The summer transfer window, which opened on 15 June, enters its final stretch with multiple Premier League clubs working urgently to complete significant deals before the 23:00 BST deadline on 1 September. Among the players whose futures remain uncertain are Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Cody Gakpo, and Ismaila Sarr—all of whom could change clubs in the coming days.
The frantic activity reflects the competitive nature of the transfer market, with clubs seeking to strengthen their squads before the new season progresses. Several high-profile moves hang in the balance, each with its own complications and competing interests.
What is happening with Julian Alvarez?
The Atletico Madrid striker's potential transfer represents one of the window's most dramatic sagas. The 26-year-old Argentine, who reached the World Cup final this summer, is caught between his desire to leave Atletico and the club's firm refusal to sell him to Barcelona. However, Atletico have indicated they would be willing to negotiate with Arsenal.
According to recent reporting, Atletico have privately told Alvarez and his representatives that Barcelona is not an option, leaving Arsenal as his only realistic exit route. The Gunners have maintained long-term interest in the striker and have been closely monitoring developments. Atletico are seeking a fee of 150 million euros (approximately £128 million).
Alvarez's commitment to leaving has been evident in his recent actions. He missed multiple training sessions and did not travel with the squad to face Sevilla on Saturday, with manager Diego Simeone stating he was unwell. Simeone has attempted to keep diplomatic channels open, indicating he will
do everythinghe can to make Alvarez feel valued upon his return to training.
Will Enzo Fernandez move to Manchester City?
The Chelsea midfielder's future has become increasingly uncertain following links with Manchester City. Fernandez missed Chelsea's Premier League victory over Brighton on Sunday as speculation surrounding his potential departure intensifies.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with the Argentina international at Chelsea, is keen to strengthen his midfield following the summer departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez, and Tijjani Reijnders. According to reports from a major sports outlet, Chelsea have indicated they would be prepared to sell Fernandez for the right price, with Manchester City preparing an opening offer before the deadline.
Any deal would likely represent a club record for City, surpassing the £116 million paid for Elliot Anderson earlier in the summer. Chelsea's valuation for Fernandez has been reported at £120 million.
Could Lamine Camara arrive at Chelsea?
Should Fernandez depart for Manchester City, Chelsea are positioned to bring in Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as his replacement. The Senegal international, who has earned 49 caps for his national team, would represent Chelsea's 13th incoming transfer of the window.
According to transfer specialists, Chelsea and Monaco have reached an agreement in principle for Camara's signing at approximately €45 million, with only final details remaining to be completed before the deadline.
Chelsea's activity in the transfer market has been extraordinary this summer. The club is expected to surpass the Premier League player sales record they established last season at £300 million, with departures exceeding 30 players. Beyond Fernandez's potential exit, uncertainty surrounds the futures of several other squad members. Mykhailo Mudryk is seeking a loan move, while clarity remains lacking on the situations of Pedro Neto and Tosin Adarabioyo. Dario Essugo, Deivid Washington, and Shim Mheuka could also leave the club.
Where will Cody Gakpo play next season?
Manchester City have opened negotiations with Liverpool regarding the transfer of Netherlands attacker Cody Gakpo, and the player is receptive to the move. However, Liverpool have set a condition: they will only sanction the transfer if they can secure an additional attacking player beyond Bradley Barcola.
Tottenham have also expressed interest in acquiring Gakpo, but Manchester City are positioned as the frontrunners. City have tabled an offer worth approximately £85 million, and sources indicate this is Gakpo's preferred destination.
Is Liverpool pursuing Ismaila Sarr?
With Gakpo's future uncertain, Liverpool have shifted their focus to Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr. The Senegal international, who has scored 23 goals in 81 appearances for his country, represents an alternative target after the club had two bids for Yankuba Minteh rejected by Brighton.
Brighton have demanded more than the £60 million Liverpool offered for Minteh, leaving open the question of whether the Seagulls will return with an improved proposal. Like Minteh, Sarr operates as a right-sided winger. Liverpool initially inquired about Sarr last week, but Crystal Palace rejected the approach. The Reds may need to return with a formal bid if they wish to pursue the deal further.
What is happening with Richarlison and Iliman Ndiaye?
Tottenham and Everton are in advanced discussions regarding a player swap involving striker Iliman Ndiaye and Brazil forward Richarlison. Richarlison, who has entered the final year of his Tottenham contract, has reportedly told Spurs head coach Roberto de Zerbi multiple times that he wishes to leave.
While a deal for Ndiaye is largely agreed between the two clubs, uncertainty remains about whether the 26-year-old will complete the move to north London. Manchester City have expressed interest in the player, complicating negotiations. Everton are open to selling Ndiaye after he rejected multiple contract extension offers and held talks with Saudi club Al-Hilal earlier in the summer.
Will Jack Grealish return to Everton?
Everton are growing increasingly confident of completing a loan arrangement to bring Jack Grealish back from Manchester City. The England international, who scored twice and provided six assists in 20 appearances during his previous loan spell at Everton last season, has prioritized a return to Merseyside over rejoining boyhood club Aston Villa, who have also expressed interest.
The precise terms of any agreement remain complicated, particularly given that Grealish enters the final year of his Manchester City contract. Nevertheless, his preference for Everton appears to be a decisive factor in the negotiations.
Is Newcastle pursuing Matias Fernandez-Pardo?
Newcastle United have maintained a longstanding interest in Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, the 21-year-old Belgium international who made his national team debut in June. Manager Matthias Jaissle has made clear his intention to continue pursuing deals in the final days of the window, following the recent unveiling of Nico Gonzalez.
Fernandez-Pardo's creativity and versatility across the frontline appeal to Newcastle, and his age aligns with the club's recruitment strategy this summer. However, completing such a deal in the final days of the window presents significant logistical challenges. Lille manager Davide Ancelotti's decision to exclude Fernandez-Pardo from the squad for the weekend match against Paris St-Germain and to keep him out of training until the window closes suggests the French club may be preparing to allow his departure.
What about Joshua Zirkzee at Manchester United?
Unless an unexpected late development emerges around Marcus Rashford, Manchester United's deadline day activity is expected to center on Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee. The striker, who has completed two previous stints in Serie A with Parma and Bologna, is a target for Fiorentina.
Fiorentina wish to acquire Zirkzee on loan with an option to buy, whereas United would prefer either an outright sale or a loan with an obligation to purchase. Zirkzee's potential departure could create space for United to pursue a left-back or additional forward reinforcement, though any such move might initially take the form of a loan arrangement.
What happens next?
The transfer deadline arrives on 1 September, and both Arsenal and Manchester City are expected to continue their attempts to complete deals before the window closes. Chelsea and Monaco still need to finalize remaining details on the Camara agreement before it can be officially confirmed. The final week of the transfer window promises to be exceptionally busy, with multiple clubs racing to strengthen their squads before the market shuts.
