Atletico Madrid insisted there is “zero per cent chance” they sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona this summer and claim they are “the only victims” in the protracted transfer saga. The 26-year-old forward has made it clear that he would like to join Barcelona but Arsenal continue to monitor the situation and may move to make a late deal for the Argentina international. The Independent understands that Atletico would like Alvarez’s future to be decided by Friday.
Liverpool have enquired about the availability of Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr after holding further talks with Paris Saint-Germain over the signing of Bradley Barcola. Sarr, who did not play for Palace this past weekend, is Liverpool’s latest target after the Reds had also seen two bids for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh turned down. Liverpool saw a £50m approach for Sarr knocked back, but positive talks were held over Barcola, with PSG insiders now expecting the winger to leave the club this summer.
Elsewhere, Manchester City have sealed a €100m deal for Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and have sold Savio to Tottenham in a deal worth £85m. They are also interested in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and could yet reignite a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, making him potentially the biggest transfer of the summer. Chelsea could turn back to Bournemouth’s Alex Scott if they sell Fernandez and are also interested in Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals below
Read MoreAtletico Madrid release furious Julian Alvarez statement amid Arsenal interest
Liverpool identify new winger target after Yankuba Minteh bids rejected
Chelsea could move again for Alex Scott as Enzo Fernandez replacement
Transfer news - live updates
- Arsenal given Julian Alvarez deadline as swap deal possibility emerges
- Liverpool make £50m approach for Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr
- Chelsea exploring move for goalkeeper Emi Martinez from Aston Villa
- Man City prepare late Enzo Fernandez offer after signing Ayoubb Bouaddi
- Liverpool hold positive talks with PSG in bid to sign Bradley Barcola
- Omar Marmoush set for Tottenham medical after Savio arrival
Forest keen to fend off Neco Williams interest from Spurs
15:52 , Will CastleNottingham Forest are intent on fending off late interest in left-back Neco Williams amid interest from Tottenham, according to The Standard.
Forest insist the Welshman is not for sale and are trying to tie him down to a new contract.
Spurs, meanwhile, have not ruled out the move and would be open to understanding any requirements for a deal to happen, but recognise that a transfer is unlikely.
Villa forward joins Doncaster on loan
15:45 , Will CastleAston Villa attacker Tommi O’Reilly has completed a loan switch to Doncaster Rovers.
✍️ Welcome to Rovers, Tommi O'Reilly!
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) August 26, 2026
The attacker joins on a season-long loan from Premier League side Aston Villa, subject to ratification from the EFL, Premier League and FA. #DRFC
Barcelona clarify Julian Alvarez dispute and remain keen to sign Atletico star
15:36 , Jack Rathborn“First of all we have absolute respect for Atletico, and we have personal appreciation for their directors, because we've known each other for years,” Barcelona president Joan Laporta said in a statement.
“At Barca, we made an offer to Atletico, from club to club, I ratified this offer through a personal call I had with Miguel Angel Gil, He told me that they didn't intend to sell the player as they didn't have an alternative to Julian. I told him we were interested in him and we of course respect that, but if they could find an alternative, we would of course be interested in the player.
“I spoke to Deco and we decided to leave it since they didn't want to sell the player. Then we received information that Atletico were negotiating with other clubs to sell the player. We thought our offer was still valid, it's common knowledge that the player wants to come to Barcelona.
“Our offer is still valid to the end of the window in case Atletico want to sell the player. The truth is we're very interested in the player and we'd like our offer to be accepted.”
Igor Tyjon appears to confirm Blackburn exit ahead of Arsenal move
15:25 , Will CastleWonderkid striker Igor Tyjon has all but confirmed that he is leaving Blackburn ahead of a £1m move to Arsenal, having undergone a medical last week.
Sharing a black-and-white photo of himself at Ewood Park, he wrote on Tuesday evening: “I would like to thank (Blackburn) Rovers for the last 3 years. Thank you to all my teammates and staff throughout the years.
“I’ve made friendships for life and memories I won’t forget. Lots of ups and downs and learning on the way.
“The last couple of months have been tough due to certain people and reasons I can’t say but I will never forget the good times at this club.”
This post has since been deleted.
Atletico Madrid release furious Julian Alvarez statement after transfer speculation
15:15 , Jack RathbornAtletico Madrid are furious at the Julian Alvarez transfer saga and have bemoaned their position amid interest from Barcelona and Arsenal in the Argentine striker.
