The summer transfer window is open until September 1, and clubs across Europe are already moving quickly to strengthen their squads before the new season. Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team bring you the latest updates from another busy day in the market…
Chelsea close in on Atalanta’s Palestra
Chelsea are closing in on Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, with the deal expected to be worth in excess of £48million as the club prepare to make him the first signing of the Xabi Alonso era.
The highly rated defender had widely been expected to head to Inter Milan, the Italian champions, after impressing during a loan spell at Cagliari last season in which he was named Serie A’s best defender.
Daily Mail Sport reported earlier this month that Newcastle United had identified Palestra as a leading target, though the club were conscious that the race for his signature would be fiercely contested.
Palestra, who made his senior Italy debut this year, is admired at Stamford Bridge for his versatility. Chelsea view him as a dynamic option who can operate on either side of defence, whether as an attacking wing-back or a more traditional full-back.
Marco Palestra is nearing a move to Chelsea after the club stepped in to overtake Inter Milan’s pursuit
Spurs close in on Dubravka
Elsewhere, Tottenham are in advanced negotiations to sign free-agent goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. The 37-year-old Slovakia international is available after leaving Burnley at the end of his contract.
Dubravka, formerly of Newcastle United, is eager to remain in the Premier League after making 35 top-flight appearances last season. He was one of Burnley’s more dependable performers despite the club’s relegation under Scott Parker.
Spurs want competition for Antonin Kinsky with Guglielmo Vicario a target for clubs in Italy.
They had also discussed a contract for Karl Darlow who has an offer of a new deal from Leeds United and has spoken to Manchester United. Spurs have also considered Brighton’s Jason Steele.
Read more HERE
Villa want Royal return to Premier League
Aston Villa have held talks over former Tottenham right back Emerson Royal.
The Brazilian is playing for Flamengo but is open to a return to the Premier League under Villa boss Unai Emery.
Sources in Brazil say Villa have proposed a £6m offer for the 27-year-old who left Spurs for AC Milan in 2024, though Villa say no formal offer has yet been made. He joined Flamengo a year later for £7.7m, and they want in excess of that figure.
Villa are working under financial restrictions and need to sell but want to build a squad for Emery that can compete in the Champions League.
Emerson would be competition for Matty Cash. They do have interest from Lyon, Deportivo Alaves and Valencia for right-back Andres Garcia.
Emerson Royal left Spurs in 2024 and Flamengo now want more than the £7.7m they paid AC Milan for him
Now Newcastle turn to attacking duo – but Liverpool are ready to pounce again
Newcastle United are showing interest in Cologne winger Said El Mala – and maintaining contact over Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
But Premier League adversaries Liverpool are waiting in the wings if they fail to land their priority targets Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig or Paris St Germain’s Bradley Barcola.
Newcastle missed out Osasuna’s Victor Munoz last week when, despite agreeing a fee, Liverpool stepped in to pay the £34.6m buy-out clause and stole the Spain winger away.
Read the full story HERE
Robins snap up Greenwood
Bristol City have agreed a £2million deal to sign former Leeds attacking midfielder Sam Greenwood from Polish side Pogon.
Blackburn had also tried to sign the 24-year-old, who left Leeds as a free agent last summer. He was a target for Bristol City in January.
Greenwood joined Pogon on a contract until 2028, which included the option for a further year, but is now set for a return to England.
Clark returns to Pride Park
Derby have completed the signing of Bobby Clark from RB Salzburg.
The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Pride Park Stadium, has signed a four-year contract for £7m plus add ons. Liverpool also had a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause.
Clark featured 45 times for Derby last season – collecting eight goals and assists – as he became a fans’ favourite and scooped the Sammy Crooks Young Player of the Season award.
‘It’s a big decision because I want to obviously reach my potential,’ Clark said. ‘I need to pick my next step carefully and this club definitely suits me the best – and the manager gave us the trust last season and gave me the minutes I needed to take the next step and find my form in the Championship. I think being at Derby, I’ll just get better and better.
Bobby Clark was named Derby’s young player of the season after an impressive 2025-26 campaign
‘Since it’s been closer to getting done he’s just had really good positive conversations with us, he knows he can be the manager that helps me reach my potential and helps me grow as a player.’
Lions plan on bolstering attack
Millwall are in talks to sign Rodez forward Tairyk Arconte, who has also been on Celtic’s list.
The 22-year-old scored 14 goals in 32 games in the French second division last season after joining Rodez from Pau FC.
Championship side Millwall had made an approach for Hull City’s Kyle Joseph but he is recovering from injury still. They are determined to bring in extra pace and firepower to help take the next step up in their bid for promotion to the Premier League.
Arconte can also play right wing and will cost around £2.5million.
Tairyk Arconte scored 14 goals in 32 games for Rodez last season and is now a target for Championship side Millwall
