SOCCER

Chelsea Plot Zubimendi Heist as Enzo Eyes City Exit – and the Rumor Mill Is on Fire

TSS
True Sports Staff
Aug 13, 2026
4 Min Read

The rumor mill is in overdrive, and Chelsea are right at the center of it all. With Enzo Fernández being courted by Manchester City, the Blues are already eyeing a blockbuster replacement: Arsenal's Martín Zubimendi. And they're not alone in the hunt for midfield reinforcements.

Trending Rumors

Zubimendi to Chelsea? Arsenal are reportedly open to letting the Spain international leave after signing Bruno Guimarães, and Chelsea are emerging as strong candidates. The Gunners want at least £77 million for the 27-year-old, who they signed for around £60 million last summer. Zubimendi is seen as a perfect fit for Xabi Alonso's system — and he becomes even more attractive if Enzo heads to the Etihad.

Camara on the radar: Chelsea have joined Crystal Palace, Liverpool, and Man United in tracking Monaco's Lamine Camara. The French club already lost Maghnes Akliouche to PSG, and Folarin Balogun is linked with Tottenham. Monaco are holding out for €50 million, and Chelsea would need to offload a midfielder or two before making a move.

Barcola to Liverpool? The Reds are still negotiating with PSG for Bradley Barcola and are confident a deal can get done before deadline day. The 23-year-old didn't feature in PSG's Super Cup win over Aston Villa, and it looks like he's on the move. If he lands at Anfield, Rio Ngumoha would likely shift to the right wing.

Konsa wants Arsenal: Ezri Konsa would welcome a move to the Premier League champions, but Aston Villa are fighting tooth and nail to keep him. With William Saliba sidelined by a back injury and Jurriën Timber missing the World Cup, Arsenal need defensive cover — and Konsa fits the bill.

Jones to Inter? Liverpool's Curtis Jones remains a priority for Inter Milan, who believe a €35 million deal is possible. But the Serie A champs need to offload Davide Frattesi first, with Juventus lurking as a possible destination.

ESPN Sources

Diego Simeone and Julián Álvarez finally met face-to-face to discuss the forward's future — their first sit-down since Álvarez made it clear he wants out of Atlético Madrid.

Atletico have also agreed a deal for Tottenham's Cristian Romero, worth up to €40 million, with €35 million guaranteed plus €5 million in variables.

Galatasaray have tabled a €45 million bid for Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, who has been available for months as the Gunners look to upgrade their left flank.

More Rumors Flying Around

Villa's striker search: Aston Villa are eyeing Juventus' Jonathan David as an alternative to Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, while Juve want Man United's Joshua Zirkzee.

Newcastle's midfield wishlist: Brighton's Carlos Baleba is on the Magpies' radar this summer.

Icardi to Lazio? Lazio have made contact with free-agent striker Mauro Icardi, but his salary demands are complicating a deal.

Palhinha to Villa? Aston Villa have offered Bayern Munich a loan move for João Palhinha with an option to buy, but the Bavarians want an immediate permanent transfer.

Gatti interest: Marseille and Hull City are keeping tabs on Juventus center-back Federico Gatti.

Wan-Bissaka to Villa? Aston Villa have held talks with West Ham about a £25 million move for the right-back.

Roma-Porto stalemate: Negotiations for Rodrigo Mora are dragging as Porto's Andre Villas-Boas makes new demands over the obligation to buy.

Pinamonti close to Lazio: Lazio have agreed personal terms with Andrea Pinamonti on a contract until 2031 and are pushing to finalize a deal with Sassuolo.

Geertruida wanted: PSV, plus clubs from the Premier League, LaLiga, and Saudi Pro League, are all keen on RB Leipzig's Lutsharel Geertruida.

Cincinnati reject Hull bid: FC Cincinnati have turned down a $15 million offer plus $5 million in add-ons for Kevin Denkey, but more bids could be coming.

Rugani interest: Monza, Sassuolo, and Udinese have all asked for info on Juventus' Daniele Rugani.

Cabal saga: Bologna don't want to include Juan Cabal in a deal with Juventus for Jhon Lucumi, but they're open to a standalone loan.

Buckle up — the transfer window is heating up, and these stories are far from over.