Transfer Rumours: Adam Wharton surprise as Arsenal confidence revealed

Updated: 10 Aug 2026 19:21 BST |
6 min read

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 11 August, including the latest updates on Adam Wharton, Gabriel Martinelli and Lautaro Martinez.

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Lack of Wharton activity

There has been a surprising lack of interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton this summer, Ben Jacobs has revealed.

The England international was regarded as one of the most in-demand midfielders in the Premier League heading into the window, but there has actually been very little movement for him so far – much to the delight of Palace.

However, that could yet change. Man City made an enquiry for him before the window opened, and they may return for him if they sell Rodri to Barcelona. The reporter understands that an agreement in the region of €65 million is close for the World Cup winner.

Martinelli chased by two clubs

AS Roma are in the mix to sign Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, according to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

On Monday, it was revealed that Galatasaray had made an exploratory approach for the Brazil international over the weekend. Now, Roma have also reignited their interest.

The Serie A giants have been in daily contact with his agency Roc Nation as they have also explored deals for Endrick and Malick Fofana. This relationship and Martinelli’s contract situation have made Roma confident that they could agree a deal south of €45m with Arsenal.

Barcelona eye Lautaro

Barcelona have added Inter striker Lautaro Martinez to their shortlist, as per El Desmarque.

The Blaugrana are still interested in striking a deal for Julian Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid’s refusal to do business with their LaLiga rivals has forced the Catalans to explore alternative options.

Coach Hansi Flick is “pushing” for a striker signing, and Martinez has plenty of admirers at Inter. However, the report acknowledges that a deal looks difficult to pull off given the player’s long-term contract and importance to Inter.

Arsenal join Neto race

Arsenal are the latest club to show an interest in Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, Simon Phillips claims.

The Portugal international is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge amid a growing list of suitors. Man City and Tottenham have already explored a potential move, and now Arsenal are also in the mix.

Though Neto primarily plays on the right, he can also feature on the left, which could make him attractive in the event that Gabriel Martinelli is sold. It has been suggested that Chelsea would only consider a sale if offered in excess of €80m.

Atleti close in on Romero deal

Atletico Madrid are on the verge of striking a deal for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, AS reports.

With Arsenal out of the picture because Spurs do not want to sell to their rivals, Atleti have seized the initiative. They have finalised three sales – Thiago Almada (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (AS Roma) and Matteo Ruggeri (Aston Villa) – to free up funds for Romero.

Sporting director Matheu Alemany is looking to complete the signing of Romero within the next 24-48 hours because manager Diego Simeone wants to have the defender available for the club’s LaLiga opener against Malaga on 19 August.

More transfer rumours

Napoli need to sell Romelu Lukaku and one of Noa Lang or Lorenzo Lucca before they can sign Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Vitor Reis is expected to stay and fight for his place at Man City after spending last season on loan at Girona. (Sky Sports)

Inter are still interested in a deal for Tottenham full-back Djed Spence. (Fabrizio Romano)

Despite being surplus to requirements, Real Madrid will not force oft-injured Ferland Mendy out of the club. (AS)

Having already signed Oscar Mingueza, Crystal Palace are finalising deals for fellow right wing-backs Anan Khalaili and Zavier Gozo, which suggests that Daniel Munoz could leave the club this summer. (Sky Sports)

AS Roma could offer a €50m package to sign Porto wonderkid Rodrigo Mora on a loan deal with an option to buy. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Atletico Madrid have made a €35 million offer for Matias Fernandez-Pardo, but Lille want a whopping €70m. (Foot Mercato)

West Ham are planning an improved bid after having a €20m offer for Troy Parrott rejected by AZ. (TEAMtalk)