London clubs active in transfer market as World Cup approaches

By Oliver Harrington — 9 June 2026 — 4 min read

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Transfer Activity Across London Clubs

As the summer transfer window approaches, several London clubs are actively pursuing new players and managing existing squad members. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham are all involved in various transfer discussions, with the World Cup also on the horizon.

Arsenal has reportedly renewed its interest in Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. The club is also pursuing Leicester’s teenage player Jeremy Monga and is in discussions to sign PSG defender Emmanuel Mbemba. Other players linked with Arsenal include Julian Alvarez, Junior Kroupi, Morgan Rogers, and Morgan Gibbs-White.

Meanwhile, Chelsea is looking to strengthen its squad under Xabi Alonso. Dusan Vlahovic has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, and England goalkeeper Dean Henderson could also join the club. Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is expected to make another move after returning from a loan spell at West Ham. Additionally, Enzo Fernandez is valued at more than £100m by Chelsea, who are not looking to sell the Argentina international, despite interest from Real Madrid.

Tottenham has agreed a deal for Marcos Senesi and is continuing talks to sign Premier League duo Jan Paul van Hecke and Savinho. Maeson King has signed a new contract with Tottenham, having been with the club since he was nine years old.

Departures and Player Movements

Beyond new signings, clubs are also managing departures and player movements. Arsenal’s under-21 head coach, Max Porter, is leaving to become Mark Robins’ assistant manager at Stoke City. Porter joined Arsenal in July 2017 as a coach for the under-9’s side and progressed through the ranks, being appointed under-21 head coach ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. He led Arsenal’s Under-21s to a 14th-place finish in Premier League 2 this season, with his final game being a 3-1 loss to Manchester City in April.

Sporting Director Jonathan Walters expressed delight at welcoming Porter to Stoke City, noting his reputation as a bright young coach and his role in developing young players at Arsenal. Walters highlighted Porter’s drive, energy, and ambition as key qualities that will benefit Stoke City.

Arsenal also faces key transfer decisions regarding existing players. Contract talks are ongoing for Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice. The club is also focusing on selling players, with a £20million valuation placed on Gabriel Jesus. If this valuation is not met, the Brazilian could leave for free next summer. Several first-team players are also set to enter the final two years of their contracts.

Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella is reportedly of long-term interest to Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona also retains an interest in the left-back. Nicolas Jackson, who spent the season on loan at Bayern Munich, is returning to Stamford Bridge, with his future under Xabi Alonso yet to be determined.

Other Notable Transfer Rumours

Across the Premier League and Europe, other significant transfer stories are developing. Real Madrid had a £129 million bid for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez rejected. Alvarez is also a target for Arsenal and Barcelona, but Atletico Madrid does not wish to sell the Argentina international, who has four years remaining on his contract and is valued at £130m.

Manchester United is reportedly interested in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, whose £100m valuation previously hindered a deal. United is also poised to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson. Real Madrid is reportedly working to sign Mateus Fernandes, a player also of interest to Manchester United. West Ham is expected to seek a return on their £42m investment in Fernandes, despite the club’s relegation.

Liverpool is eyeing several targets, including Yan Diomande and Adam Wharton. RB Leipzig values Diomande at more than £86m and wants to discuss a new contract with the 19-year-old. Liverpool expects goalkeeper Alisson Becker to stay, despite interest from Juventus, as he has one year left on his contract after the club triggered an extension option. Defender Ibrahima Konate is leaving Liverpool as a free agent, though he has not yet decided on his future.

In other news, Wolves are set to re-sign striker Raul Jimenez on a free transfer from Fulham on a two-year deal, with an option for a further year. Liam Kelly has signed a new two-year deal with Rangers, extending his stay at Ibrox until 2028.