The 2026 summer transfer window continues to churn out fresh rumours across Europe, with Real Madrid reportedly setting their sights on Arsenal's Martín Zubimendi as the latest chapter in what has become a busy period of midfield movement following Bruno Guimarães's arrival at the Emirates and Manchester United's recent midfield reinforcements.
While it may seem surprising that Arsenal would even entertain letting Zubimendi go, having spent much of last season pursuing the former Real Sociedad midfielder, manager Mikel Arteta appears more focused on strengthening his attacking and defensive options this time around. Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has emerged as a target, though Liverpool and Tottenham are also said to be monitoring his situation. Juventus's Kenan Yildiz has similarly been floated as a possible arrival at the Emirates.
Arsenal's rebuild could also see an exodus from their attacking ranks, with Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson all potentially heading for the exit to free up space and funds for new attacking recruits. Nelson, now 26, could be set for a third consecutive loan spell in London, this time at West Ham. Martinelli has reportedly caught the eye of Roma and Galatasaray, while Napoli are said to be interested in bringing in Jesus.
At Chelsea, the club's well-documented squad-trimming efforts continue as they look to move on fringe players including Benoît Badiashile, Axel Disasi and David Datro Fofana. Badiashile could follow Jesus to Naples, having found first-team opportunities increasingly scarce under several different managers at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United, meanwhile, appear to have shifted their transfer priorities. Having considered Newcastle's Lewis Hall too costly, the club have instead turned their attention to RB Leipzig left-back David Raum as they continue their long search for genuine competition for Luke Shaw. Should the move materialise, Raum will hope to have more success than previous United left-back signings such as Brandon Williams, Alex Telles and Tyrell Malacia. Racing Santander's young full-back Jorge Salinas has also been mentioned as an alternative option.
Elsewhere, Leeds United, who have already conducted solid business this summer, could add further defensive depth with a move for Borussia Mönchengladbach centre-back Nico Elvedi. Meanwhile, forward Joe Gelhardt may be on his way out of Elland Road, with a switch to Wrexham reportedly under discussion as the club look to balance their finances.
Perhaps the most eye-catching link, however, concerns former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, who could be poised for a return to English football with West Ham United. Vardy, a Premier League title winner and club legend at Leicester, spent last season in Italy with Cremonese before becoming a free agent once again. At 39 years old, question marks remain over how much he still has to offer physically, but his proven pedigree in front of goal could make him an intriguing option for the Hammers as they assess their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
With several major clubs reshaping their squads and a host of high-profile names potentially on the move, the coming weeks look set to bring further twists as the transfer window edges closer to its climax.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.