Transfer deadline day LIVE: Julian Alvarez to Arsenal latest, Enzo Fernandez to Man City, Chelsea search for replacement
Transfer deadline day has arrived with two of the biggest sagas of the summer still to be resolved: will Arsenal sign Julian Alvarez and could Enzo Fernandez be swapping Chelsea for Manchester City before tonight’s 11pm deadline?
Premier League champions Arsenal have pursued Alvarez all window but are running out of time to submit an offer to Atletico Madrid, despite selling Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus to free up space for the 26-year-old forward. It means the Gunners could be left short in attack if they do not meet Atletico’s €150m asking price and so have explored alternatives, with Lyon’s Malick Fofana emerging as a late option.
Manchester City, meanwhile, will need to submit a bid that is higher than £120m to sign Fernandez from Chelsea and complete their midfield rebuild. Fernandez has been left out of Chelsea’s last two squads and Xabi Alonso’s side will not sell the Argentina international without a suitable replacement, with Monaco’s Lamine Camara, Roma’s Manu Kone and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott all on their radar.
Manchester United have still not signed a left back, while Liverpool’s business appears done after signing Bradley Barcola and rejecting Manchester City’s approach for Cody Gakpo. City have agreed a £60m deal with Everton to buy Iliman Ndiaye. That could have an impact on Everton’s pursuit of Richarlison, with Tottenham still wanting to sign a new forward too.
Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals below
Man City open talks with Chelsea over Enzo Fernandez
Manchester City reached a breakthrough last night in their pursuit of Enzo Fernandez, but Chelsea are still set to demand more than £120m for the midfielder. This one could go right down to the wire and could depend on Chelsea’s own search for a replacement, as well as whether City ultimately meet Chelsea’s valuation.
Enzo Maresca wants to be reunited with Fernandez, who was left out of the Chelsea squad by Xabi Alonso for Sunday’s 4-3 win over Brighton and has already been booed by his own fans this season. It would take an enormous transfer fee to bring the World Cup winner to Manchester, but with Fernandez seemingly eager to leave, the west London club might not have a choice but to lower their demands.
Jamie Braidwood1 September 2026 06:30
