Portsmouth rivals in four-way transfer battle for midfielder as Championship trio eye swoop for Arsenal sensation
The latest transfer headlines involving Pompey’s Championship rivals.
It’s been a mixed start to the new campaign at Fratton Park as Pompey sit 19th in the Championship heading into the three-week international break.
John Mousinho, of course, recruited 12 new players during the summer window as he shaped his squad for the new campaign.
There have already been some standout performers in the opening weeks, with loan captures Benjy Arthur, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and Jayden Meghoma all impressing.
Although the summer market has slammed shut, some clubs are already making a start on preparations for the January window.
Gossip and speculation continues to do the rounds across the Championship as the rumour mill begins to turn.
Here are the latest transfer headlines involving Pompey’s second-tier rivals.
West Ham in four-way battle for midfielder
West Ham are in a four-way battle to sign attacking midfielder Marcel Regula, according to reports in Europe.
The Hammers have enjoyed a solid start to the new campaign following their Premier League relegation and go into the international break occupying second in the early-season standings.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have picked up 15 points from their opening eight matches, which has seen them lose just once so far.
After a summer overhaul, attention is already turning to the winter window at the London Stadium, with the Hammers said to be on the trail of young sensation Regula.
Polish news outlet Sportowy have claimed Pompey’s Championship rivals are keen on the 19-year-old and could make a move in January.
West Ham are not alone in the reported chase, however, with Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Benfica also believed to be interested.
Polish top-flight outfit Zaglebie Lubin currently value Regula, who still has two years to run on his current deal, between €15m and €17m.
The attacker netted seven goals and collected five assists in 32 outings at The Lubin Stadium last term and has already scored twice in the first nine games of the new season.
Having fended off Pompey in the Carabao Cup first round in August, the Hammers face the Blues once again in November at Fratton Park.
Championship trio eye Arsenal talent
A trio of Championship sides are believed to be interested in landing Arsenal youngster Max Dowman in January.
TEAMtalk’s transfer guru Graeme Bailey has claimed Norwich City, Wolves and Burnley are keeping tabs on the teenager’s situation at the Emirates Stadium ahead of the winter market.
The 16-year-old is reportedly on Premier League new-boys Coventry City’s radar as Frank Lampard looks to bolster his ranks in the new year, while Scottish Premiership duo Celtic and Rangers have been touted with a move.
The report states Mikel Arteta’s side will assess Dowman’s situation closer to the winter market, with the winger looking for regular game time to continue his development.
Dowman has risen through the ranks in North London and has gone on to score three goals in 15 senior outings since his first-team debut in August 2025.
Mousinho’s troops visit Norwich, Wolves and Burnley in quick succession after the international break, with the trio all said to be interested in the Arsenal sensation.