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Transfer deadline day LIVE: Enzo Fernandez twist, Arsenal Fofana hijack, Man Utd late move

Express Sport brings you the latest transfer news on deadline day.

Express Sport is on hand to keep you updated on transfer deadline day

Express Sport is on hand to keep you updated on transfer deadline day (Image: GETTY)

It's the final day of the transfer window, meaning clubs only have a few hours to complete their summer business. A number of high-profile deals are still in the works ahead of tonight's 11pm deadline, with Liverpool still in the market for a new winger despite signing Bradley Barcola yesterday. They are interested in a move for Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr, but the Eagles don't want to sell him with so little time remaining in the window.

Manchester City are chasing a blockbuster deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, while Tottenham are trying to land Mykhaylo Mudryk on loan with the option to buy at the end of the season. Manchester United, meanwhile, could wave goodbye to at least two players before the window closes, with Joshua Zirkzee having emerged as a late target for clubs in Italy.

Gabriel Jesus clause confirmed

Arsenal have waved goodbye to Gabriel Jesus and it is understood a sell-on clause has been included in his deal.

Barcelona have paid around £12.8million for the 29-year-old Brazilian.

The Gunners will not pursue a direct replacement for the striker today.

Gabriel Martinelli's departure will also be announced soon though the Saudi transfer deadline is not until this weekend.

Arsenal blocked from Ethan Nwaneri agreement

Arsenal are unable to stop Ethan Nwaneri from playing against them in the Champions League as he closes in on a move to Borussia Dortmund.

The English attacker is expected to complete a season-long loan deal and will be free to play against the Gunners.

In Europe, players can play against their parent club in UEFA competitions.

Nwaneri could therefore return to the Emirates Stadium and play against the Gunners for Dortmund in the league phase of the Champions League.

Nwaneri ironically scored against BVB in a pre-season friendly for Arsenal at the Emirates this summer in a 3-2 defeat.

UEFA rules mean Arsenal are prevented from seeking a private agreement with Dortmund to prevent Nwaneri from playing in the game.

Xabi Alonso on summer transfer business

Xabi Alonso was asked earlier this week about Chelsea's summer transfer business.

He said: "We are quite close to the plan we had. We will see where we finish, whether it is fully executed or whether there are still things to be done, or things we could not do."

Adding: "I don't have a number, I have an idea [on squad size]. We will be close to that. Hopefully, all of them will feel involved. We are all in the same boat and everyone is pulling in the same direction."

Chelsea FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League 2026/27

(Image: Getty)

Man City agree loan deal

As Manchester City look to sign one Argentine midfielder in Enzo Fernandez, they are about to send another out on loan.

Fernandez's countryman Claudio Echeverri is joining Benfica on loan.

The 20-year-old had spells on loan at Bayer Leverkusen and Girona last season.

He has made just three City appearances so far since his debut in May 2025.

Benfica have an option to make Echeverri's loan permanent next summer.

DONE DEAL! Newcastle unveil Fernandez-Pardo

Newcastle United have officially confirmed the signing of Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille.

It comes after the midfielder completed a medical with the Magpies earlier on deadline day.

Brighton agree deal for Azeez

Brighton have finally agreed a deal to sign Millwall winger Femi Azeez, according to Sky Sports.

It's claimed the Seagulls have succeeded with a bid of around £15m after seeing a number of offers knocked back.

Azeez is reportedly desperate to join Brighton and have a crack at the Premier League this season.

Femi Azeez is edging towards a move to Brighton

Femi Azeez is edging towards a move to Brighton (Image: Getty)

Barcelona's window is OVER - No Julian Alvarez move

Barcelona's summer transfer window is reportedly over following the signing of Gabriel Jesus.

The attacker joins from Arsenal for a fee of £8.6million.

Barcelona had been pushing to sign Julian Alvarez, but that deal looks like it now won't happen.

Whether that opens the door for Arsenal once again remains to be seen.

