Barcola to Liverpool? Alvarez to Arsenal? Ten big transfers that could still happen before deadline day

The summer transfer window closes on 1 September as clubs across Europe aim to wrap up their summer business ahead of the 2026/27 season.

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 done this summer, most clubs – especially some in the Premier League – know they need more arrivals if they’re to compete this season.

Manchester City, Newcastle and Aston Villa will need to replace some of their outgoing stars, while Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and even champions Arsenal are all hoping to make late additions in the coming days – and big-spenders Tottenham might not be done just yet.

So, with just a few days left of the window, here are 10 big transfers that could still happen before deadline day:

Liverpool’s pursuit of PSG winger Bradley Barcola has been one of the stories of the summer, and while the Reds are yet to submit a formal bid for the Frenchman, this is a potential deal that could run right until the end of the window. PSG are said to want around £145m for the 23-year-old, and while Liverpool will not go that high, there is hope at Anfield that a deal could be done at a price closer to £120m. Barcola was left out of the PSG squad for the French Super Cup last week – with manager Luis Enrique refusing to comment on his future – and the two clubs are still in negotiations. The fact PSG have signed two wingers this summer, in Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts from Monaco and Ajax respectively, as well as forward Ferran Torres from Barcelona, would suggest they are prepared for Barcola to depart.

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.

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 Turkiye 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 the attack.

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, the door could open 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.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper almost joined Manchester United last summer, but United opted for Senne Lammens and Martinez stayed at Villa Park. Now he looks set to leave the club, with Chelsea among those interested in his services, after an unconvincing start to the season by Robert Sanchez added to the urgency at Stamford Bridge to improve the options in goal. Villa have already brought in Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma in preparation for Martinez’s departure, and his representatives have initiated talks with the Blues.

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.

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.

This one sounds close, with the West Ham full-back set to move in a transfer worth around £40m in total. Brentford have Rico Henry in the left-back position but Diouf will provide competition and can also play further forward if required. The price tag is high but, at 21, the defender is a purchase for the long term.

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.

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, 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.