Reports that Bruno Fernandes’ Manchester United contract contains an overseas-only release clause have intensified debate over the midfielder’s future at Old Trafford. The Daily Mail says the clause is set at £56.6 million ($75.7 million) and would apply only to clubs outside the Premier League.

The story followed a high-profile interview in which Fernandes said, “United did, in fact, want to sell him to Al Hilal but lacked the guts to tell him to his face.” That remark, alongside his admitted interest in playing in La Liga and Serie A, has prompted fresh speculation about potential moves abroad.

Despite Fernandes’s comments, public messaging from the club has been firm. According to Fabrizio Romano, those in charge at United are adamant Fernandes still has a place at Old Trafford, and the club made it clear they have no plans to sell the 31-year-old.

Transfer timing is a key factor. Sources in the report suggest any exit this January is unlikely, while a move in the summer remains possible. The player is expected to consider his future around the World Cup and could draw renewed interest from Saudi suitors. His openness about Spain and Italy could also encourage offers from clubs in those leagues, while a desire to return to Lisbon and Sporting before retirement has also been mentioned in coverage.

Ultimately, the decision appears to rest with Manchester United. The club are reportedly planning an expensive midfield overhaul and retain control over any sale. For now, Fernandes has repeatedly stressed his wish to stay so long as he is wanted, while also signalling he would accept a departure if the club decided to sell.

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have reached “another level” this season as the club pursues its first Premier League title in 22 years. After finishing as runners-up in 2022–23, 2023–24 and 2024–25, the manager insists improvement in squad depth and maturity has been critical as his Class of ’26 sit top of the table approaching the halfway stage.

“We’ve gone to another level this season. Last season, at times, we had 13 or 14 outfield players competing [for places]. It’s not enough,” the manager told TNT Sports .

Summer recruitment saw Arsenal spend around £272.5 million on seven new players, while Piero Hincapié arrived on loan with a £45 million option to buy next year. The new signings, combined with Cristhian Mosquera, have helped cover defensive injuries and Martín Zubimendi has strengthened the centre of midfield. Up front, Viktor Gyökeres provides a recognised No. 9, even if he has not matched the prolific scoring rate he enjoyed at Sporting CP. Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have added creativity high up the pitch.

“We’ve gone and increased the numbers and certainly the quality and, within that, the versatility of this team. We’ve added pieces we didn’t have that can complement each other in a really powerful way, and they have adapted really well.”

Arteta also emphasised the role of experience gained from near misses. “You can see the way the team competes and the way the individuals, as well, have evolved and matured. That’s something that takes time to get into that position,” Arteta added. “Look at Bukayo and the amount of games that he’s played at his age, or [Gabriel] Martinelli or [William] Saliba or big [Gabriel], Jurriën [Timber], he’s 23 years old—that’s what we’ve been building.”

Still, Arteta warned that achieving the title will demand outstanding consistency. “[In 2023 – 24], we scored the most goals in the history of Arsenal Football Club and the least goals conceded, the most clean sheets and the most wins. You still don’t win the league. That’s the demands that we have,” Arteta went on to explain.

The battle for Marc Guéhi’s signature next summer is evolving into a three-way contest, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich all in the frame as the England international approaches a free transfer. Insiders say one variable stands above the rest: Dayot Upamecano’s contract situation at Bayern.

Bayern have held two meetings with Guéhi’s representatives, per Fabrizio Romano, and the club’s appetite will reportedly hinge on whether a central defender vacancy appears. The story, in short, is straightforward. If Upamecano extends his stay the prospect of a Bayern approach diminishes; should a centre back slot open up, Guéhi would be elevated to the status of “serious target”.

Upamecano himself is moving toward the end of his deal but has not ruled out a new contract. The 27-year-old’s salary demands are said to be a sticking point while all options remain open.

Guéhi has tried to insulate himself from the noise. According to reports he has remained detached from speculation, “insisting it wasn’t a difficult Deadline Day” as he continues to captain Crystal Palace and develop a growing influence at club level.

Bayern’s recruitment pattern underlines why the club is monitored closely in this market. The Bundesliga champions have integrated Premier League players into their frontline, with Michael Olise occupying the right side of an attack led by Harry Kane and Luis Díaz.

Romano also assesses the wider market and deems Serie A’s chances of signing Guéhi as “impossible” given the finances required. That assessment is underscored by the summer window figures: the Turkish top flight recorded a larger net spend than Serie A during the 2025 summer window.

For Liverpool and Manchester City, the situation is more binary: Bayern’s decision on Upamecano could either clear the path for a formal bid or consolidate the domestic contenders’ chances. Until that decision is reached, Guéhi’s next destination remains a closely watched negotiation determined as much by one player’s future as by the centre back market as a whole.