James Ward-Prowse, Southampton and West Ham
28 August 2026

Southampton have re-signed former captain James Ward-Prowse from Championship rivals West Ham for a fee understood to be just under £1 million. The 31-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year contract, returning three years after leaving St Mary’s.

Ward-Prowse came through Southampton’s academy and made 410 first-team appearances before joining West Ham in 2023. He returns with 17 Premier League free-kick goals, one short of David Beckham’s record, after recent loan spells elsewhere.

Enzo Fernandez, Manchester City and Chelsea
27 August 2026

Enzo Fernandez has agreed personal terms with Manchester City as work continues on a record transfer from Chelsea, according to the supplied reporting. Chelsea also left the Argentina midfielder out of their squad for Thursday’s Carabao Cup victory over Luton.

City still need to finalise the club-to-club agreement, with Chelsea previously valuing Fernandez at £120 million. The player’s agreement and matchday omission represent a meaningful progression from earlier interest, although the transfer remains incomplete and no medical is reported.

Reiss Nelson and Arsenal
27 August 2026

Arsenal have terminated Reiss Nelson’s contract by mutual consent, making the 26-year-old winger a free agent. The academy graduate leaves after 90 senior appearances, eight goals and nine assists, following recent loan spells at Fulham and Brentford.

Nelson was entering the final year of his deal but wanted more consistent playing time than Arsenal could offer. The club chose to release him before the deadline, allowing the winger to consider interest from teams in England and abroad.

Emiliano Martinez, Chelsea and Aston Villa
27 August 2026

Chelsea have agreed a £7.5 million fee with Aston Villa for Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The 33-year-old is set to undergo a medical in London as Chelsea move to strengthen their goalkeeping options following concerns over Robert Sanchez’s performances.

Villa were willing to sell after signing Zion Suzuki from Parma, while an earlier Juventus move for Martinez collapsed over concerns about a finger injury. Chelsea’s agreement represents a sharp late-window change after previously backing Sanchez as their first-choice goalkeeper.