EPL Transfer News: Chelsea, Baleba, Onana and More

Chelsea Face Defensive Dilemma After Colwill Injury

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that finding a replacement for injured centre back Levi Colwill is a “priority” in his view, although it remains unclear if the club’s recruitment team shares the same urgency. Colwill suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury after pulling up at the end of Monday’s training session and underwent surgery that is expected to rule him out for most of the 2025–26 season.

Initial reports suggested Chelsea had no intention of signing a new centre back, instead looking to Jorrel Hato—primarily a left back last season—as a replacement. Maresca publicly questioned this stance, telling Channel 5: “It is a priority for me. Levi is a fantastic player. What we achieved last season is because of him. He played a lot of games with me, I love him. We are going to miss him.” He also hinted at other approaches, adding: “We are also trying to find different solutions.”

Chelsea have been loosely linked with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi, but he appears close to joining Liverpool. Meanwhile, the club may be moving closer to selling a defender than buying one, with Renato Veiga—whose transfer to Atlético Madrid fell through earlier this summer—still available despite Colwill’s injury. The 22-year-old Portugal international is reportedly attracting interest from several clubs, with talks expected soon.

Højlund Loan Talks Between Manchester United and AC Milan

Manchester United are in advanced discussions with AC Milan over a loan move for Rasmus Højlund, although the player is said to remain against leaving Old Trafford. Højlund endured a difficult 2024–25 season, scoring just four Premier League goals in 32 appearances and averaging only 1.4 shots per 90 minutes—the lowest among regular strikers in the division.

United’s attacking struggles last season prompted major investment in new forwards, including Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and centre forward Benjamin Šeško. While Højlund has maintained his intention to fight for his place, United have reportedly agreed to a deal with Milan worth £5.2 million in an initial loan fee, with a £39 million option-to-buy clause—higher than the £30 million valuation the club had set, but still well below the £73.6 million paid to Atalanta two years ago. The move is reportedly being delayed due to Højlund’s reluctance to leave.

Manchester City’s Record Offer for Cole Palmer

In a potentially historic transfer for the Premier League and beyond, Manchester City have reportedly submitted a bid for Chelsea’s Cole Palmer worth an initial £173.3 million, with an additional £43.3 million in add-ons, according to Fichajes.

United Target Carlos Baleba

Manchester United have agreed personal terms with the representatives of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, per indykalia News. However, negotiations over the transfer fee continue, with Brighton expected to demand more than £100 million.

Arsenal Secure Eberechi Eze Deal

Arsenal have reportedly finalised an agreement to sign Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze for £55 million, according to Sébastien Vidal. The England international is set to bolster the Gunners’ attacking options.

United Consider Calvert-Lewin Move

CaughtOffside reports that Manchester United are considering signing former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer as backup for Benjamin Šeško.

Liverpool Focus Solely on Isak

Liverpool are continuing their pursuit of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, with Fabrizio Romano claiming the club have no alternative targets. The Reds are awaiting a change in Newcastle’s no-sale position before submitting what would be a British record bid.

PSG Eye Enzo Fernández

Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernández is reportedly the subject of a £130 million bid from Paris Saint-Germain, according to Fichajes.

Onana Likely to Stay at United

Despite interest from several rival clubs, The Times reports that André Onana’s chances of remaining at Manchester United this summer are “increasingly likely”.

Liverpool Join Leoni Race

Liverpool’s interest in Parma centre back Giovanni Leoni is described as “really serious” by FCInterNews, with Inter and AC Milan also in contention for the highly rated 18-year-old.

Guéhi Draws Real Madrid Attention

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi has emerged as a surprise target for Real Madrid, as reported by Fichajes. The England international remains a top defensive option for Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United.