With the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada about to start, the transfer market is accelerating. Several European teams want to anticipate possible post-tournament improvements and avoid the risk of injuries that complicate exits. With the start scheduled for June 11th, there are deals that can be done now, before the players concentrate definitively on the national teams.
Arsenal prepares attack upgrade With the Premier League title finally back in London 22 years later, Arsenal are fine-tuning the next stage to maintain their hegemony. Viktor Gyökeres' 14 goals were decisive, but his profile fit somewhat uncomfortably with Mikel Arteta's eleven, while Gabriel Jesus scored just three goals in 14 games. The priority is to have a striker who is more consistent with the system — or a suitable substitute. Before the World Cup spotlight inflates values, the Gunners are considering making a move: Endrick, who shone on loan at Lyon (5 goals in 12 Ligue 1 games), appears as a mobile option for the forward; an advance by Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid) before Argentina's global campaign would also make sense so as not to strengthen the colchoneros' negotiating position. The eventual departure of Gabriel Jesus from Emirates is on the table.
Barcelona needs to fit in Anthony Gordon has already been announced as the first new face, arriving from Newcastle for around 93 million dollars. With the financial context demanding balance, Barça will have to reduce the wage bill and make sales. Marcus Rashford's return to Manchester United and the end of Robert Lewandowski's contract alleviate part of the payroll, but elements such as Jules Koundé, Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo — all with space to play in the World Cup — can be traded now, before an injury cuts off interest. The risk exists: a great campaign could make the club regret selling too soon, but we also don't expect a huge increase in value from these assets. The management is also considering opening the door to players outside of Hansi Flick's plans.
Chelsea ready to cash in The Xabi Alonso era is getting ready to begin at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard's arrival may not be enough to calm discontent, especially with the absence of European competitions. Enzo Fernández and Marc Cucurella left signs of openness to leaving last season, and the scenario of change intensifies after a disappointing 2025/26. With Argentina and Spain both counting on the World Cup — and no prospect of major additional growth — this summer seems like the right time to negotiate, before any physical problem complicates dossiers. It is important, however, to quickly find someone to assume the necessary investment.
Real Madrid could attack Benfica before Mourinho arrives José Mourinho is preparing a strong return to Real Madrid, with the ambition of repeating his successes and breaking his two-year drought in La Liga and the Champions League. The work at Benfica was solid and included a remarkable triumph in the last round of the League Stage of the Champions League, which took the Eagles to the play-off to reach the round of 16, followed by a European reunion with the Whites. This sequence gave the coach a direct comparison between squads and potential targets: Richard Ríos (Colombia) fits into the fighting midfield that Real likes, while Andreas Schjelderup (Norway) could explode at the World Cup. The idea is to act quickly to launch the second era of Special One in Madrid.
Liverpool accelerates for a central defender Without an agreement to renew, Ibrahima Konaté is expected to leave at the end of June, accentuating an already glaring need in the defensive axis. The priority is to close a replacement before the World Cup, avoiding high auctions. Ousmane Diomande or Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting) are well-regarded before their commitments to Ivory Coast and Portugal, respectively. Another route is Antoine Mendy (Nice), a physical and positional profile similar to Konaté and capable of asserting himself with Senegal. The change in the bench — and the departure of Arne Slot — could delay decisions, but Anfield cannot delay this dossier any longer.
Bayern charges for Yan Diomande Without Anthony Gordon, who chose Barcelona, Bayern turns to Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig), the Ivory Coast winger seen as a potential sensation for the 2026 World Cup. A big campaign could add 10 to 20 million dollars to the price, so the Bavarian management wants to act now, especially as Liverpool's interest could heat up. In a squad that already has Luis Díaz and Michael Olise on the wings, Diomande would add depth and rotation without losing quality. To win the Champions League again, this could be the missing element.
In short, with the World Cup knocking on the door, the market is at cruising speed: anyone who anticipates decisions can save millions — and gain a competitive advantage for 2026/27.