Alvarez did return to training at Atletico Madrid this week.

Man Utd pursuing Louis Page deal

Manchester United are working on a deal to sign Leicester City youngster Louis Page, according to Ben Jacobs.

Arsenal have also been credited with a desire to land the talented 18-year-old midfielder.

Man Utd not moving for Salinas

United are not currently planning on making a late move for 19-year-old left-back Jorge Salinas, despite his move from Racing Santander to Atletico Madrid being on the brink of collapse.

United have looked at the highly rated Salinas during the window, but he was seemingly close to a move to their Champions League opponents, only for the deal to fall apart today.

Racing Santander have signed a new left-back on deadline day, while Atletico have turned their attentions to a loan deal for Nicolas Tagliafico, with a suggestion they have struggled to offload enough players to make the move for Salinas.

The Spain under-19 international has a £13m release clause, but it's understood he won't be heading to Old Trafford on deadline day.

Jorge Salinas is unlikely to join United on deadline day

Jorge Salinas is unlikely to join United on deadline day (Image: Getty)

Man City 'agree Fernandez fee'

Some conflicting reports have emerged regarding the future of Enzo Fernandez.

According to L'Equipe, a transfer fee has finally been agreed between Manchester City and Chelsea.

It's claimed the midfielder will move to the Etihad Stadium for around £120m.

That's despite other claims that Chelsea are holding out for a larger figure.

DONE DEAL! Barcelona sign Jesus for £8.6m

Barcelona have officially confirmed the signing of Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus in a bargain £8.6m deal.

The move was agreed before deadline day, with Jesus putting pen to paper on a two-year contract.

Enzo Fernandez transfer update

Manchester City and Chelsea are still locked in talks over a deal for Enzo Fernandez to move to the Etihad Stadium.

With under nine-and-a-half hours remaining of the summer transfer window, negotiations are ongoing. The Blues knocked back City’s opening offer for Fernandez.

Chelsea are understood to want more than £120m for the Argentina international.

Fernandez, in what is football’s worst-kept secret, is pushing for a move to City to reunite with Enzo Maresca.

The future of Enzo Fernandez remains highly uncertain

The future of Enzo Fernandez remains highly uncertain (Image: Getty)

Serie A gem having medical at Hull

Robinio Vaz is currently completing a medical at Hull City ahead of a move from Roma.

The 19-year-old will join as part of a season-long loan, with an option to buy for around £25million.

That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who states Hull will also pay a loan fee in the region of £1.5m.

Malick Fofana transfer hijack

Crystal Palace are trying to hijack Sunderland's deal for Arsenal transfer target Malick Fofana.

Sunderland had agreed a £30million fee with Lyon for their talented winger.

But Fofana, who is in London, has received a similar offer from Palace and they are pushing to beat their Premier League rivals.

Enzo Fernandez bid rejected

Chelsea have rejected an opening bid from Manchester City for Enzo Fernandez.

City are still confident that a deal will go through, but are so far yet to meet Chelsea's valuation.

There are only a few hours left though, with Fernandez awaiting word he can complete what is set to be a transfer worth in excess of £120million.

Liverpool state of play

Liverpool are looking to complete a £25.6m move for 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans from Genk, with the player likely to spend the season in Belgium on loan.

There's also a £4.25m deal for French forward Djylian N'Guessan from Saint-Etienne to complete, again with the teenager staying in France for the campaign.

Going the other way, Harvey Elliott's loan move to Valencia is set to be completed, while a number of academy players are poised for temporary deals with Keyrol Figueroa close to joining League Two side Port Vale.

Stefan Bajcetic rejoined Spanish second tier team Celta Vigo on Monday after six years at Anfield for a fee understood to be in region of £1m.

Man City deal agreed as player transfer confirmed

Manchester City have confirmed Jaden Heskey has joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan.

He'll spend the campaign with the League One outfit, having spent time with the club last season.

