Arsenal are expected to step up their interest in Paris St-Germain’s Bradley Barcola this week after receiving encouragement that the forward could be available this summer.

BBC Sport understands representatives of Arsenal, who have been tracking Barcola for some time, intend to watch him again in France’s World Cup last-32 match against Sweden on Tuesday night (22:00 BST)

England forward Morgan Rogers, 23, is a leading target, but recent reports have indicated Aston Villa value him at £130m, which would prove a stumbling block.

But Rogers is not the only attacker on Arsenal‘s radar with Barcola, also 23, viewed as a strong alternative option by the Gunners’ recruitment staff.

RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande’s protracted move to PSG might have implications for Barcola’s future.

Barcola’s current deal with the Champions League holders expires in the summer of 2028, meaning any move for the winger would cost significantly less than Rogers, whose Villa contract runs until 2031.

And if PSG are willing to listen to offers for Barcola this summer, then Arsenal will be among the clubs keen, with Liverpool also believed to be tracking him.

Meanwhile, Arsenal also have a strong interest in Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

There is a doubt over current second-choice keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future heading into next season, resulting in Arsenal exploring the market for a replacement.

Meslier, who has lost his place as number one at Leeds, is out of contract this summer and the 26-year-old is available on a free transfer.

Fernandes was understood to have an open mind about where he goes, with his agent Jorge Mendes speaking to both Tottenham and Manchester United.

Manchester United are sticking to their position of only being willing to buy players at what they consider to be right valuation.

They did like Fernandes but felt their stance paid off last season when they believe patience was rewarded with the right players coming in at right price.

United were not convinced Fernandes really wanted to play for the club.

The priority at Old Trafford is strengthening the central midfield area and they have already agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta for Ederson, but his arrival has been delayed by a late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad.

United’s players are due to return for pre-season training on 9 July and so far, other than out-of-contract duo Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia, Michael Carrick’s squad remains as it was at the end of last season, with no significant departures or arrivals.

The plan to sell Manuel Ugarte will now have to be shelved after his serious injury on World Cup duty with Uruguay. Meanwhile, Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee is still at the club, and sources have dismissed rumours around the exit of midfielder Mason Mount.

Aston Villa have been fined 22.5m euros (£19.4m) by Uefa for a “significant breach” of its squad-cost rule for 2025.

The Villans will also face a restriction on the registration of new players on their squad list for the Champions League next season.

A large part of the fine – 15m euros (£12.9m) – is suspended, depending on the club continuing to significantly decrease their squad-cost ratio in 2026.

In effect, this is a rollover of a suspended punishment handed to the club last summer.

In July 2025, Villa were fined 11m euros (£9.5m), with a further 15m euros (£12.9m) conditional on compliance in a three-year period.

Three other Premier League clubs have also been given financial penalties for breaching the squad-cost rule.

Chelsea have been fined 3m euros (£2.6m), of which 1m euros (£861,000) is suspended.

Nottingham Forest must pay 2.5m euros (£2.2m), with Newcastle United to pay 3m euros (£2.6m).

The Magpies have also reached a settlement for an overspend in relation to Uefa’s football earnings threshold, which means he club must pay a further fine of 10m euros (£8.6m). Of this, 7m euros (£6m) has been suspended pending future compliance.