"The player is being portrayed as a victim, but the only victims in the Julián case are us,” the La Liga club said in a statement released to Spanish newspaper Marca.
"They've hurt us both financially and socially. There's a 0% chance of selling him to Barça. This situation isn't about money, it's about dignity.
"A campaign has been created with many lies and half-truths. The only one paying the price for this is Atlético.”
DONE DEAL! Ethan Pinnock joins Coventry
15:12 , Will CastleCoventry have signed Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock for an undisclosed fee, ending his seven-season stay in west London.
Pinnock is Cov. 💎
— Coventry City (@CoventryCityFC) August 26, 2026
We have completed the signing of Ethan Pinnock on a permanent transfer from Brentford.
Tottenham could swoop for Amine Gouri
15:00 , Will CastleTottenham could hijack Napoli's pursuit of Marseille forward Amine Gouiri, according to Correire dello Sport.
Napoli have been in the market for an attacker but have seen their efforts to sign Gabriel Jesus fall through due to financial reasons, while Chelsea’s Marc Guiu could also be targeted.
Monaco interested in Pape Matar Sarr
15:00 , Will CastleMonaco are among the clubs interested in signing Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, according to Sky Sports.
Monaco are looking for new midfielders in case they lose Lamine Camara, and Sarr could leave Spurs amid heightened competition for minutes.
Enzo Fernandez to be involved in Luton clash, says Xabi Alonso
14:50 , Will CastleChelsea manager Xabi Alonso says Enzo Fernandez will be involved in their Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town amid reports that Manchester City will make a late move for the Argentinian.
"Yes, we expect that he's involved," said Alonso in a press conference on Wednesday.
"He's trained. He's training really well. He's a good professional and he will be involved."
Chelsea considering late swoop for Emi Martinez
14:48 , Will CastleHear that? That was the sound of Chelsea fans having their ears collectively perk up.
Chelsea are exploring a late move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, according to BBC Sport.
The club have contacted the Argentinian’s representatives, who have since offered Martinez to Chelsea.
It comes amid heightened criticism towards Blues keeper Robert Sanchez following a horror show against Fulham on Monday.
Nottingham Forest loan out defender
14:45 , Will CastleNottingham Forest have confirmed the loan exit of 20-year-old defender Eric da Silva Moreira.
Eric da Silva Moreira has joined Excelsior on a season-long loan deal.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 26, 2026
Best of luck, Eric.
Arsenal explore move for Kenan Yildiz after missing out on Vinicius Jr
14:30 , Miguel DelaneyArsenal are looking into whether a deal for Juventus' Kenan Yildiz is possible in this window, as Mikel Arteta seeks to complete his transfer plans for an assault on both the Champions League and Premier League for the new season.
Arteta has long identified the left side attack as a priority position to upgrade, with Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr having been the ideal target. The Brazilian's decision to stay at the Bernabeu caused Arsenal to reconsider the situation, and some thought has been given to waiting until either January or next summer when other deals could become possible.
The club would probably have moved for Bournemouth's Junior Kroupi had it not been for his injury, and that does represent an option for January.
Arsenal explore move for Kenan Yildiz after missing out on Vinicius Jr
Newcastle appoint cult hero as loans co-ordinator with four youngster set for spells away
14:15 , Will CastleNewcastle United have appointed former defender Paul Dummett to be part of their revamped loans department, replacing Shola Ameobi who moved away from the role earlier this year, according to The i Paper.
It comes as several youngsters are earmarked for loan moves away before the end of the transfer window.
Right-back Leo Shahar and striker Sean Neave are set to be made available after attracting interest from League One and the Championship.
Park Seung-soo and Miodrag Pivas, two players signed in the last 12 months, also need first-team minutes and are likely to be allowed out on loan.
The club have already loaned Alex Murphy to German second-tier side Kaiserslautern, Antonio Cordero to Cadiz in the Spanish second division, and Anthony Munda to League Two club Swindon.
Hull City agree deal for Union Berlin star
14:00 , Will CastleHull City have agreed a deal to sign Ilyas Ansah from Union Berlin, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 21-year-old forward will join the Tigers for a package in excess of €20m, with final paperwork being completed.
Man Utd scout Stuttgart centre-back
13:45 , Will CastleManchester United are keeping tabs on Stuttgart centre-back Finn Jeltsch as the club continues planning for the long-term future of its defence, according to CaughtOffside.