Upon his return, Heskey said: “I'm over the moon to be back after I got a taste of it last season. It's definitely a place that I wanted to return to.

“It was really tough with the games and the situation that we were in, but I think the fans, the support that we had all the way through, it couldn't really go unnoticed.

“The last day was a special day that I'll always remember.

Coventry City v Sheffield Wednesday - Sky Bet Championship

(Image: Getty)

Chelsea bid for Camara rejected

Monaco have formally rejected an opening proposal from Chelsea for midfielder Lamine Camara.

The bid was worth around £38.5m, inclusive of bonuses.

Camara trained with Monaco this morning after starring in Sunday's win over Marseille.

The Blues remain in ongoing discussions with their Ligue 1 counterparts, but time is running out to agree a deal.

DONE DEAL! Villa sign Harwood-Bellis

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Taylor Harwood-Bellis on a permanent deal from Southampton.

They will pay an initial £25m fee with another £5m available in performance-related bonuses.

Everton closing in on Maitland-Niles

Everton have agreed a deal with Lyon to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles, according to Sky Sports.

The former Arsenal utility man is now expected to finalise the remaining details of the move.

It seems likely that he will replace Nathan Patterson, who is poised to join Torino.

Fenerbahce v OL Lyonnes - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Play-Offs First Leg

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is reportedly set to join Everton (Image: Getty)

Woltemade in Italy to complete Juventus move

Nick Woltemade has landed in Turin ahead of his move from Newcastle to Juventus.

The German joined Newcastle last summer but hasn't been able to make the necessary impact in the Premier League.

DONE DEAL! Vieira returns to Hamburg

Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira has officially joined Hamburg on a permanent deal for around £8.5m.

He spent last season on loan with the German side, scoring seven times in 29 appearances.

Chelsea £40m announcement released

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor for £40million.

However, the 18-year-old will only officially become a Chelsea player in 2027.

That's because he is moving to Crystal Palace on a season-long loan from the Serie A side first.

Chelsea cannot loan two players to Palace in the same campaign, having already sent Axel Disasi to Selhurst Park.

Alvarez to Arsenal twist

Arsenal have abandoned hope of signing Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid today.

The Gunners were hopeful of convincing the Argentine striker to complete a blockbuster £128million transfer, despite Alvarez telling Mikel Arteta last week he was not interested.

Now Arsenal are looking at alternative options.

However, they are set to miss out on Malick Fofana, who is heading to Sunderland in a £30m deal.

Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid looks on during the LaLiga

Julian Alvarez is set to stay at Atletico. (Image: Getty)

Chelsea WON'T sanction Enzo Fernandez exit unless...

Chelsea are not willing to sanction an exit for Enzo Fernandez until they are confident about signing a replacement.

That's according to The Daily Telegraph, who report Xabi Alonso's side aren't prepared to potentially leave themselves short.

DONE DEAL! Aston Villa confirm Mbaye signing

Aston Villa have officially announced the signing of Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG.

The young forward, who was previously linked with Liverpool, moves for a transfer fee of around £47m.

Alvarez returns to Atletico training

Julian Alvarez is training with Atletico Madrid again this morning, indicating his chances of sealing a sensational deadline day transfer to Arsenal are next to nothing.

We've already known for some time that the Gunners were facing an uphill battle, to put it lightly, to land the ex-Manchester City forward.

He's failed to warm to a return to the Premier League because of his desire to join Barcelona but Arsenal have been prepared to do a big-money deal, even this late in the window, for the World Cup winner.

However, his presence at Atletico Madrid training, having now been reintegrated with the squad, suggests he is staying put.

Chelsea submit opening Camara bid

Chelsea have tabled a formal bid for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, according to Fabrizio Romano.

It's claimed the Blues have offered around £39m, which is a figure deemed too low by Monaco.

Chelsea are also in talks over a potential move for Roma playmaker Manu Kone as Enzo Fernandez edges closer to joining Manchester City.

