Manchester United and Arsenal Target Brugge Starlet Joaquin Seys

The Premier League’s biggest operators are edging into a crucial phase of their summer, and the rumour mill has finally found some rhythm.

At the centre of it, unexpectedly, is Club Brugge left-back Joaquin Seys. Manchester United and Arsenal are among several clubs tracking the 19-year-old, according to reports, with the Belgian emerging as one of the more intriguing defensive options on the continent. United’s need for fresh legs at full-back is obvious. Arsenal, always alert to young, technically clean defenders, are in the queue as well. For a player still making his way in Belgium, the spotlight has arrived quickly.

West Ham move first

West Ham, rarely shy when a goalscorer becomes available, have made the first concrete move. An opening offer believed to be worth around £15m has gone in for AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott, as they look to add depth and edge to their front line. The Hammers are also exploring a deal for Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, whose opportunities in north London have remained limited despite flashes of real quality.

It is a familiar West Ham gambit: identify players on the fringes of bigger clubs or leagues and bet on their ceiling. Whether £15m tempts AZ to the table is another matter entirely.

Arsenal’s attacking puzzle

Arsenal’s own forward planning is more complicated. Julian Alvarez has long been on their radar, but Diego Simeone has moved to shut that door. The Atletico Madrid coach has reiterated that Alvarez is not for sale, with reports suggesting the club have crushed what the player had hoped would be a dream transfer. Arsenal will have to look elsewhere if they want another high-end attacker to share the load.

One name not expected to leave is Gabriel Martinelli. Galatasaray have opened talks over a possible move, yet Arsenal are unlikely to entertain offers. For all his inconsistency, Martinelli remains central to Mikel Arteta’s long-term vision: direct, aggressive, and capable of deciding big games in a moment.

Nelson, by contrast, feels closer to the exit. If West Ham firm up their interest, Arsenal could reshape their wide options without touching one of their core assets.

Willock wanted, Tuanzebe in demand

Further north, Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock continues to attract attention. Besiktas retain an interest in the 24-year-old, whose energy and late runs into the box once made him a revelation at St James’ Park. His situation now is more nuanced, with injuries and competition slowing his momentum. Besiktas see opportunity where Newcastle see a squad piece they cannot easily replace unless the offer is right.

At the other end of the market, free agent defender Axel Tuanzebe has become a quietly attractive proposition. He is drawing interest from both Saudi Pro League clubs and Premier League sides. For teams watching their budgets, a player with his blend of top-flight experience and physical tools, available without a fee, is exactly the kind of deal that can reshape a back line on sensible terms.

Mourinho turns the screw at Real Madrid

In Spain, Jose Mourinho has wasted no time setting the tone at Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach has told new signing Bernardo Silva that he “has to improve” and has publicly criticised the midfielder’s fitness levels, describing them as too low for his demands.

This is classic Mourinho: standards, pressure, and a message sent through one of his biggest names. For Silva, a marquee arrival expected to add guile and control, the challenge is immediate. For the rest of the dressing room, the warning is clear.

Scottish prospects on the move

Beyond the Premier League, Swedish clubs are casting an eye towards Scotland’s next wave. Sirius and Gothenburg are both chasing Scottish striker Rory Wilson, underlining how Scandinavian sides continue to mine the British market for young forwards with potential resale value and a physical profile that fits their leagues.

The names are different, the sums vary, but the theme is the same across Europe: clubs trying to act before prices explode, players weighing pathways over paydays, and managers demanding more as the season creeps closer.