The Guardian's daily transfer rumour column covers a busy summer of speculation across the Premier League and beyond, with a "midfield merry-go-round" theme after Bruno Guimarães's move to Arsenal and Manchester United's recent signings. The most eye-catching claim is that free agent Jamie Vardy, 39, could make a stunning return to English football with West Ham, following a season at Italy's Cremonese after leaving Leicester City.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid are said to be eyeing Arsenal's Martín Zubimendi, while Arsenal themselves are linked with wingers Pedro Neto and Kenan Yildiz as Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson are tipped to leave the Emirates, with Nelson reportedly heading to West Ham on loan. Chelsea are trying to offload fringe players including Benoît Badiashile, who could join Jesus at Napoli, while Manchester United are said to have switched their left-back interest from Newcastle's Lewis Hall to RB Leipzig's David Raum. Leeds United are also reportedly targeting Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi, with forward Joe Gelhardt possibly moving to Wrexham.