Manchester United and Newcastle Target Neco Williams Amid Arsenal's Tzolis Pursuit

The Premier League’s biggest operators are already jostling for position, and one thing is clear: full backs and creative midfielders are the currency of this window.

At Nottingham Forest, Neco Williams has become the latest defender to find himself at the centre of a tug-of-war. Manchester United and Newcastle United have both registered their interest in the 25-year-old Wales international, according to the BBC, after a season in which he featured in 37 of Forest’s 38 league games and proved he can operate on either flank.

Forest’s response is simple: protect the asset. The club are hopeful of tying Williams down to an improved deal at The City Ground, a move that would not only reward his importance but also test the resolve of two clubs who badly need reliable options in wide defensive areas. United’s rebuild under Michael Carrick demands energy and versatility from the back line; Newcastle, reshaping after an injury-hit campaign, know exactly what that profile looks like.

Arsenal target Tzolis as Trossard replacement

North London, meanwhile, is bracing for change in attack. Arsenal are pushing ahead with a move for Club Brugge attacking midfielder Christos Tzolis, report The Sun, as they prepare for the possible departure of Leandro Trossard, who has been linked with Besiktas.

The Gunners are closing in on a deal worth around £35 million for the 24-year-old, who already has Premier League experience from his stint with Norwich City in 2021-22. Back then he was a raw talent in a struggling side. Now he is being lined up as a solution for a title-chasing squad that wants more goals and invention from its second line of attackers.

Significantly, a move for Tzolis is not expected to derail Arsenal’s pursuit of Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who remains one of their key targets. Mikel Arteta’s attack could look very different by the end of the window: more options between the lines, more competition for places, far less margin for complacency.

United’s midfield plan: Koné over Camavinga

At Old Trafford, the midfield debate has taken a sharp turn. Manchester United are lining up a move for AS Roma’s Manu Koné, according to TEAMtalk, with the 25-year-old emerging as a leading option for Carrick’s reshaped engine room.

United are understood to view Koné as a better fit for their current project than Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga, a notable shift given Camavinga’s long-standing status as one of Europe’s most coveted midfielders. To land Koné, United are expected to need an offer in the region of £50 million.

They are not alone at the table. Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City have all been contacted by the player’s representatives, opening the door to a multi-club chase. If Koné moves, it will be on the back of a serious financial commitment and a clear tactical plan. Anything less, and one of the rivals will pounce.

Free agent Upson sparks elite scramble

One of the most intriguing stories of the window involves a player yet to make a senior Premier League appearance. Elijah Upson, an 18-year-old centre back and son of former England defender Matthew Upson, has left Tottenham Hotspur after turning down a professional contract at the club he served for 11 years.

The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Manchester City are all keen to sign him on a free. Upson has already visited Arsenal’s training ground and is expected to take his time before deciding his next step. Everton, Borussia Dortmund, and Monaco are also in the frame.

For a teenager to walk away from Spurs and immediately command interest from that calibre of club says plenty about how highly he is rated. His next decision will shape the early years of a career that is already drawing serious attention.

Liverpool and Arsenal in £100m Bouaddi battle

The arms race extends into midfield. Liverpool and Arsenal remain in talks with Lille over Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to Football Insider, with both clubs willing to include a one-season loan-back clause to sweeten any agreement.

The price is eye-watering. Any deal for the 18-year-old Morocco international is expected to approach £100 million. Liverpool see Bouaddi as a potential replacement for Curtis Jones, who has attracted interest from Inter Milan, while Manchester City and other leading clubs are also monitoring the situation.

For Lille, this is the perfect storm: a young midfielder of huge promise, multiple heavyweight bidders, and a structure that allows them to keep the player for another year. For Liverpool and Arsenal, the question is simple: do you pay the premium now to secure a possible midfield cornerstone for the next decade?

Done deals: City secure Charles, Campbell heads to Elversberg

Some business is already over the line. Manchester City have re-signed Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles, who came through their academy before joining Sheffield Wednesday in 2021. City have immediately sent the 20-year-old on loan to Queens Park Rangers, a move designed to accelerate his development with regular first-team football.

In Germany, Elversberg have picked up American forward Cole Campbell from Borussia Dortmund. The 20-year-old Houston-born attacker has signed a four-year contract through June 2030, a clear statement from the newly promoted Bundesliga side that they are planning well beyond a single season in the top flight.

Other moves on the boil

Around Europe, the rumour mill continues to churn:

• Juventus striker Jonathan David intends to stay at the club despite not being in their plans for next season, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. A stand-off is looming unless a late solution emerges.
• Free agent Luka Modric is close to signing a one-year deal with AC Milan, report Corriere dello Sport, in what would be one of the most eye-catching late-career moves of the summer.
• Manchester United are in advanced talks with goalkeeper Karl Darlow after his departure from Leeds United, say The Sun, with reports suggesting the move could be confirmed on Friday.
• Wrexham are interested in Everton goalkeeper Mark Travers, report Football Insider, as the ambitious lower-league club continue to think big.
• Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is open to a move to Inter Milan, with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that Liverpool want around €40 million.
• Tottenham defender Cristian Romero is drawing interest from LaLiga and Serie A clubs, with previous links to Atlético Madrid highlighted by Fabrizio Romano.
• Newcastle are closing in on Freiburg and Switzerland attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi, with Sky Sports reporting a £49 million deal and personal terms already agreed.
• Borussia Dortmund view FC Köln winger Said El-Mala as a potential replacement for Barcelona-linked Karim Adeyemi, though, as Florian Plettenberg reports, they want a fee lower than the €50 million valuation.
• AC Milan are looking at Strasbourg right back Guela Doue, according to Nicolo Schira, as they reshape their back line.
• Tottenham are considering a reunion with Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, say Tuttosport, a move that would add pace and power to their front line.
• Crystal Palace and Fulham have joined Leeds in the race for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, reports Ben Jacobs, turning a quiet chase into a crowded field.
• Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic is attracting interest from two Premier League clubs, with Schira reporting that a €40 million offer would be needed to sign him.
• Aston Villa could challenge Leeds for Parma and Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, according to TEAMtalk, as both clubs search for long-term solutions between the posts.

Names are flying, fees are climbing, and the window is only beginning to bite. The real question now: who blinks first in these high-stakes negotiations, and who walks away with the pieces that define their season?