Joshua Zirkzee has become the subject of fresh transfer discussion in the closing stages of the summer window, with Aston Villa understood to have made contact with Manchester United over a possible move.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Villa have made a phone call to United to ask about Zirkzee’s availability and the terms of any potential agreement. A switch is not considered straightforward, but it remains a scenario that could still develop before the window closes.

Villa’s need for attacking depth is clear. They are preparing for their second Champions League campaign in three seasons and currently have limited cover at centre-forward. That situation could become more pressing if Al Hilal succeed in tempting unsettled Ollie Watkins to Saudi Arabia. Tammy Abraham is the only other senior No. 9, while Brian Madjo, who scored in the UEFA Super Cup, is highly rated but will not turn 18 until January.

Zirkzee is not Villa’s main target. That priority is said to be Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, who previously worked with Unai Emery at Villarreal. Jackson became available after Chelsea moved ahead with Emmanuel Emegha, although his fee and wider interest in him mean Villa have no guarantee of landing the Senegal international.

The Dutch forward is not viewed as a classic penalty-box striker. Despite his size, Zirkzee tends to play deeper and contribute to combination play and buildup, a profile closer to Harry Kane than Erling Haaland.

At present, a move to Aston Villa appears unlikely, because it depends on Jackson not arriving and United accepting suitable terms for Zirkzee within a short timeframe.

Romano also says that if Zirkzee does leave, it is worth keeping a “close eye” on United’s response, with a backup striker to Benjamin Šeško already a familiar idea.

Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford can both play up front, with the former selected ahead of Šeško in the opening-day defeat to Hull City, but United have been linked with a striker addition throughout the summer, even if it remains behind central midfield, goalkeeper and left back in their list of priorities.

Premier League clubs have already committed huge sums this summer, with the division’s spending said to have reached about $3 billion. Yet some of the moves have barely registered amid the wider noise of the 2026/27 season getting under way.

One of the quieter deals saw Arsenal add Illan Meslier on a free transfer. Once viewed as a major prospect at Leeds United, the French goalkeeper arrives after a difficult spell in which mistakes pushed him down to third choice. He did not play a minute last season, and he is expected to provide cover for David Raya alongside Kepa Arrizabalaga.

João Gomes also changed clubs without quite commanding the same attention as some of the bigger deals. After being linked with Manchester United and Atlético Madrid, he moved from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Aston Villa in a $46 million transfer completed the day after the World Cup final. The midfielder offers energy and force rather than creativity.

Bournemouth continued their pattern of shrewd recruitment by signing Álvaro Rodríguez, an ex-Real Madrid striker who produced seven goals and five assists for Elche in 2025/26. The 22-year-old adds depth as Bournemouth balance domestic and European commitments.

Brentford turned to Callum Wilson on a free transfer after West Ham United’s relegation. The 34-year-old scored seven league goals last season, all while starting only 11 matches, and now sits behind Igor Thiago in Keith Andrews’s plans.

Chelsea added Pep Chavarría for $21.6 million from Rayo Vallecano, while Crystal Palace brought in Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free after his injury-hit spell at Arsenal and brief time with Ajax. Everton also strengthened with Christian Nørgaard, who left Arsenal after helping them win the Premier League title.

Manchester United moved for free agent Karl Darlow as backup to Senne Lammens after loan exits for André Onana and Altay Bayındır. Newcastle United signed Aladji Bamba for $47 million, and Sunderland added Thomas Meunier in one of their few new arrivals.

Arsenal have sealed the signing of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, with the fee understood to be around £51 million ($69.4 million). The England centre-back arrives as the club continue to strengthen their squad for the 2026/27 season, adding depth to a defence that has already carried much of Arsenal’s recent success.

Konsa gives the squad extra cover across the back line. He can operate both at centre-back and at right-back, having also filled that role for England against Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals. That versatility is one of the key reasons Arsenal moved for him, particularly with William Saliba and Jürrien Timber currently injured.

Speaking after signing a long-term contract, Konsa said: “I’m super excited. It’s a privilege to be here and can’t wait to get started,” Konsa told club media after signing a long-term contract. “I want to keep winning, I’m hungry to win and that’s what I’m here for. It’s a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world.”

He also spoke about the team’s defensive mindset. “The chemistry they have, they all want to defend for each other, the love they have for defending, they love keeping the ball out of the net which is what you have to do as a defender,” Konsa said of his new teammates.

“But I just love the way they are together. What they’ve built over the past few years has been special.”

On his own style, he added: “I like to build up from the back and I like to have a lot of the ball. It’s Mikel’s style and from what I’ve seen from games, it’s the same way the defenders here play. So hopefully I can add a little bit more,” he added, speaking about his personal playing style.

“It’s good being versatile. I can do both jobs, right back and center back, but for me ultimately, wherever the manager wants to put me is, I’ll always do a job and do my best.”

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta described the signing as a major addition, while Unai Emery and Rio Ferdinand also offered positive remarks about the defender. Konsa’s jersey number has also been revealed as he begins the next stage of his career in north London.