Premier League Transfer Wars: Arsenal Scours for Right-Back Options, Tottenham Hunts on Three Fronts for Forward Line
With the summer transfer window open, Premier League clubs are showing their hands. Arsenal has launched a large-scale screening plan for the right-back position, targeting West Ham United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka as the primary candidate to replace Ben White. According to multiple media reports, the Gunners have assessed 11 potential candidates to fill the void left by White. The England defender suffered a serious knee ligament injury in May and may move abroad in the future. Apart from Wan-Bissaka, the candidate list includes Real Madrid academy product Raúl Asensio, free agent Óscar Mingueza, RB Leipzig's Lutsharel Geertruida, and Newcastle United's Tino Livramento.
Manchester United has set its sights on Stamford Bridge, showing strong interest in Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, but his valuation could be as high as £50 million. Talks have not yet commenced, but the Red Devils are expected to submit a formal bid later. United plans to sign two midfielders this summer, having already missed out on Elliot Anderson and Matheus Fernandes, with Bournemouth's Alex Scott also on the watchlist. The 22-year-old Santos is behind Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández in the pecking order at Chelsea, and is open to a move, while the Blues need to cash in to support new head coach Xabi Alonso's squad overhaul.
Tottenham is making multiple moves on the forward line, with the primary target coming from Milan. According to foreign reports, AC Milan winger Rafael Leão has indicated his willingness to join, and Tottenham has begun exploring the possibility of a deal. Spurs have made initial contact with the 27-year-old Portugal international's agent, and the player is eager to play in the Premier League. The Saudi Pro League also has interest. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Barcelona have been approached, and while all are interested in Leão, none have prioritized him as a priority target.
Additionally, the North London club is closely monitoring Manchester City's Savinho and Liverpool's Cody Gakpo. The 22-year-old Savinho has long been on Tottenham's transfer radar, with Manchester City willing to let him go for around £60 million; Gakpo is dissatisfied with Liverpool's decision to sack head coach Brendan Rodgers, which may push him to leave, but his transfer fee could exceed £70 million.
Newcastle United wants to sign German and Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller. According to German media reports, the 25-year-old has performed impressively at both club and international levels over the past year, with a contract containing a €36.5 million release clause. However, if interested clubs are willing to pay a higher price, Stuttgart can pay a €2 million fee to trigger it.
Chelsea is pushing forward with a deal to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarría, with the player himself keen to complete the move. Fenerbahçe's list of forward targets includes Dortmund's Sébastien Haller, Napoli's Romelu Lukaku, and Atlético Madrid's Alexander Sørloth. Brentford has agreed in principle to sign Burnley winger Jaidon Anthony for £17 million plus £3 million in add-ons. RB Leipzig, 1899 Hoffenheim, Hamburg, and AS Monaco are all interested in Watford forward Mamadou Doumbia.
Furthermore, Tottenham centre-back Radu Drăgușin will travel to Fiorentina early next week for a medical, with the deal worth a total of £16.5 million, including a loan fee, a mandatory buy clause, and salary coverage until June. Bologna, Sassuolo, and Cagliari are all interested in Hellas Verona forward Kylian Bowé. The deal for A.S. Roma left-back Lorenzo Calvani to AC Milan is in its final stages. Lazio is intensifying its pursuit of Bayern attacking midfielder Jonathan Asp-Jensen, offering a €500,000 loan fee plus a mandatory purchase option of €5-6 million. Sporting Charleroi defensive midfielder Mory Keïla, 18, has received interest from AS Monaco, Paris FC, and Lille. Fenerbahçe has made a €20 million bid for Sassuolo winger Armand Laurienté.