Malick Fofana deal agreed in major Arsenal update

Malick Fofana will be coming to the Premier League, but to Sunderland instead of Arsenal.

The Lyon man was said to be offered to the Gunners, but there was indecision behind the scenes.

Instead, it's reported by The Athletic that Sunderland have swooped in and secured the youngster's signature.

The 21-year-old will travel for a medical, with the transfer expected to go through before tonight's deadline.

READ MORE

Olympique Lyonnais v Le Havre AC - Ligue 1 McDonald's 2026/27

Malick Fofana looks to be heading to Sunderland (Image: Getty)

Zirkzee left in transfer limbo

The knock-on effect for Nick Woltemade's move to Juventus is Joshua Zirkzee has been left frantically trying to sort a late move.

Juventus had a deal agreed in principle for wantaway Man United striker Zirkzee but boss Luciano Spalletti wanted a more traditional number nine.

Juventus have given the manager has wish and agreed a season-long loan for Woltemade, who is due in Turin this afternoon.

They will not be signing both players so Zirkzee is left in a pickle. Fiorentina had a loan bid knocked back last week.

Woltemade had plenty of offers but Juventus's late push appealed straight away.

Joshua Zirkzee is no longer expected to join Juventus

Joshua Zirkzee is no longer expected to join Juventus (Image: Getty)

Gian Piero Gasperini on Manu Kone exit

Gian Piero Gasperini was quizzed about Manu Kone's future after Roma's win over Lecce. The ex-Atalanta manager remarked: “Absolutely not, it is a media thing, I know nothing about it. I know the owners too do not want to sell.

"I don’t know who approached us, but we have not received any formal offers for him.”

Hull set to make four signings

Newly-promoted Hull City are closing in on four deadline day signings.

They are currently finalising a deal to land Genoa defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, with Cody Drameh going the other way in a separate deal.

Robinho Vaz is reportedly undergoing a medical ahead of a permanent move from Roma, while Tim Iroegbunam is poised to join the Tigers from Everton.

Ilyas Ansah is also expected to arrive at Hull from Union Berlin in a deal worth around £21m.

Enzo Fernandez 'agreement in principle' between Man City and Chelsea

Manchester City and Chelsea have struck an agreement in principle for Enzo Fernandez.

The Argentine has been linked with City all summer, with Fernandez said to be desperate to reuinite with Enzo Maresca.

As per Gianluca Di Marzio, an agreement has been struck in principle, with Fernandez set to travel to Manchester today to complete the formalities.

Fulham v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27

Enzo Fernandez appears to be Man City bound (Image: Getty)

Chelsea nearing Kone deal

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Roma midfielder Manu Kone, according to Sky Sports.

Kone had been tipped as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who is a target for Manchester City.

More on that shortly...

AS Roma v ACF Fiorentina - Serie A 2026/27

Manu Kone's proposed move to Chelsea is getting closer (Image: Getty)

Ipswich trio to leave on loan

Ipswich Town will loan out three players before tonight's 11pm deadline, according to TWTD.

Chiedozie Ogbene is poised to join Championship newcomers Lincoln City, while Cameron Humphreys will move to Huddersfield.

Tudor Mendel, meanwhile, is expected to sign for Luton Town on a deal until the end of the season.

DONE DEAL! Guiu joins Leipzig on permanent deal

Marc Guiu has left Chelsea and joined Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in a permanent transfer.

The striker departed Stamford Bridge in a deal worth around £13.7m, with the Blues inserting a significant sell-on clause.

Thomas desperate to join Hull

Sorba Thomas is trying to force a deadline day move from Stoke City to Hull City after three lowball offers.

Hull made an initial offer of £5m rising to £7m for the 27-year-old winger.

They came back with £6m on the table when that was rejected and only increased that to £7m yesterday.

