‘Big Six’ chase Premier League talent as sellers test how long they can hold out | OneFootball

The Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ are raiding domestically again. According to NY Times, Manchester City have agreed £116m for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, and Tottenham will take Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for up to £100m.

Arsenal have made a verbal offer for Bruno Guimaraes. Chelsea had an £8m bid for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka rejected, and Manchester United and Arsenal eye Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.

Sellers say their players are not for sale, or will only move for enormous sums. Villa’s position is shaped by a UEFA settlement capping 2026-27 losses at zero, with three season compliance judged against €60m. They lost money in 2024-25 despite Champions League income, so a huge Rogers bid could matter.

Bournemouth, in Europe for the first time, appear fine on football earnings after profits, significant sales and about £27m extra TV income. The UEFA squad cost ratio at 70 per cent may still bite given a heavy wage bill and amortisation, limited Europa revenue and a small ground, yet they insist Scott is not for sale and want a new deal.

Newcastle’s recent sales, from Elliot Anderson to Forest in 2024 to Anthony Gordon’s €80m move and Alexander Isak for £125m, ease pressure, and with no Europe in 2026-27 they face the Premier League’s 85 per cent cap.

Ambition can still sway talks. Contract length shapes leverage too, with Anderson tied to 2029 at Forest, Rogers committed to Villa until 2031 and Scott having two years left. Clubs want any further headlines on their terms.

Source: NY Times