Aaron Ramsdale is set to leave Arsenal for Southampton, Eddie Nketiah will be sold to Crystal Palace, and Fabio Vieira has returned to Porto on loan. Reiss Nelson is open to leaving Arsenal amid interest from West Ham and Fulham.
Overall, the transfer activity of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal in the final week of the summer transfer window will be crucial in shaping their squads for the upcoming season.