Stoke, who would need to source a replacement, have been holding firm but Thomas wants a crack at the Premier League and may refuse to play in tonight's league game at home against Norwich.

Sorba Thomas is pushing for a move to Hull City

Sorba Thomas is pushing for a move to Hull City (Image: Getty)

Fernandez-Pardo completes Newcastle medical

Matias Fernandez-Pardo has completed a medical ahead of his £55m move to Newcastle.

That's according to Sky Sports, who say an official announcement is only a matter of time.

Villa set to confirm two signings

Aston Villa are expected to confirm two signings today - Ibrahim Mbaye and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Both players were in attendance at Villa Park for last night’s match against Arsenal.

Unai Emery said he does not expect any more arrivals beyond those two players.

Meanwhile, a few youngsters can be expected to depart on loan, while Leon Bailey needs to find a new club, with Sevilla and Al Diriyah both interested in him.

Leeds agree bargain Bard deal

Leeds United are poised to sign Nice defender Melvin Bard.

The full-back will join the Yorkshire club on a season-long loan before making the deal permanent next summer.

Leeds will pay an initial £1m, with the deal rising to £5.5m.

The 25-year-old will undergo a medical at Elland Road this afternoon.

Melvin Bard is set to join Leeds United on deadline day

Melvin Bard is set to join Leeds United on deadline day (Image: Getty)

Elliott set to join Valencia on loan

Harvey Elliott will complete a season-long loan move to Valencia on transfer deadline day.

The versatile midfielder flew into Spain overnight ahead his medical.

His short-term switch to Mestalla could end with a new contract at Liverpool but his current deal runs until 2028 anyway, which means that the Reds will still be able to get a transfer fee for him if they decide to sell him permanently next summer.

Brighton have Azeez bid knocked back

Millwall have rejected a £10m bid from Brighton for the services of forward Femi Azeez.

That's according to Sky Sports, with Millwall reportedly looking for closer to £15m.

Azeez was one of the best players in the Championship last season and was targeted by Ipswich Town back in January.

Man City chasing £200m double deal

Manchester City are working on deals for Enzo Fernandez and Iliman Ndiaye and will hope to pull both off today in what would be a near £200m deadline day double deal.

The Blues have tracked Fernandez for most of the summer but Chelsea want £120m for the midfielder.

Enzo Maresca is a huge fan of Fernandez and wants the Argentina international to bolster a midfield that has seen key departures with Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders all departing this summer.

Meanwhile, Ndiaye is expected to join City in a £65m move after talks with Liverpool over a switch for Cody Gakpo broke down.

Enzo Maresca is pushing to sign Enzo Fernandez and Iliman Ndiaye

Enzo Maresca is pushing to sign Enzo Fernandez and Iliman Ndiaye (Image: Getty)

Patterson set for Torino switch

Everton defender Nathan Patterson has arrived in Italy to complete a permanent move to Torino, according to Sky Sports.

It's further claimed that the Toffees are hoping to sign Fulham full-back Kenny Tete in a £9.4m deal.

However, that move could depend on whether the west Londoners manage to land a replacement.

Abraham to stay at Villa

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has confirmed that Tammy Abraham won't be leaving the club before tonight's deadline.

A deal had been agreed to loan the striker to Ipswich Town, but that is no longer expected to happen.

"We opened the door for him but he’s decided to stay here with us," said Emery after last night's defeat to Arsenal.

"I am going to be very demanding with him to add his qualities with us."

Burnley in talks over Amass deal

Burnley are in talks with Manchester United over a potential move for Harry Amass, who has been put up for sale by the Red Devils.

A transfer fee in the region of £3.5m has been discussed but negotiations aren't progressing as things stand.

That's according to The Athletic, who say there's also no guarantee that United will sign a new left-back before the deadline.

Burnley are reportedly exploring a move for Harry Amass

Burnley are reportedly exploring a move for Harry Amass (Image: Getty)

Everton set to sign Balogun

Everton are expected to confirm the signing of Lille striker Folarin Balogun today, according to The Independent.

