Every Premier League rush: Arsenal drives post‑World Cup rebuild

Premier League clubs are rushing to fill gaps left by the World Cup‑induced lull as the 2026/27 campaign approaches, with the new season set to kick off on August 21. Transfers are starting to ramp up ahead of the season, and fees are being tracked by Transfermarkt.

Champions Arsenal confirmed their first arrival of the window by making Piero Hincapie permanent after a successful loan spell last term. The move addresses the need for depth in midfield following the departure of a key attacker.

Porto triggered the clause to sign Jakub Kiwior on a permanent deal, converting his previous loan into a full transfer. This adds a versatile option to their squad as they rebuild after the summer.

Leandro Trossard left the Gunners after three-and-a-half years, creating a void in attack that Greek striker Christos Tzolis is expected to fill. The replacement aims to sustain Arsenal’s offensive threat.

Aston Villa smashed their all‑time record sale by moving Jack Grealish, while Morgan Rogers also departed. The club reinforced the midfield with Joao Gomes and broke its own record to acquire Johan Manzambi, and also secured fees for Donyell Malen and Enzo Barrenechea.

Bournemouth strengthened both defence and attack by signing Antonio Silva and Alvaro Rodriguez after the World Cup. Alex Jimenez’s loan obligation was triggered, only for the full‑back to be sent to Fiorentina.

Brentford broke their transfer record for highly‑rated Mamadou Sangare and said goodbye to Jordan Henderson, who Sangare is likely to replace in midfield. The club also added former Bournemouth forwards Jaidon Anthony and Callum Wilson for depth.

Brighton & Hove Albion saw Danny Welbeck leave for Chelsea, becoming the first player to represent the Blues, Arsenal and Manchester United. Jan Paul van Hecke moved to Tottenham Hotspur, with Luka Vuskovic brought in as a highly‑rated replacement.

Chelsea added Premier League experience with Danny Welbeck, Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix, while also signing World Cup runner‑up Valentin Barco, competition for Reece James in Marco Palestra, and long‑awaited Geovany Quenda from Sporting. All fees are listed on Transfermarkt.

Manchester City broke their transfer record for Elliot Anderson and edged out Arsenal for teenage sensation Jeremy Monga. Defensive stalwarts Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and John Stones all departed, and Bernardo Silva left on a free to Real Madrid.

Manchester United collected a respectable fee for Rasmus Hojlund but released Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho, resulting in a loss of almost £150m. The club added Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans in midfield, and Michael Carrick arrived for depth at good prices.

Newcastle United saw Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier exit before the World Cup, while Eddie Howe’s side signed promising youngsters Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur and Lukas Hornicek to offset the departures.

Nottingham Forest’s biggest deal before August was the sale of Elliot Anderson for an English record fee, and Stefan Ort also appears among the names recorded in the transfer roundup.

Every club now faces the final weeks of the summer window with the Premier League season looming on August 21, and further moves or loan extensions could still shape their squads before the campaign begins.