The summer transfer window entered its final stretch on Thursday with multiple Premier League clubs pursuing significant deals. Al-Hilal moved closer to securing England forward Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa in a £50m agreement, while Chelsea intensified their pursuit of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who remains a target for Manchester City. Sunderland, meanwhile, submitted a loan proposal for City winger Jack Grealish.
What is happening with Ollie Watkins and Al-Hilal?
The Saudi Arabian club has substantially progressed negotiations with Aston Villa over the 30-year-old England international. According to reports on 26 August, Al-Hilal were finalising a £50m agreement that would include a medical examination and a three-year contract for Watkins. The forward has been pushing for the move, and Villa had previously rejected a fresh bid on 21 August when Watkins was keen to pursue the opportunity. However, the club had also turned down a €45m (£38.5m) offer from the Saudi side earlier in August, suggesting negotiations have progressed significantly since then.
Where does Chelsea stand on Alex Scott?
Chelsea have made the 23-year-old Bournemouth midfielder their primary target to replace Fernandez, but face substantial obstacles. The club has already submitted three bids that Bournemouth rejected by 25 August, with Scott remaining their top priority before the transfer window closes. According to reports from 26 August, Chelsea would need to sell Fernandez before they could realistically complete a deal for Scott, who could cost more than €100 million. Bournemouth have shown no interest in selling the England midfielder this summer and have consistently rejected offers. Chelsea's interest in Scott dates back to July, when Bournemouth rejected an initial approach and the player reportedly declined a contract extension offer.
The situation with Fernandez remains fluid, as Manchester City continue to pursue the Argentina midfielder despite missing Chelsea's earlier deadline. Chelsea's pursuit of Scott had already seen three bids rejected, indicating the complexity of their transfer strategy as they attempt to balance outgoings with incomings.
What is Sunderland's proposal for Jack Grealish?
The Stadium of Light club has submitted a loan offer to Manchester City for the 30-year-old England winger. According to reports from 26 August, the proposal would see Manchester City cover part of Grealish's wages and include an option for Sunderland to make the move permanent next summer. This structure would allow City to reduce their wage bill while keeping the door open for a future sale.
What other significant moves are in progress?
Aston Villa are close to securing Portugal winger Rafael Leao from AC Milan, with Galatasaray set to pay approximately £38m for the 27-year-old. Chelsea are also advancing negotiations to sign 18-year-old Italy defender Honest Ahanor from Atalanta for £36m. Manchester United continue to monitor Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, 22, as they look to strengthen their defensive options. Newcastle have not abandoned their pursuit of Lille winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo, 21, though they remain cautious about any deal that might breach Premier League and UEFA spending regulations. Bayer Leverkusen have lined up Martin Terrier, 29, as a potential replacement for Fernandez-Pardo at Lille.
Fiorentina rejected Nottingham Forest's opening bid of £6m for Brazilian right-back Dodo, 27, signalling they expect a higher offer. Marseille are confident of retaining Brazilian forward Igor Paixao, 26, despite interest from Arsenal and Sunderland. Aston Villa have enquired about West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo, 26, as they search for centre-back reinforcements. Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios, 27, is close to completing a £23.5m transfer to Ipswich Town. Everton are preparing to sign Guinea-Bissau forward Franculino, 22, from Midtjylland and are willing to allow Republic of Ireland defender Jake O'Brien, 25, to leave the club.
What happens next in the transfer window?
Several key decisions remain outstanding as the deadline approaches. Chelsea's pursuit of Scott and Sunderland's loan proposal for Grealish both hinge on unresolved negotiations, with the critical factor being whether Chelsea can sell Fernandez and whether Manchester City will accept Sunderland's terms. Al-Hilal and Villa are expected to continue discussions over Watkins, with a medical examination and contract signing potentially occurring within days if a full agreement is finalised. The window's final hours will likely determine whether these protracted negotiations reach completion or collapse.
Key Facts
- Al-Hilal have substantially progressed a £50m deal for Ollie Watkins, with a medical and three-year contract expected to follow
- Chelsea have submitted three rejected bids for Alex Scott and must sell Enzo Fernandez before completing a deal for the Bournemouth midfielder
- Sunderland's loan proposal for Jack Grealish includes Manchester City covering part of his wages and an option to make the move permanent next summer
- Multiple other significant moves are in advanced stages, including Rafael Leao to Galatasaray and Exequiel Palacios to Ipswich Town
