Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal identify new targets after Saliba blow, Liverpool hijack PSG’s bid for winger | OneFootball

Arsenal are set to sign a centre-back this summer after it was confirmed that Premier League title winner William Saliba has been ruled out for an “extended period” with a back injury. The Gunners could turn to Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa or former Manchester City centre-back John Stones, who is available as a free agent.

Arsenal are also set to step up their pursuit of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes but the Magpies are said to be frustrated by the lack of contact from the Premier League champions in what could turn into a protracted transfer saga. Newcastle are holding out for a fee similar to Sandro Tonali’s potential £100m move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has set out his targets for the transfer window and has confirmed the Reds “definitely need to sign a winger”. Liverpool have now reportedly turned their attention towards Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, who is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain, while PSG’s Bradley Barcola is also still a target.

Manchester United are still interested in adding another midfielder after signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans and are said to be in talks with Roma for France international Manu Kone, while Chelsea have agreed to loan Alejandro Garnacho to Aston Villa after their record signing of Morgan Rogers.

Arsenal could receive compensation from Fifa due to William Saliba’s injury

Arsenal also receive significant compensation from Fifa due to William Saliba’s injury occurring during the World Cup, with Fifa stating that “players can receive up to $7.5m (£5.6m) per accident, paid daily for a maximum of 365 days after the first 28 days of absence. Payments are calculated on the player's fixed salary only, excluding bonuses or other variable pay.”

Arsenal are expected to spend in other departments too, having missed out on Morgan Rogers after walking away from talks with Aston Villa once the price reached £117m, with Chelsea swooping in to sign the England star.

In addition to a new centre-back and a starting winger, Arsenal could add further depth in the wide areas given Leandro Trossard’s move to Besiktas.

The Gunners play Man City in the Community Shield on 16 August in Cardiff before entertaining Coventry on 21 August to kick off their league campaign

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What's the latest on Marcus Rashford?

Marcus Rashford looks set to return to Manchester United after his £40m exit clause expired. The winger has been linked to several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, but The I Paper reports that the 28-year-old is now expected to stay at Old Trafford and given the chance to resurrect his career.

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, rather successfully, but the Catalan giants chose not to pick up the €30m (£26m) option to make the deal permanent and instead signed another Englishman – Anthony Gordon – to play on the left wing for them. United are reportedly hesitant to let Rashford leave permanently to another Premier League club, in case he flourishes with them.

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Arsenal consider two centre-backs as cover for William Saliba after major injury blow

Arsenal are looking into a significant investment at centre-back with William Saliba expected to be out long-term following a major injury blow.

The France centre-back has returned from the World Cup 2026 with a back injury and while surgery is not required, he is expected to be out for an extended period.

The Independent understands that the Gunners will therefore pursue a new centre-back in the coming weeks as cover and are prepared to spend big to add depth to the position, rather than bring in a player on loan.

Although there is cover for Saliba in the shape of Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Califiori, Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White, some of that group’s own injury issues and Mikel Arteta’s previous preference to avoid shifting his first-choice full-backs has led to a decision to spend again at centre-back this summer.

The Independent understands Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and John Stones, available on a free transfer after his Man City contract expired, are both being considered.

Arsenal consider two centre-backs to replace William Saliba after injury blow

The Gunners are willing to spend big on a centre-back as cover for Saliba, who is expected to miss significant time despite not needing surgery to fix a back problem sustained during the World Cup with France

Jack Rathborn23 July 2026 08:35

Will Rodri push for Real Madrid move after World Cup triumph?

Rodri returned to the level of Ballon d’Or winner as the Manchester City midfielder guided Spain to the World Cup and he received the award for player of the tournament.

He has also been a long-term target for Real Madrid, and the Daily Mail are reporting that Rodri is now set to push for a move to the Spanish giants following the World Cup.

The report adds that any move for Rodri could have a knock-on effect for several players, including Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, both of whom have been linked with Manchester United as they target another midfielder this summer.

Rodri, who is 30 and has one year left on his Manchester City contract, is said to be keen on a return to Spain and it would be a popular move for Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to make following his heroics at the World Cup.

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Jamie Braidwood23 July 2026 08:12

William Saliba set for ‘extended period’ on sidelines with back injury

Premier League champions Arsenal have been dealt a significant injury blow after centre-back William Saliba was ruled out for “an extended period” with a back injury.

The defender played with a back problem during France’s run to the World Cup semi-final and, although he will not require an operation, the 25-year-old is set for a spell on the sidelines.

“Subsequent specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation,” said a statement from Arsenal.

Jamie Braidwood23 July 2026 07:57

Liverpool to hijack PSG's bid Maghnes Akliouche?

After Andoni Iraola made clear that Liverpool “definitely need to sign a winger” this month, the Reds have reportedly turned their attention towards Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.

The 24-year-old, who is left footed, was part of France’s World Cup squad and has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain this summer. He scored six goals and made six assists for Monaco in Ligue 1 last season.

Sky Sports News are reporting that Liverpool have made an “initial approach” for Akliouche and have made an enquiry about his availability this summer. PSG have also been linked to another Liverpool target, Yan Diomande.

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Jamie Braidwood23 July 2026 07:51

Newcastle 'frustrated' by Arsenal's approach to Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle are said to be “frustrated” by Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and will listen to offers of more than £80m for their captain, according to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie.

Arsenal are set to accelerate their interest in the Brazil international but Newcastle have been reportedly angered by the Gunners’ approach, as they are yet to contact Newcastle directly with a bid.

Guimaraes wants to leave the club this summer but Newcastle are also being guided by the £100m fee Tottenham paid for their Italy international midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Jamie Braidwood23 July 2026 07:49