Transfer Rumours: Man Utd eye former Man City star in shock late deal

Updated: 27 Aug 2026 22:25 BST | 5 min read

Taylor Harwood Bellis, Transfer rumours — © IMAGO

Suraj Radia | Editor

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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 28 August, including the latest updates on Emi Martinez, Rafa Leao and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

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Chelsea agree Martinez signing

Chelsea have agreed to sign Emi Martinez from Aston Villa for a fee of £7.5 million (€8.75m.)

Xabi Alonso had made a new starting goalkeeper his priority in recent days after Robert Sanchez’s mistakes during Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham in which they won 3-2.

Martinez has become surplus to requirements at Villa after they signed Zion Suzuki this summer and the 33-year-old was offered to multiple clubs including Chelsea.

The Telegraph have confirmed that a deal have now been agreed between the clubs, with Martinez already giving the green light to join Chelsea, and the move should be wrapped up imminently.

Milan accept Leao offer

Milan have accepted an offer of €45m from Galatasaray for Rafael Leao after weeks of negotiations.

Leao has been told he is not part of Ruben Amorim’s plans in Milan and the Italian side have been looking to find a new club this summer for the 27-year-old, to little avail.

However, The Athletic have confirmed that Leao could now join Galatasaray after an agreement between the two clubs, with the Turkish side ready to offer the winger a salary of around €10-12m.

Leao has yet to decide whether he wishes to join Gala, with Aston Villa also in talks over a deal, although they prefer a loan-with-obligation move while Milan want a permanent sale.

Man Utd eye Harwood-Bellis

Manchester United have considered a move for Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis in recent days, according to reporter Ben Jacobs.

Harwood-Bellis, who came through Manchester City’s academy, is also wanted by Aston Villa but United could explore a deal in the final days of the window, although a deal would cost them in excess of £30m (€35m.)

“Manchester United were one of the clubs that cast their eye over the Taylor Harwood-Bellis deal in the last few days,” Jacobs told The United Stand. “Villa have been the ones that are back in talks and have been working on that one for a bit longer, and Benfica have been there as well.

“I have no indication yet whether after internally discussing that they're going to decide to enter that race, but it shows you that they're looking at several defenders rather than only being left-back centric.”

New Arsenal summer signing wanted by rivals

One of Arsenal’s summer signings could already be heading for the exit door just one month after his arrival after emerging interest from a rival club.

Illan Meslier joined Arsenal on a free transfer in July after leaving Leeds, with the 26-year-old set to provide competition to David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal.

According to Footmercato, Marseille have identified Meslier as one of their top targets, having seen last season’s first choice goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli leave for Manchester City this summer.

Rulli’s departure has left Marseille with just one goalkeeper on their books and the Ligue 1 giants are said to be ‘very impressed’ by Meslier’s profile, although they may need to trim their squad and lower their wage bill before making a concrete offer to Arsenal.

More rumours

Nottingham Forest have made a €25m offer to Crystal Palace for right-back Daniel Munoz. (The Athletic)

Bilal El Khannouss remains a likely departure from Stuttgart for a fee of €50-60m, with Newcastle interested in signing him and in contact with his representatives. (Sky Sport Germany)

Napoli have made contact with Newcastle to try and sign Nick Woltemade on loan. (Fabrizio Romano)

Brighton are set to sign 18-year-old Colombian midfielder Matias Orozco from Deportivo Cali. (The Athletic)

Nottingham Forest are in talks with Fiorentina over a move for right-back Dodo. (Sky Sports)