The summer transfer window closes on 1 September, with clubs across Europe facing a busy few days as they battle to wrap up their summer business now that the 2026/27 season has started.
There have been several notable moves throughout Europe over the summer, with Barcelona’s capture of Rodri and the transfers of Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson and Bruno Guimaraes making headlines.
But while some teams will feel their business is already done, most clubs – especially some in the Premier League – know they need more arrivals if they’re to compete this season.
Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United are known to be looking at making last-minute additions, while teams including Chelsea and Arsenal are hoping to make late additions in the coming days depending on outgoings.
So, with just a few days left of the window, here are 10 big transfers that could still happen before deadline day:
Enzo Fernandez to Man City
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was booed on his return to Stamford Bridge after a turbulent summer that ended in a sending off and a defeat in the World Cup final. The Argentine has previously suggested he’d be happy to leave the Blues, and new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca is a big fan of his former midfielder. However, Chelsea previously set a deadline of 5pm on Friday 14 August for clubs to bid for the midfielder, and with that deadline having passed the club expect him to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alonso recently stated that Fernandez is “training really well”, but City are expected to test Chelsea’s resolve before the end of the window with an offer at or near the Blues’ demands of £120m. In addition, City are said to have agreed personal terms with the Argentine already.
Julian Alvarez to Barcelona or Arsenal
The saga around Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez is another that has rumbled on throughout the summer, and the Argentina international has been Arsenal’s primary target throughout the window. The Gunners seemingly turned their attentions elsewhere after the Argentine made it clear that he hoped to join Barcelona, but with Atletico refusing to do business with their LaLiga rivals after an explosive fallout, the door may have opened up for Mikel Arteta to strike.
Any deal would be a club record though, with Atletico having turned down bids of £85m and £130m from Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. Atletico insist Alvarez is not for sale at any price this summer, telling Marca: “There is a 0% chance of selling Julián Alvarez to Barcelona”. But that may mean keeping an unhappy player – or selling to Arsenal.
Lamine Camara to Chelsea
Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara has been linked to Chelsea in recent days as City’s potential move for Enzo Fernandez has gained momentum. The club are said to be exploring the conditions for a move, with some reports in France suggesting that the Blues originally sounded out a move for around £34m. Monaco are said to want just over £50m for the 22-year-old.
Kenan Yildiz to Arsenal
Arsenal’s much-publicised pursuit of Vinicius Jr might have ended in disappointment, but the Gunners are still hoping to sign a left-sided forward before the end of the summer window. That desire has seen them turn their attentions to Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, with the Turkey international valued at over £60m by the Italian giants. There is plenty of space for negotiations – with Gabriel Martinelli nearing a move to the Saudi Pro League – but this is one to watch as the window enters its final days, even if the champions might decide to wait until January to upgrade this part of the attack.
Ismaila Sarr to Liverpool
Sarr has been the subject of two bids by Galatasaray, which Crystal Palace have rejected, and now Liverpool have entered the conversation as they bid to bolster Andoni Iraola’s attacking options. Sarr, 28, would fit the profile of an Iraola player, with speed and athleticism on and off the ball, as well as the technical ability to create and score goals while playing at a high tempo. Palace say they are determined to keep Sarr and have rejected a £50m offer from Liverpool, and it is unclear whether the Reds will return with an improved bid.
Yankuba Minteh to Liverpool
With a £50m offer for Sarr having been rejected, it looks unlikely that Liverpool will return for the midfielder rather than coming back to another transfer target on the wing – Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh. The Reds have seen bids worth £50m and £60m turned down by the Seagulls, though they could be forced to come back with an improved offer, especially considering Sarr could go elsewhere and Ibrahim Mbaye is set to move to Aston Villa. Reports suggest Brighton value Minteh at closer to £80m, though it is not known whether the Reds would stretch that far, especially after signing Barcola for over £105m.
Iliman Ndiaye to Man City or Tottenham
Everton winger Iliman Ndiye has emerged as a target for Man City in recent days, though the club are yet to make a formal bid for the Senegal international. Everton boss David Moyes has said that any move now would make it “too tight for time” to re-invest and find a replacement, and with City’s wing options looking encouraging it might be one that gets puts to the side. However, Tottenham are also reportedly interested as they continue their search for a winger, so it may not be a closed case yet.
Jean-Philippe Mateta to Aston Villa
Another Palace forward facing interest from a fellow Premier League club is Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has scored 15 goals in each of the past three seasons at Selhurst Park. The 29-year-old would be a possible replacement for Ollie Watkins, who is the subject of interest from the Saudi Pro League, but Palace were unimpressed by Villa’s suggested price point and talks have not yet advanced. More recently, Mateta suffered an injury that could keep him out for around a month, meaning any move elsewhere is in jeopardy.
Alejandro Balde or Jorge Salinas to Manchester United
Balde was left out of Barcelona’s opening squad after manager Hansi Flick told him to gather his thoughts around his future. It has since been reported that Balde would prefer to stay at the Camp Nou, but the young left-back is United’s primary target to bolster their defence and Barca are thought to be open to serious bids. A fee of around £40m has been mooted for the Spanish 22-year-old, should United decide to step up their interest, though Fabrizio Romano has previously suggested the deal is “too expensive” forUnited to do it this summer, though the situation is fluid.
A different option could be an approach for Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas, who has a release clause around £13.7m. The 19 year old has also been a target for clubs including Atletico Madrid, but he could offer a stopgap option for United too.
Cody Gakpo to Tottenham or Man City
The Liverpool and Netherlands forward is known to be wanted by Tottenham, who are not yet done with their lavish summer spending. But it would require at least two new faces to arrive at Anfield for Liverpool to consider sanctioning a sale. Spurs have reportedly agreed personal terms with Gakpo, who scored on the opening weekend and bagged an assist against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but are yet to make a formal offer to Liverpool, while Manchester City are also said to be interested. One to watch in the final days of the window, but several dominos would need to fall – and perhaps Liverpool will want to keep him after a couple of encouraging cameos to begin the season?