The former Arsenal striker is reportedly set to join the Toffees in exchange for a £40m transfer fee.

He will replace Beto, who is on course to join Fiorentina in a permanent deal.

Fulham and Sunderland agree deals

Fulham have agreed a £21.4m deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson, according to Fabrizio Romano.

He will reportedly arrive in London later today to complete a medical and sign on the dotted line.

Sunderland, meanwhile, are set to land Tottenham defender Kevin Danso on an initial loan.

A mandatory purchase clause worth around £25m has also been negotiated, with the move set to be completed before the deadline.

Grealish set for Everton medical

Jack Grealish is expected to undergo a medical at Everton in the coming hours ahead of his proposed loan return.

The Athletic say that Everton were the only side to agree terms with Manchester City after Sunderland had an offer waved away last week.

Grealish was always keen to return to Merseyside after his successful loan spell last season was cut short due to an injury.

Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League 2026/27

Jack Grealish is poised to return to Everton on loan (Image: Getty)

Nwaneri heading to Dortmund on loan

Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri is set to join Borussia Dortmund on loan, according to The Athletic.

He is currently travelling to Germany for a medical ahead of the switch, which will be a straight loan with no purchase clause.

Nwaneri has been linked with a temporary move away from the Emirates Stadium all summer to gain regular first-team minutes.

Newcastle set to sign Fernandez-Pardo

Newcastle United are closing in on a deal to sign Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, according to Sky Sports.

It's claimed they are expected to pay around £55m to land the Belgian international ahead of tonight's deadline.

He could replace Nick Woltemade, who is reportedly heading to Juventus on a straight loan.

Man City open Fernandez talks with Chelsea

Manchester City are in talks with Chelsea over a potential move for Enzo Fernandez, according to The Guardian.

The midfielder has been linked with a switch to the Etihad Stadium throughout the summer window.

Chelsea previously set an asking price of £120m and may push for an even higher fee with the deadline looming large.

Enzo Fernandez could join Manchester City before the deadline

Enzo Fernandez could join Manchester City before the deadline (Image: Getty)

Ipswich close to Flemming deal

Ipswich Town are closing in on the signing of Burnley striker Zian Flemming, according to TWTD.

They had initially agreed a loan deal for Tammy Abraham, but the former England striker is now expected to stay at Aston Villa.

Ipswich have since turned their attention to Flemming, who could reportedly move to Portman Road in exchange for a £17m fee.

Sarr to Liverpool hopes dwindling

Crystal Palace do not want to sell Ismaila Sarr to Liverpool on deadline day, according to TEAMtalk.

It's claimed that the Eagles have already rejected a verbal offer in the region of £40m.

The report adds that Palace aren't expecting Liverpool to submit a renewed bid before the window closes.

Chelsea accept Mudryk loan with £75m buy option

Tottenham are poised to sign Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk on loan until the end of the season, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The deal will reportedly include a £75m non-mandatory purchase clause.

Mudryk has been given permission to undergo a medical at Spurs and complete the formalities of the switch.

Mykhaylo Mudryk is set to join Tottenham on loan

Mykhaylo Mudryk is set to join Tottenham on loan (Image: Getty)

Man Utd can complete two deals

It's a bit quiet in terms of incomings for the Red Devils, but two players could be allowed to leave before the window closes.

Joshua Zirkzee recently turned down a move to Fiorentina but remains a target for Juventus.

He is reportedly viewed as a target to replace Jonathan David, who is poised to join Atletico Madrid.

Harry Amass could also depart Old Trafford in the coming hours, having been made available earlier in the window.

Good morning

Hello and welcome to Express Sport's live coverage of transfer deadline day!

We'll be on hand to bring you the very latest from the Premier League and beyond throughout the day.

Grab yourself a coffee and get ready for what should be a busy one...

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