LONDON: The Premier League transfer deadline is approaching, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and several other clubs pushing to complete major deals before the window closes on Tuesday at 2200 GMT.
Once the Premier League transfer deadline passes, top-flight clubs will not be able to sign new players until January, increasing pressure on teams seeking late additions to their squads.
Manchester City are working to complete a blockbuster move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, while Arsenal are reportedly targeting Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez in one of the biggest potential deals of deadline day.
Premier League Transfer Deadline: Man City Chase Enzo Fernandez
Manchester City’s biggest priority before the Premier League transfer deadline is reportedly Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea value the Argentina international at around £120 million ($162 million), but City have yet to meet that valuation.
A move could reunite Fernandez with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who is now in charge at Manchester City. Maresca is keen to strengthen his midfield following the departure of World Cup winner Rodri to Barcelona, along with Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders.
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has left Fernandez out of the squad for the club’s last two matches as speculation continues over a possible move to the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City are also expected to announce the signing of Everton midfielder Iliman Ndiaye for around £65 million after reportedly beating Tottenham to his signature.
Meanwhile, Arsenal could make one of the biggest moves of the Premier League transfer deadline if they manage to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.
The Argentina striker reportedly prefers a move to Barcelona, but Atletico could reportedly consider a £128 million offer from Arsenal rather than sell him to their La Liga rivals.
Alvarez has missed several training sessions and was absent from Atletico’s squad for their recent victory over Sevilla.
A return to the Premier League would reunite Alvarez with his former club Manchester City and could represent a major statement from Arsenal as they target back-to-back English league titles for the first time since the 1930s.
Premier League Transfer Deadline: Liverpool and Tottenham Make Moves
Liverpool have already made a major investment ahead of the Premier League transfer deadline, signing France forward Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported £123 million.
However, Liverpool are still looking for another winger as they adjust to life following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr and Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh are reportedly among the players on Liverpool’s shortlist.
A new winger could also affect the future of Dutch forward Cody Gakpo, who has attracted reported interest from Manchester City and Tottenham.
Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott is also expected to leave on loan, with Valencia reportedly lined up as his next destination following a disappointing spell at Aston Villa last season.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are looking to strengthen their squad after missing out on Ndiaye.
The north London club are reportedly interested in a loan move for Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, while a £7 million deal for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo is also being considered.
The final hours before the Premier League transfer deadline could therefore produce further movement across several top-flight clubs.
Premier League Transfer Deadline: Chelsea, Villa and Everton Complete Deals
Chelsea have continued their own recruitment drive by signing 18-year-old Italy defender Honest Ahanor from Atalanta for around £40 million.
Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is also set to return to Everton on loan after spending last season with the Merseyside club.
Grealish fell out of favour at City during the past two seasons but impressed during his time at Everton before suffering a season-ending foot injury in January.
Everton are also close to signing United States forward Folarin Balogun from Monaco in a deal worth around £40 million.
Aston Villa have strengthened their squad with the signing of Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported £47 million.
Mbaye made 31 appearances for PSG in all competitions last season as the French club won both the Champions League and Ligue 1 title.
The 18-year-old also represented Senegal at the recent World Cup, scoring against France to become the youngest African player to score in the men’s tournament.
Villa manager Unai Emery then strengthened his defence by signing Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis for around £29 million.
Elsewhere, Newcastle striker Nicolas Woltemade is reportedly set to join Juventus on loan.
With only hours remaining before the Premier League transfer deadline, clubs across England and Europe are racing to finalize deals, with several high-profile transfers still capable of reshaping squads before the January window opens.