The Red Devils have been scouting the 20-year-old and are considering making official contact.
Brentford agree deal for El Hadji Malick Diouf
13:38 , Will CastleBrentford have agreed a deal with West Ham to sign El Hadji Malick Diouf, according to Sky Sports.
The Bees will pay an initial fee of £35m plus £5m in add-ons for the Senegal defender, who was relegated with the Hammers last term.
DONE DEAL! Axel Disasi joins Crystal Palace on loan
13:35 , Will CastleChelsea defender Axel Disasi has joined Crystal Palace on loan for the season.
The 28-year-old has been part of a group training separately from the main Chelsea squad having spent last season on loan at West Ham.
We are delighted to announce the signing of defender Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea 🦅
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 26, 2026
Liverpool make £50m for Ismaila Sarr
13:32 , Will CastleBig development in Liverpool’s winger saga!
Liverpool have submitted a £50m bid to sign Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr, according to Fabrizio Romano.
It comes after talks over a move for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh fell through due to a gap in valuation.
The Senegal winger, who has an outrageous scoring record against the Reds, wants to move and has previously been interest of Galatasaray this window, this Palace rejecting two bids.
Palace and Leeds register interest in Jake O'Brien
13:30 , Will CastleThe Athletic reported earlier this week that Everton were braced for bids for defender Jake O’Brien and could be willing to sell, with interest coming in from England and across Europe.
Now, Football Insider have named Leeds and former club Crystal Palace as potential suitors, who have both registered an interest in the Irishman.
Newcastle make last-ditch attempt to sign Matias Fernandez-Pardo
13:00 , Will CastleNewcastle United are set to make a final offer for Matias Fernandez-Pardo, according to Belgian football journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
The Magpies are preparing to submit a final £51m bid including bonuses today to convince Lille to sell up.
It comes after L’Equipe said the Magpies had tabled a £35m offer.
Tottenham considering another midfielder amid James Maddison injury fears
12:45 , Miguel DelaneyTottenham have already spent big on midfielders this summer but they could go back into the market for reinforcements if James Maddison’s shoulder injury is serious.
There are currently fears that the Englishman, who missed most of last season with a serious knee injury, could be shelved for four months.
Manchester City are covering up their transfer mistakes – and leaving a clear lesson
12:30 , Richard JollyIt has been a goodbye to the greats in Manchester City’s summer of change, adios to Pep Guardiola and Bernardo Silva and John Stones and Rodri, with tributes reflecting their importance in the club’s history. Nathan Ake, another Champions League winner, was afforded less of a fanfare, but then he always did tend to fly under the radar.
But there is a different kind of farewell: to the men who have come and gone at some speed, often with sizeable sums of money changing hands, but without the longevity of Guardiola, Silva and Stones, who all gave either nine or 10 years of service. Some may have been designed as the successors to the Treble team, but are leaving in the same summer as a couple of them, barely a year after others. Which, in turn, can show the difficulty of coming after legends; anyone else can look a downgrade.
Read more from Richard Jolly:
Manchester City are covering up their transfer mistakes – and leaving a clear lesson
Christopher Nkunku returns to RB Leipzig
12:15 , Will CastleRB Leipzig have re-signed Christopher Nkunku from AC Milan on loan with an option to buy.
The Paris Saint-Germain youth product made his name at Leipzig, scoring 70 goals and winning two DFB Pokals during a four-year stint, leading Chelsea to spend big on the Frenchman.
He has since struggled with form and injuries and returns to Leipzig in a bid to reignite his career.
HE IS BACK! 🎈😍
— RB Leipzig (@RBLeipzig) August 25, 2026
Christopher #Nkunku kehrt für die Saison 2026/27 auf Leihbasis zu den Roten Bullen zurück. Zudem gibt es eine Kaufoption. 🤝
Willkommen zurück in Leipzig, Christo! ❤️🤍
🔗 https://t.co/B55Pm5tcO3 pic.twitter.com/t7krYlQVLf
Brentford signing already proving worth after Birmingham thrashing, says Keith Andrews
12:00 , Will CastleHead coach Keith Andrews believes the recruitment of Callum Wilson and Jaidon Anthony in the summer proves there are value-for-money deals to be done.
Wilson scored his first goal following a free transfer from West Ham in the 6-1 Carabao Cup win at Birmingham while Anthony, whose move from another relegated side in Burnley cost an initial £15m, provided three assists.
