The latest Premier League transfer news as Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea race to make late window deals
We’re all set for another weekend of Premier League drama, after the opening gameweek saw shock results and goals galore. Highlights over the coming days of English top tier action include Newcastle United’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal’s visit to Aston Villa, and an intriguing contest between Leeds United and Brentford, both of whom impressed on the opening day.
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Meanwhile, we’re now just a few days away from the summer transfer window closing, and clubs are working furiously to get their final deals done before the 11pm deadline on September 1st. It’s expected to be a hectic weekend and start to next week, with high profile transfers including Bradley Barcola’s big-money switch to Liverpool expected to go through.
Another deal that could happen is Enzo Fernandez’s transfer from Chelsea to Manchester City, as the two clubs continue to discuss a potential move. Should the Argentina international leave, the Blues will need a replacement, and The Sun now claim that Chelsea are gearing up a move for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.
The story says that both Chelsea and Liverpool are chasing the 22-year-old, who has had two highly impressive seasons in Ligue 1. It’s suggested that the west Londoners will struggle to sign top target Alex Scott from Bournemouth this summer, and could turn to Camara as a more realistic, lower-cost alternative.
The 3AM Verdict: It’s still not certain that Fernandez will leave Chelsea, with City now believed to be looking at alternative options. Camara would be a great signing for Chelsea, strengthening their midfield for now with a view to signing Scott next summer. With Liverpool fully focused on Barcola at the moment, the Blues should stand a good chance of signing Camara if they need to.
Man United face left-back signing headache
Barcelona's Alejandro Balde is among Man United's left-back transfer targetsplaceholder image
Barcelona's Alejandro Balde is among Man United's left-back transfer targets | Getty Images
Meanwhile, Manchester United still haven’t managed to sign a new left-back, despite it being one of their top priorities this summer. Signing Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall hasn’t proved possible, and now they look to be struggling in their attempts to bag Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde.
Caught Offside say that both Barcelona’s asking price and the player’s wage demands are deemed too high by United, and that Balde is not looking to leave the Catalan giants this summer. It’s said to be Barca who are looking to engineer the move, while the 22-year-old wants to stay at the Camp Nou and keep fighting for a place in the team.
The 3AM Verdict: The chances of United getting Balde before the deadline look slim, so they’d do well to look elsewhere. Brighton’s Ferdi Kadioglu and RB Leipzig’s David Raum are thought to be high on their list of alternatives - we’d go all in for Raum, wholooks to be the pick of the bunch by a considerable margin.
Arsenal eye late window raid for Endrick
Real Madrid's Endrick could become a late window target for Arsenalplaceholder image
Real Madrid's Endrick could become a late window target for Arsenal | Getty Images
Last up, it’s over to the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal could have one more big deal up their sleeve after already signing the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa so far this summer. According to Team Talk, the Gunners have launched “fresh enquiries” over a potential move for Real Madrid starlet Endrick, ahead of potential late window raid.
The story says that have sprung into action as Gabriel Martinelli moves closer to joining Al-Hilal, amid apparent concerns from Endrick’s camp that the Brazilian will have limited game time under new manager Jose Mourinho. Arsenal’s fellow Premier League heavyweights Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are also thought to be keeping a close eye on the situation.
The 3AM Verdict: While Mourinho is believed to be keen to hold onto Endrick, we could see him moving before the window if he can’t get any guarantees on playing time. Now 20-years-old, he’ll be desperate to be a first-team regular, having impressed on loan at Lyon last season. We have a feeling he might end up going out on another loan spell - whether that’s to Arsenal remains to be seen.
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