With the World Cup having only recently concluded, Premier League clubs are already deep into their 2026/27 preseason programmes. The calendar is tight, the travel is heavy and the purpose is clear: get players ready, test combinations and give new faces a chance to make an early impression.

Arsenal, the reigning champions, are among the later starters. Their first friendly comes on Aug. 1 against Girona in Catalonia, before further meetings with Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund and Como. They will then face Manchester City in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Aston Villa have already opened with a 5-0 win over Walsall and continue across Europe and Asia, while Bournemouth began with a 4-1 victory against St. Pauli. Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion both have short schedules remaining, with each taking on European opposition in mid-August.

Chelsea’s first run under new manager Xabi Alonso takes them to Australia for matches against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur, before trips through Hong Kong, Jakarta and Malaysia. Their final friendly is against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge.

Elsewhere, Everton have mixed early results and face a demanding route through Scotland, Germany and home soil before meeting Lille. Fulham also have work to do after a behind-closed-doors defeat to Norwich City. Hull City, Ipswich Town and Coventry City all have their own preparations mapped out, while Crystal Palace have already played twice and continue with fixtures in Italy and Germany.

Liverpool’s schedule includes a United States tour against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United, followed by Monaco and two games against Como on Aug. 16. Manchester City are taking a lighter approach, starting with Inter in Hong Kong before facing the K-League All-Stars, Atlético Madrid and Arsenal. Manchester United, meanwhile, have already lost to Wrexham and beaten Rosenborg 5-0, with Atlético Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United and Milan still to come.

Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur also remain busy, with each club using these final weeks to sharpen up before the league begins.

Manchester United may end up benefiting from Real Madrid’s sudden interest in Rodri, with the possible consequences for Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga potentially reshaping the market.

A move for Rodri would not automatically require Madrid to sell either midfielder, but the financial case would be strengthened if one of them were moved on. There is also the possibility that being pushed out of Madrid’s strongest XI could make Tchouaméni reconsider where his future lies.

The Daily Mail writes that Premier League clubs are “on alert” over Tchouaméni, while BBC Sport says Madrid are “willing to discuss” a deal.

United were understood to have made an enquiry about a transfer at the start of the summer, although progress has been limited by Tchouaméni’s wish to stay at the Bernabéu. He had reportedly reached an agreement to extend his contract until 2031, though that has only been reported and not confirmed, leaving his current stance unclear.

Even if Tchouaméni were to tell Real Madrid that he wants out, any deal would remain costly and could rise above $90 million. His annual salary is also estimated at just under the equivalent of $14 million, which would be another obstacle for interested clubs.

That sits against United’s recent approach in the market. The club backed away from more expensive moves for Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, instead chasing cheaper options such as Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Their wider search has also brought links to Tyler Adams, Mamadou Sangaré and Danilo, while the now cancelled Éderson move was attractive in part because of its lower price.

This is not a question of United lacking the means for Tchouaméni. It is whether the economics make sense alongside their other priorities. Carlos Baleba remains the only defensive midfield target with a similar price level, though his basic salary is estimated at under $1 million.

If Rodri’s arrival reduces Tchouaméni’s minutes, Camavinga’s position could become even more precarious. The Frenchman is already under pressure after a poor end to last season cost him his place at the World Cup.

Alex Scott has turned down fresh Bournemouth contract offers, leaving his future open as interest builds from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Sky Sports News reports that Bournemouth have seen several attempts to extend the 22-year-old’s deal rejected, with Scott “not currently willing to agree new terms” while the Premier League’s leading sides continue to watch closely. Chelsea, according to the report, had an $86 million (£64 million) bid turned down, while inquiries from Arsenal and United were also “knocked back.”

Bournemouth still expect Scott to stay at the Vitality Stadium next season, even with his current contract running until 2028. Yet the club may find it increasingly difficult to hold off the level of attention now focused on him.

Scott’s 2025-26 campaign was significant for another reason too. For the first time in his Bournemouth career, he completed a full season without a major injury. That mattered. Previous fitness problems had interrupted his progress, but an uninterrupted run under Andoni Iraola helped accelerate his rise.

He missed only one Premier League match last season and became more influential as the campaign went on. In Iraola’s demanding system, Scott offered balance and intensity. He covered ground well, worked hard without the ball and ranked among the top five Premier League midfielders for possession won in the middle and defensive third, as well as for ball recoveries. He also contributed in attack, finishing with four goals and an assist.

At 22, his scope for development remains clear. Scott can still improve as both a defensive shield and a final-third creator, and the argument is that his ceiling would be even higher in a stronger team around him.

If he leaves Bournemouth, the choice needs to be made carefully. Chelsea may not be the cleanest fit because of their ongoing transition under Xabi Alonso, their crowded midfield options and their lack of European football next season. Manchester United offer the attraction of a Champions League return and recent progress under Michael Carrick, but they have also just brought in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

That is why Arsenal could represent the most balanced move. They are established, they are under another Spanish coach, and there may be a clear route into the team alongside Declan Rice, with the second midfield role still undecided.