Papers: Fulham join Chelsea, Man Utd in race for Summerville

West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville has become the latest Premier League talent to attract a three-way managerial tug-of-war, with Fulham emerging as surprise contenders to land the 23-year-old. Chelsea and Manchester United had already been linked with the Dutch international, but the Cottagers’ sudden involvement complicates the race and raises questions over whether any club can secure a deal before the August deadline.

Fulham’s late entry changes the calculus

According to Paper Talk in Sky Sports Premier League, Fulham have joined Chelsea and Manchester United in the hunt for Summerville, whose contract at West Ham expires next summer. The inclusion of a side hovering just above the relegation zone adds a fresh dynamic: Marco Silva’s side may lack the financial muscle of their rivals but could offer guaranteed minutes in a competitive league. West Ham’s valuation of the winger—reportedly in the £40m–£50m range—remains a hurdle, yet Fulham’s willingness to gamble on younger talent under Silva’s project could tilt the negotiations.

Summerville’s stock has risen after standout performances in pre-season friendlies, where he has repeatedly tested defences with direct runs and a knack for arriving late in the box. His link-up play with Declan Rice in midfield during West Ham’s recent tour suggested a positional versatility that clubs covet. The winger’s ability to operate as an inverted winger or false nine in Silva’s favoured 4-3-3 system has drawn particular attention, with Fulham’s own attacking structure under Marco Silva—built around rapid transitions and vertical progression—appearing tailor-made for his profile. If Fulham can present a coherent vision for his development, they may force Chelsea or United to accelerate their bids—or risk losing the race entirely.

Granit Xhaka’s future hangs by a thread

In contrast to the Summerville saga, Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka’s future appears settled—at least for now. Despite reported interest from Chelsea, the Swiss midfielder is set to remain at the Stadium of Light after rejecting a move abroad. BBC Sport confirmed Xhaka’s decision, which follows months of speculation linking him with a return to Stamford Bridge. The 34-year-old’s influence in midfield has been pivotal for Sunderland, and his refusal to force a transfer underscores the club’s leverage in negotiations. Sunderland’s Championship play-off ambitions, combined with Xhaka’s contract running until 2027, have strengthened their hand in discussions with potential suitors.

Chelsea’s pursuit of Xhaka reflects their ongoing need for midfield steel, particularly after the departure of Conor Gallagher. However, the Blues’ reported willingness to meet Sunderland’s valuation—reportedly around £25m—has not been enough to sway the player. With the window closing, Chelsea may now pivot to alternative targets, while Xhaka’s focus shifts to Sunderland’s Championship play-off push. The saga also highlights the growing trend of established Premier League players prioritising stability over relocation, a trend that could reshape transfer strategies this summer. Xhaka’s stance mirrors that of other high-profile players this window, including Granit Xhaka’s former Chelsea teammate Kai Havertz, who opted for a move to Arsenal over a lucrative move abroad.

Tuchel’s England future overshadowed by right-back crisis

Thomas Tuchel’s tenure as England manager remains under scrutiny, but not for the reasons many expected. Despite fears that an early World Cup exit would trigger his dismissal, The Telegraph reports that the FA is unlikely to part ways with the German, citing his tactical flexibility and man-management as key assets. The bigger concern is England’s defensive reshuffle, with Reece James facing a race against time to prove his fitness for the tournament in Mexico. Tuchel’s dilemma mirrors the broader uncertainty gripping the squad: form and injuries are colliding at a pivotal moment.

The right-back situation has intensified after reports of heightened security measures around England’s Mexico City hotel, including roadblocks to deter pre-match disruption. While the focus remains on James’s recovery, the episode underscores the fragility of Tuchel’s plans. With the World Cup looming, the manager’s ability to navigate personnel crises may determine whether his England project survives beyond the group stage. Tuchel’s preference for a back three in recent friendlies—deploying James as an auxiliary wing-back—has further complicated the issue, as the England right-back’s fitness will dictate whether the system can be sustained.

Elsewhere, the Saudi Pro League’s pursuit of Mohamed Salah continues to gather pace, with The Mirror tipping the forward as the next high-profile departure from Liverpool. The move would cap a summer of financial firepower in the Middle East, though Salah’s reluctance to leave on principle complicates matters. For now, the focus narrows to Summerville and Xhaka—two players whose fates will shape the Premier League’s summer narrative.

With Fulham’s intervention, the Summerville race has entered a decisive phase. Chelsea and Manchester United must now decide whether to raise their offers or risk conceding to a club with fewer resources but sharper intent. Xhaka’s decision, meanwhile, serves as a reminder that even in a transfer market awash with cash, player power is growing. As the window tightens, the clubs that combine ambition with pragmatism will emerge as the real winners.

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