Transfer Rumours: Arsenal barge into Igor Paixao race as €30m hijack completed

Updated: 26 Aug 2026 21:42 BST | 5 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 27 August, including the latest updates on Igor Paixao, Joel Ordonez and Nicolas Jackson.

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Arsenal interested in Paixao

Arsenal are among the clubs interested in Marseille winger Igor Paixao, TEAMtalk claims.

Although the Ligue 1 giants would prefer to keep hold of the Brazilian, Marseille are not in a strong financial position and could be forced to sell if a large enough offer is made. Sunderland have already agreed terms with Paixao.

However, Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the attacker as a potential replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, who is closing in on a transfer to Al-Hilal for a fee in the region of €66 million.

Ordonez deal hijacked

Crystal Palace have reached an agreement to sign Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, Fabrizio Romano reports.

The Ecuador international was thought to be on his way to Aston Villa earlier in the week, but the Eagles swooped in on Wednesday and agreed a loan deal with a conditional €30m purchase obligation. The player has greenlit the move, but he is currently injured, so it is not a given that he will pass his medical.

Ordonez has been looking to leave Brugge since 2025 and was already an option for Palace last summer. At the time, they battled Marseille for his signature, but neither club could convince the Belgian side to sell.

Villa to sign Jackson

Aston Villa have agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign Nicolas Jackson, The Athletic writes.

The Senegal international was the Birmingham club's priority target to replace wantaway forward Ollie Watkins, who is set to move to Saudi giants Al-Hilal in a deal just shy of €60m.

Villa have agreed to pay as much as €76m, though only €55m of this figure is guaranteed, with the rest up for grabs via bonuses. Jackson will pen a long-term contract in Birmingham.

Bournemouth won't entertain Scott offers

Bournemouth will rebuff any offers for Alex Scott in the final days of the window, according to Sky Sports.

The England starlet is a target for both Chelsea and Man City amid the ongoing uncertainty over Enzo Fernandez, who could still leave Stamford Bridge for the Etihad, with formal talks over a deal having restarted.

However, Bournemouth have insisted all summer that Scott is not for sale, and this stance will not change this late in the window. Chelsea's willingness to sanction a move for Fernandez could hinge on their ability to sign Scott or a different target.

Chelsea mulling over Martinez signing

Chelsea are considering signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, The Athletic understands.

The 2022 World Cup winner has been looking to leave Villa since last year, and his representatives are offering him to various clubs after a proposed transfer to Juventus collapsed.

Chelsea are actively considering a move for the 33-year-old following Robert Sanchez's unconvincing opening day performance against Fulham. Martinez is not expected to cost more than €10m.

More transfer rumours

AC Milan could make a move for Liverpool attacker Harvey Elliott before the deadline. (CaughtOffside)

Napoli are still interested in Arsenal and Chelsea strikers Gabriel Jesus and Marc Guiu, but they need to sell before they can buy. (Corriere dello Sport)

Chelsea are advancing on a deal to sign Atalanta centre-back Honest Ahanor. (Fabrizio Romano)

Arsenal are among the clubs interested in €7m-rated Santos youngster Joao Ananias. (ESPN)

Newcastle could make a move for Stuttgart attacker Bilal El Khannouss if they can't agree a deal with Lille for Matias Fernandez-Pardo. (Foot Mercato)

RB Leipzig have entered the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado. (Fabrizio Romano)