Premier League Transfer News: Man City, Forest, Villa and Arsenal Make Late Moves

Posted : 25 August 2026

The summer transfer window is entering its final stages, with several Premier League clubs working on significant deals before the 1 September deadline. Manchester City have agreed a deal for Palmeiras winger Allan Elias, while Nottingham Forest are closing in on Chelsea striker Liam Delap.

Manchester City have reached an agreement worth up to £34.2m for Allan Elias. The Premier League champions are expected to pay £32m initially, with a further £2.2m potentially due in performance-related bonuses. The 22-year-old Brazilian is expected to replace Savinho, who has completed his move to Tottenham.

City are also continuing discussions with Tottenham over the potential departure of Egypt international Omar Marmoush. Meanwhile, Nico Gonzalez could leave the Etihad before the transfer window closes, with Newcastle showing strong interest in the Spanish midfielder.

Nottingham Forest Pursue Liam Delap

Nottingham Forest are in advanced negotiations with Chelsea over a move for Liam Delap. The 23-year-old striker has been made available by Chelsea, who value him at around £50m, although it remains to be determined whether Forest's proposal will be for a permanent transfer or a loan.

Delap has been training away from Chelsea's main squad and was omitted from their opening league fixture. He also recently lost the number nine shirt to Joao Pedro, increasing speculation that his time at Stamford Bridge could be coming to an end.

The forward joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town for approximately £30m last summer but endured an injury-hit campaign and scored only once in the league. Forest see him as potential competition for Chris Wood and Igor Jesus after allowing Taiwo Awoniyi to leave for Coventry City.

Chelsea are also attempting to reduce a senior squad that remains particularly large, with several players expected to depart either permanently or on loan before the deadline.

Aston Villa Turn to Joel Ordonez

Aston Villa have switched their attention to Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez after failing to reach an agreement with Southampton for Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Villa have opened negotiations for the 22-year-old Ecuador international, with Club Brugge reportedly seeking at least £40m for the defender. Recent reports suggest talks have progressed, although the Belgian club's valuation remains an important factor.

Ordonez has established himself as an important player for Club Brugge since joining from Independiente del Valle in 2022. Villa are looking to strengthen their defence after Ezri Konsa's move to Arsenal and a difficult start to the new Premier League campaign.

The club had previously pursued Harwood-Bellis, but an £18m proposal was rejected by Southampton. Villa's inability to bridge the valuation gap has prompted them to focus increasingly on Ordonez.

Arsenal Near Martinelli Exit

Arsenal are also in advanced discussions with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal over the sale of Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian winger is available for transfer after manager Mikel Arteta made it clear that he is not central to his plans.

Talks have accelerated, with a fee of at least £50m being discussed. Recent reports indicate that negotiations are approaching an agreement, although the final decision will rest with Martinelli.

Martinelli has 12 months remaining on his Arsenal contract and previously rejected a move to Galatasaray. Al-Hilal are reportedly offering a salary significantly above his current Arsenal earnings, which could influence his decision.

The 25-year-old joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019 and made 53 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring 11 goals. However, he was left out of Arsenal's opening league match, prompting former Gunners striker Ian Wright to question the way the club has handled his situation.

Al-Hilal are also pursuing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, meaning the Saudi club could complete a major double raid on the Premier League before the transfer deadline.

Premier League Transfer News: Man City, Forest, Villa and Arsenal Make Late Moves

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