“He’s a proven goalscorer so he’s always hungry to score goals,” Andrews said of Wilson, whose sixth-minute, first-time strike began the rout of their Championship hosts.
“We were very confident he would slot in and give us more options in that area of the pitch, where we were probably a bit light last season, and the way he has impacted the group – his personality, his nous, the edge he plays with – and I really like the way he goes about his business as a professional.”
On Anthony, he added: “I was so keen to get him to the club and with the fees being thrown around at the moment when you look what we got him for, pound for pound he’s a brilliant deal.
“He scored eight Premier League goals last season, he’s Premier League ready, proven, and I don’t think he has hit his ceiling yet.”
Gabriel Martinelli set for Arsenal exit
11:45 , Miguel DelaneyGabriel Martinelli is nearing a move to Al-Hilal as his seven-year stint at Arsenal draws to a close.
The feel will be in excess of £50m.
Ollie Watkins' Saudi contract offer revealed
11:30 , Will CastleOllie Watkins could earn an annual salary of £12m if Al-Hilal get a move for the Aston Villa striker over the line in the final week of the transfer window, according to The Telegraph.
Al-Hilal have had four bids rejected for the 30-year-old this summer and must go higher than the £45m offer rebuffed by Villa last week.
The Saudi club are willing to offer lucrative personal terms to Watkins, who was notable for his absence in the hammering at Brighton.
Manchester City turn attention to Enzo Fernandez after completing Ayoubb Bouaddi move
11:24 , Richard JollyMan City have signed 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi with attention now turning to Enzo Fernandez before next Tuesday’s deadline.
The Morocco international joins City to bolster Enzo Maresca’s midfield, having already signed Elliot Anderson for £116m from Nottingham Forest this summer.
The Cityzens could dip back into the market to sign a third centre-midfielder, with strong ties between Maresca and Enzo Fernandez, with the Italian’s former club Chelsea previously setting a deadline and holding out for upwards of £120m.
Man City switch focus to Enzo Fernandez after completing £86m deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi
DONE DEAL! Manchester City sign Ayoubb Bouaddi
11:21 , Will CastleManchester City have completed the £85.6m signing of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old Morocco international, who was a breakout star of this summer’s World Cup, has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Welcome to City, @BouaddiAyyoub 🩵 pic.twitter.com/iKi1XxAFSi
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 26, 2026
Julian Alvarez misses Atletico training
11:15 , Will CastleMore on Julian Alvarez now.
According to Marca, the wantaway Argentinian was absent from Atletico Madrid training today amid interest from Arsenal and Barcelona.
Alvarez received a bitterly hostile reception when he made his Atletico return on the weekend, subjected to deafening jeers from the home crowd after his attempts to force a move out.
However, Atletico insist his absence from the training group was due to illness.
Liverpool discover Yankuba Minteh price after Brighton reject two bids for winger
11:00 , Richard JollyLiverpool will have to pay £70m to sign Yankuba Minteh from Brighton after seeing two bids rebuffed.
Brighton will hold firm to their valuation of the Gambian winger, The Independent understands.
Andoni Iraola is keen on the 22-year-old, who missed the Seagulls’ 4-0 win over Aston Villa through injury, but talks are currently not progressing well.
Liverpool discover Yankuba Minteh price after Brighton reject two bids for winger
Aston Villa launch bid for Jean-Philippe Mateta
10:45 , Will CastleAston Villa have tabled a bid for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, reports The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The bid is thought to be below what the Eagles would find attractive for the 29-year-old, who has thrown his future into serious doubt by launching an appeal that the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park should be made invalid.
Villa have also made an approach for Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane and been linked with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, with Ollie Watkins’ future unclear amid interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Ipswich close in on World Cup winner
10:30 , Will CastleIpswich Town are finally close to an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for Exequiel Palacios after having multiple bids rejected, according to The Athletic.
The newly-promoted Premier League side have made an improved offer of €22.5m plus €5m for the midfielder to join on a proposed four-year deal.
The Argentinian was part of the squad that won the World Cup in 2022.
Atletico Madrid set Julian Alvarez transfer deadline amid Arsenal interest
10:23 , Miguel DelaneyAtletico Madrid are pushing for the Julian Alvarez saga to be resolved by Friday, essentially giving the 26-year-old a choice to make on his future.
If Alvarez does agitate for a move to Arsenal, and the English champions meet an acceptable price, Atletico at least want the time to prepare for replacements.
