5 potential transfers to watch as deadline day looms

Chelsea’s Argentinian midfielder #08 Enzo Fernandez reacts after failing to score during the pre-season friendly football match between Chelsea and Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge in London on August 15, 2026. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)

By Adegboyega Adeleye

The summer transfer window is entering its deadline day, but the completion of Bradley Barcola’s blockbuster move to Liverpool has not ended the drama, with several high-profile deals still hanging in the balance.

Liverpool completed the signing of the France forward from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a fee worth up to £123m, including an initial £106m and £17m in potential add-ons. Barcola has signed a five-year contract and becomes the Reds’ fifth summer arrival.

The final hours of the window could still produce several major twists — particularly around Alvarez, Fernandez, Gakpo and the potential moves they could trigger elsewhere. With Barcola now off the market, attention turns to the other major deals that could still be completed before Tuesday’s 23:00 BST deadline, according to BBC Sport.

1. Julian Alvarez to Arsenal or Barcelona

Julian Alvarez’s future at Atletico Madrid remains one of the biggest stories of deadline day.

The Argentina striker reportedly wants to leave Atletico, but the Spanish club are unwilling to sell him to Barcelona. They would, however, be prepared to negotiate with Arsenal.

Arsenal have maintained a long-standing interest in the 26-year-old, with Atletico seeking around €150m (£128m) for his services.

The situation has become increasingly tense, with Alvarez missing several training sessions and being left out of Atletico’s squad for their match against Sevilla.

A move to Arsenal would represent one of the biggest deals of the window and could significantly strengthen the Gunners’ attacking options.

2. Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City

Manchester City could make another huge statement before the deadline by signing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

The Argentina international missed Chelsea’s win over Brighton on Sunday amid growing uncertainty surrounding his future.

City are looking to reinforce their midfield after the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders.

A move for Fernandez would reportedly require a club-record fee, exceeding the £116m City paid for Elliot Anderson earlier this summer.

The potential deal could also have a knock-on effect at Chelsea.

3. Lamine Camara to Chelsea

If Fernandez leaves Stamford Bridge for Manchester City, Chelsea could turn to Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as his replacement.

The Senegal international has already made 49 appearances for his country and is reportedly on Chelsea’s radar.

A move would add another significant incoming transfer to Chelsea’s remarkably busy window, with the Blues potentially completing their 13th signing of the summer.

Chelsea have also been heavily involved in player sales, with more than 30 departures expected as they continue to reshape their squad.

4. Cody Gakpo to Manchester City or Tottenham

Cody Gakpo’s future is another major storyline to watch.

Manchester City have opened talks with Liverpool over a potential move for the Netherlands international, with a deal worth around £85m reportedly being considered.

Gakpo is understood to be open to the move, while City are reportedly his preferred destination.

Tottenham are also interested, but Liverpool’s willingness to sell could depend on whether they can sign another attacking player following Barcola’s arrival.

That makes Gakpo’s situation particularly intriguing: his departure could trigger another late attacking move by Liverpool before the deadline.

5. Ismaila Sarr to Liverpool

Liverpool have already secured Barcola but could still add another attacking player if Gakpo leaves.

The Reds have turned their attention to Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr after Brighton rejected two bids for Yankuba Minteh.

Liverpool offered around £60m for Minteh, but Brighton want more.

Sarr, who plays predominantly on the right, has scored 23 goals in 81 appearances for Senegal. Liverpool initially approached Palace last week, although that approach was rejected.

With Barcola now confirmed, Gakpo potentially heading for the exit and Minteh proving difficult to sign, Sarr could emerge as Liverpool’s next major deadline-day target.

Other deals to watch

6. Richarlison and Iliman Ndiaye swap

Tottenham and Everton are in advanced discussions over a deal that could see Iliman Ndiaye move to Spurs while Richarlison returns to Everton.

Ndiaye’s move is largely agreed, although Manchester City have also shown interest in the Everton forward.

Everton, meanwhile, have agreed terms in principle to bring Richarlison back after the Brazilian made clear his desire to leave Tottenham.

7. Jack Grealish to Everton

Everton are increasingly confident of bringing Jack Grealish back on loan from Manchester City.

Grealish spent last season at Everton, scoring twice and providing six assists in 20 appearances.

The England international reportedly prefers returning to Everton to the possibility of rejoining boyhood club Aston Villa.

8. Matias Fernandez-Pardo to Newcastle

Newcastle remain interested in Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, with manager Matthias Jaissle keen to strengthen his attack.

The 21-year-old’s versatility and creativity fit Newcastle’s recruitment strategy, although completing the deal before the deadline could prove difficult.

Lille manager Davide Ancelotti notably left Fernandez-Pardo out of the squad for their weekend game against PSG and has excluded him from training until the transfer window closes.

9. Joshua Zirkzee to Juventus

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee could also be involved in a late move.

Fiorentina had explored a loan but could not agree terms with United, who would prefer a permanent sale or a loan containing an obligation to buy.

Juventus are interested, although their move for Zirkzee reportedly depends on Jonathan David leaving for Atletico Madrid.