As the Premier League transfer window closes on Tuesday at 2200 GMT, several high-profile deals remain in motion as clubs race to finalize their squads before the deadline. Manchester City and Arsenal are among the leading teams vying for key signings in what promises to be a busy final day of the summer transfer period.
Manchester City is in advanced discussions to acquire Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. Chelsea values Fernandez at approximately £120 million ($162 million), a price City has yet to fully meet. The Argentine’s potential move could reunite him with former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, who now manages City and is keen to strengthen his midfield after the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez, and Tijjani Reijnders. Fernandez has been absent from Chelsea’s squad for the last two matches amid ongoing transfer speculation. Alongside Fernandez’s pursuit, City is also expected to confirm the £65 million signing of Senegalese midfielder Iliman Ndiaye from Everton, prevailing over Tottenham's interest in the 26-year-old.
At Arsenal, the focus is on securing Argentina striker Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Despite Alvarez’s reported preference to join Barcelona, Arsenal is poised to make a substantial offer believed to be around £128 million. Atletico, while reluctant to sell to a direct La Liga rival, might be persuaded to do business with the Premier League club. Alvarez has not taken part in recent training sessions and was absent from Atletico’s recent victory over Sevilla, fueling transfer speculation. Signing Alvarez would represent a significant statement of intent from Arsenal as they aim to defend their Premier League title, potentially marking their first back-to-back championship since the 1930s.
Elsewhere, Arsenal striker Ethan Nwaneri is expected to move on a season-long loan to Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool made a major signing by acquiring France forward Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million. However, manager Andoni Iraola continues to seek additional wingers to compensate for Mohamed Salah’s departure to Trabzonspor in August. Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr and Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh are on Liverpool’s shortlist. Should these deals materialize, it could facilitate the exit of Dutch forward Cody Gakpo, who has attracted interest from both Manchester City and Tottenham.
Other notable moves include Aston Villa’s acquisition of Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG for a reported £47 million. The 18-year-old appeared four times for Senegal at the recent World Cup, becoming the youngest African player to score in the men’s tournament. Villa also strengthened their defense by signing Southampton center-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis for £29 million.
Tottenham is reportedly pursuing a loan deal for Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk after missing out on Ndiaye and is also eyeing a £7 million deal for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo. Chelsea has added to their ranks with the £40 million signing of Atalanta’s 18-year-old Italian defender Honest Ahanor.
In loan developments, Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is set for another season-long loan at Everton, where he impressed before a foot injury ended his last campaign prematurely. Everton is also close to signing United States forward Folarin Balogun from Monaco for around £40 million. Meanwhile, Newcastle striker Nicolas Woltemade is reportedly heading to Juventus on loan as the window approaches its close.