The summer transfer window closes in England, Spain and Italy on Tuesday, leaving clubs with just a few hours to complete deals. Several high-profile players are being linked with moves, most notably Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez, as Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly remain active in the market.
Julian Alvarez: Arsenal lead the chase
The long-running saga over Julian Alvarez's future could be nearing a resolution. Atletico Madrid have been unwilling to sell their star striker to a domestic rival, which appears to have derailed the Argentina international's preferred move to Barcelona. As a result, Arsenal have moved to the top of the queue to sign the 26-year-old, a club Atletico are willing to do business with.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta knows the player well from their time together at Manchester City and is keen to bring in a frontline striker who comes close to guaranteeing 20-plus goals a season. Atletico are believed to be holding out for a €150 million fee for a player who still has four years left on his contract, as reported by The National. Alvarez has been booed by sections of the Atleti support this season after making it clear he wants to leave the club.
The Irish Sun reports that Arsenal have been waiting on Alvarez to change his mind and give them the go-ahead, and are ready to seal a record British transfer. However, his return to training with Atletico following a fan fallout could suggest he might stay.
Enzo Fernandez: A potential British record move to Manchester City
Manchester City have been pursuing Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez all summer, with the two clubs in talks to push the deal over the line before the deadline. The Irish Sun reports that the transfer could reach a British record £140 million, while The National cites British media reports that Chelsea want £120 million for the Argentine midfielder.
Fernandez was left out of Xabi Alonso's squad for the weekend win against Brighton & Hove Albion, with the Spaniard tight-lipped about the World Cup winner's future. City boss Enzo Maresca knows the 25-year-old's capabilities well from their time together at Chelsea and is keen to bolster a midfield that already includes another big-money signing in Elliot Anderson (£116m). Fernandez has made noises about wanting to leave Stamford Bridge over the past five months and was critical of the club after their elimination from last season's Champions League. With Chelsea set to play hard ball, this deal could go right to the wire.
Iliman Ndiaye: City's hijack
Manchester City dramatically hijacked Tottenham's swoop for Everton star Iliman Ndiaye on Monday. It is believed Everton had struck an agreement in principle with Spurs for Ndiaye to join for £60 million, according to The Irish Sun. After seemingly missing out on Cody Gakpo, City pivoted to Ndiaye, leaving Spurs' hopes in tatters. With Everton having moved on to Mykhaylo Mudryk, Ndiaye to City feels likely.
Cody Gakpo: City or Spurs?
The Dutch winger is a target for both Manchester City and Tottenham, with City willing to bid around £85 million, as reported by The National. Gakpo scored in Liverpool's opening match against Newcastle United and was deployed on the right wing in the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest. His versatility is said to appeal to Maresca, who has lost Savio and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham over the past week.
The Irish Sun reports that Gakpo had agreed personal terms with City, but Liverpool are reluctant to sanction an £85 million deal until they have found a replacement. Liverpool completed a separate £123 million deal for PSG's Bradley Barcola on Monday, a move viewed as distinct from Gakpo's situation.
Jack Grealish to Everton
Jack Grealish is set for a medical at Everton after the Toffees met City's demands, according to The Athletic as cited by The Irish Sun. Grealish spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Everton, ending the season with two goals and six assists from 22 appearances before a foot injury curtailed his campaign. The winger is scheduled to undergo a medical on Tuesday morning before signing with Everton on a season-long loan. Everton boss David Moyes is also keen to bring in a striker, with reports linking Richarlison with a move.
Gabriel Martinelli: A move to Saudi Arabia
Gabriel Martinelli is in talks with Al Hilal regarding a €70 million move, as reported by The National. The winger was on the fringes as Arsenal won their first Premier League trophy in 22 years. Martinelli is expected to sign a four-year contract with Al Hilal, though he will not be registered in time for the club's league game against Al Ahli Saudi on Tuesday.
Other possible deadline-day deals
Chelsea have contacted several targets to bolster their midfield, including France international Manu Kone. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea have contacted Kone's camp to sound out a move from Roma, although there has been no official bid yet. Talks with Monaco's Lamine Camara have reportedly stalled, according to Onze Mondial. Bournemouth sporting director Thiago Pinto said playmaker Alex Scott will not be sold, even though he will enter the final year of his contract in 2025.
Liverpool see Ismaila Sarr as a potential Gakpo replacement and have reportedly bid around £50 million for the Senegal international, but Crystal Palace are holding out for £75 million. The Reds have also had bids for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh rejected. Manchester United have been linked with Lewis Hall, but Newcastle have insisted the left-back is not for sale, even if United offer an astronomical amount on deadline day. Everton are said to have sent a £40 million bid to Monaco for former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun.