The World Cup is a tournament that always brings opportunity. Some nations and players will have their eyes on elevating their reputations on the world stage. Others, meanwhile, will be focused on winning the trophy.
Matches across North America are set to dictate football news for much of the coming weeks, as countries all bid for success this summer. But as fans place wagers on games by signing up with UK bookmakers such as bet365 to keep track of all the scores, club scouts will be looking for potential signings who can make an impact on their teams.
That makes the World Cup an opportunity for some to secure a move and take the next step in their careers. For a few, that could mean a transfer to a London club prior to the transfer deadline on Monday 31st August.
Morgan Rogers – Arsenal
Despite Aston Villa qualifying for the Champions League in 2026/27, the future of their star player, Morgan Rogers, is in doubt. The England international has been linked with a move elsewhere, with Arsenal one of his potential suitors.
The 23-year-old is capable of playing through the middle or off the left. As Mikel Arteta’s side are looking for a left-sided player, several strong displays at the World Cup would only increase Arsenal’s interest in the creator, who managed 10 goals and seven assists in the Premier League last year.
Rogers is not only attracting interest from Arsenal, though. Several elite teams in the Premier League are keeping tabs on his availability, which should make his future one of the stories of the summer transfer window.
Mike Maignan – Chelsea
It is no secret that Chelsea are in need of a goalkeeper. Robert Sanchez, despite showing improvement at Stamford Bridge, remains error-prone. Meanwhile, Filip Jorgensen has failed to impress when given opportunities, which has led to the Danish international requesting a move away from the English capital.
The Blues might yet put their faith in Sanchez and returning loanee Mike Penders, but upgrading to Mike Maignan could be a sensible transfer. Chelsea were linked with the French international last year but opted not to pay over the odds for the goalkeeper. However, they have been linked with him once again this summer.
While Maignan is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, a significant asking price could put clubs off. If he puts in a strong performance at the World Cup for France, it might convince buyers he is worth the investment.
Caleb Yirenkyi – Tottenham
Tottenham had a season to forget last year, only just avoiding relegation after winning just 10 matches throughout 2025/26. Roberto De Zerbi will need to upgrade the team in places, particularly in midfield, as Spurs were too easy to play through at times.
One player that they have been linked with in recent months is FC Nordsjaelland’s Caleb Yirenkyi, who has built a reputation for being a talented enforcer. The Ghanaian international has earned comparisons to Michael Essien, who is now an assistant coach at Nordsjaelland, for his box-to-box style, and would provide additional legs and brute force in Tottenham’s engine room.
Still only 20 years old, Yirenkyi has been linked with multiple clubs, including Real Madrid. As Ghana are set to play England in Group L, scouts from several English clubs will be watching, so a good performance in that game will likely put his name on other shortlists too.
