Villa chase Leao as City revive Fernandez, Bakwa heads to France

Here are today’s latest developments from Simon Jones and the Sport team. The transfer window opened on 25 August 2026 and will remain open until 1 September, prompting clubs to act quickly.

Villa assess Leao finances

Sport reported that Aston Villa have already made contact with AC Milan over 27‑year‑old Portuguese winger Rafael Leao. Turkish giants Galatasaray are also said to be in the mix for the forward, meaning Villa must sort the financials promptly.

Window activity beyond Villa

Nottingham Forest winger Dilane Bakwa is set to join Lille on loan, moving to France for the season. The 23‑year‑old arrived at Forest from Strasbourg last September in a £30 million deal but has struggled to make an impact, prompting the loan. He is due for a medical today and will be eligible for Lille’s Champions League campaign.

Manchester City are expected to go back in for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez after the Blues missed a £120 million deadline on 13 August. Contact has continued with his agent Javier Pastore, and City now know the 25‑year‑old is open to a move. The club must still meet the fee if the deal is to materialise.

Tottenham eye AC Milan forward as Villa joins the chase

Fernandez featured for Chelsea in the final half‑hour of their 3‑2 win away at Fulham on Monday night, showcasing the talent City are chasing. His recent performance adds urgency to the negotiations.

Napoli are continuing talks with Chelsea for Marc Guiu, while defender Mamadou Sarr’s proposed loan to Sociedad is progressing. Both moves illustrate the broader market activity as clubs fine‑tune their squads.

Chelsea have also inquired about Atalanta defensive prospect Honest Anahor, adding another potential transfer to their summer agenda.

Villa must finalise Leao’s financial package before the September 1 deadline, City need to resolve the £120 million fee, and Bakwa’s medical will determine his immediate role at Lille. The window watch continues as clubs race against time.