As the summer transfer window ticks towards its final month, Premier League clubs are pushing hard to finalise their squads. This Monday's transfer round-up sees high-stakes battles for elite forwards, midfield reinforcements in demand, and a familiar face returns to the capital. Here's all the latest action.

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Newcastle United have opened the bidding war for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko with a £65.5m offer. The 23-year-old Slovenian is one of Europe’s hottest properties, but Leipzig are demanding a sell-on clause before they consider accepting any deal.

Meanwhile, Manchester United remain firmly in the hunt for Sesko. Talks are ongoing, with reports suggesting the striker is yet to make a decision between a move to Old Trafford or St James' Park.

“Sesko remains undecided between the two clubs,” reported a key source, “and both are pushing hard to secure his signature before the end of the window.”

The outcome of the Sesko saga could spark a chain reaction in the forward market – and may already be influencing Liverpool’s next move.

If Newcastle do land Sesko, they may be willing to entertain Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak. The Reds had a £110m bid rejected last week but are reportedly lining up an improved offer.

The 25-year-old Swede, prolific when fit, remains key to Newcastle’s attacking structure. However, with interest intensifying and the Magpies eyeing a long-term replacement in Sesko, they may consider cashing in – if the price is right.

Arsenal were also previously interested in Isak but opted to sign Viktor Gyokeres, citing fitness concerns around the Newcastle man.

Despite publicly backing Rasmus Hojlund, Manchester United are open to offers for the Danish striker – with a price tag of around £30m.

Signed for £72m last summer, Hojlund has failed to live up to expectations, scoring just four Premier League goals in 2023–24. A move for Benjamin Sesko could further marginalise his role.

Sources close to the club remain adamant United could complete the Sesko deal even before outgoings, but Profit and Sustainability Rules mean sales are likely necessary.

“We need goals,” said a source close to Old Trafford. “The pursuit of Sesko signals that the club is not convinced Hojlund is the long-term solution.”

United have already spent close to £130m this summer on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, and are also chasing Spanish midfielder Fermin Lopez.

In a surprising development, Son Heung-Min has reportedly agreed to join LAFC in Major League Soccer.

The 33-year-old Tottenham Hotspur forward has decided to end his Premier League stay and head stateside in search of a new challenge.

Son, a Premier League icon, has been a consistent performer for Spurs but felt the time was right for a fresh start. The move, if confirmed, marks the end of an era for Tottenham, who will now be seeking attacking reinforcements.

Chelsea have confirmed the £35.5m signing of Jorrel Hato from Ajax, with the 19-year-old defender putting pen to paper on a seven-year deal. Already capped six times by Netherlands, Hato becomes the Blues' eighth summer signing.

“I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career,” said Hato. “Chelsea is the best place for me to do that.”

Hato brings much-needed balance to the Blues’ backline with his ability to play both centre-back and left-back, and could rival Marc Cucurella for a starting berth.

Chelsea are also chasing Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig and Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United – and they reportedly want both, rather than choosing between them.

In a separate deal, the Blues offered Christopher Nkunku to Barcelona as part of a proposed swap for midfielder Fermin Lopez, but the Spanish side turned down the approach.

Ademola Lookman has publicly handed in a transfer request at Atalanta, accusing the club of breaking promises regarding a potential move.

The 27-year-old Nigeria international says he reached an agreement that he could leave if a suitable offer arrived, but claims the club is now blocking his exit.

“I feel I have no choice but to speak out,” Lookman said on social media. “Enough is enough.”

The winger, who netted a memorable hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, has attracted interest from Inter Milan and could be a valuable addition to any top European side.

Veteran striker Callum Wilson has joined West Ham United on a one-year deal after leaving Newcastle United at the end of last season.

The 33-year-old, who scored 49 goals in 130 games for the Magpies, was sidelined by injuries and fell behind Alexander Isak in the pecking order.

“I'm excited to be joining a massive football club like West Ham,” said Wilson. “The gaffer is building something special here and I want to be a part of it.”

Wilson passed a medical over the weekend and becomes the Hammers’ fifth signing of the summer. Despite a frustrating final campaign at St James' Park, his goal record compares favourably with the Premier League’s best when fit.

Aaron Ramsdale has completed a season-long loan move from Southampton to Newcastle, reuniting with Eddie Howe, who originally signed him for Bournemouth.

“The manager turned me from a man into a professional,” said Ramsdale. “It was a massive draw to work with him again.”

The 27-year-old becomes the club’s third summer signing after Anthony Elanga and Antonio Cordero.

With Nick Pope recovering from a long-term injury and Martin Dubravka entering the final stages of his career, Ramsdale offers a strong alternative between the sticks – albeit one with a record of relegation from four different clubs.

This week’s transfer headlines are dominated by a potential blockbuster deal for Benjamin Sesko, a possible record-breaking move for Alexander Isak, and major rebuilding projects at Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle.

With just under a month left in the window, expect a flurry of movement – and perhaps a few surprises – as clubs finalise their squads.