The Argentine has made clear his ultimate ambition is to go to Barcelona but Arsenal have continued to work on the deal, in the knowledge that Atletico absolutely do not want to do business with their LaLiga rivals. That stance was reiterated in meetings this week intended to resolve the situation.
A potential advantage that Arsenal have is that they can send forwards the other way. Atletico manager Diego Simeone has already been pushing to strengthen his attack, and both Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus are appealing to the Madrid side.
There is the possibility that Gyokeres - or both - and a financial fee could be offered, greatly smoothing any deal.
Atletico Madrid set Julian Alvarez transfer deadline amid Arsenal interest
Omar Marmoush set for Spurs medical after loan agreement
10:15 , Will CastleSavinho - sorry, Savio - has already come through the door at Tottenham for big bucks. Now it’s Man City team-mate Omar Marmoush’s turn.
Tottenham have agreed a season-long loan deal with City for forward Marmoush, with an obligation to buy the player for £60m next year.
The Egypt international is now set to undergo a medical with the London club before completing the remaining formalities of the move.
Tottenham set to sign another Man City star after Omar Marmoush deal agreed
Forest eye Corinthians midfielder
10:03 , Will CastleNottingham Forest are in talks with Corinthians over a move for 20-year-old Brazil midfielder Andre, according to the Daily Mail.
Oliver Glasner is seeking reinforcements after his first two games of the season ended in defeat, both to Leeds in the league and the cup.
Man City poised to make huge bid for Enzo Fernandez
10:00 , Will CastleMan City are poised to make a late move for Enzo Fernandez and are prepared to make him the most expensive signing of the summer, according to The Telegraph.
An informal deadline for Fernandez to move had been set by Chelsea nearly a fortnight ago, one which passed without a formal offer from Manchester City, but the Argentina midfielder could still move before the window closes on Tuesday.
Chelsea want upwards of £120m for Fernandez.
Chelsea could move again for Alex Scott amid Liverpool interest
09:45 , Miguel DelaneyChelsea are preparing to go back to Bournemouth for Alex Scott as Enzo Fernandez moves closer to a move to Manchester City.
Bournemouth have so far shut down any interest, but there's a belief a bid in excess of £80m, and probably closer to £90m, might bring reconsideration.
The south-coast club have been firm in their stance that the midfielder is not for sale. The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Premier League last season, and trained with England at their camp in Florida ahead of the World Cup.
Liverpool have also held interest in Scott, with multiple sources saying that the Englishman is the top midfield target of former Cherries boss Andoni Iraola, now in the Anfield dugout.
However, they are not believed to have budget to add in midfield during this transfer window with other areas prioritised. They may instead wait until next year, which could prove risky given Chelsea’s interest.
Chelsea could move again for Alex Scott as Enzo Fernandez replacement
Liverpool could sell Cody Gakpo to rival to allow Bradley Barcola move
09:30 , Miguel DelaneyLiverpool remain intent on Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, despite the fact the Qatari-owned project want well in excess of £110m for the French international. It was that price which put Arsenal off.
Such a deal could be offset by the sale of Cody Gakpo, in one of many situations in this market that almost resembles a housing-market chain. Manchester City remain interested, while Tottenham have also been linked.
The pressure and the problem behind Liverpool’s transfer puzzle
09:15 , Miguel DelaneyLiverpool have a customary management meeting at the start of September, just after the transfer window closes, and the tone of it is currently subject to one main aim.
The football hierarchy, led by Richard Hughes, know the squad just has to be bigger. It’s an absolute priority, with a week of the window remaining, and there’s a pressure. Within that, though, there’s also a problem.
There are multiple areas to focus on, without that much money to spend. This is a strangely thin and lopsided squad. As one source says, “it’s like they’re in a boat with six different leaks but which one do you plug?” If they spend the available budget in one or two areas, they’re short in another.
Miguel Delaney delves into the details of Liverpool’s transfer puzzle:
The pressure and the problem behind Liverpool’s transfer puzzle
ICYMI: Tottenham complete £85m signing of Man City winger Savio
08:52 , Will CastleSavio has completed his £85m move from Tottenham to Manchester City as Spurs have taken their spending this summer past £300m.
The Brazilian becomes City’s record sale – replacing Julian Alvarez, who moved to Atletico Madrid for £82m two years ago – and one of the three most expensive players in Tottenham’s history, along with his new teammates Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
Spurs will pay an initial £75m, with a further £5m of add-ons guaranteed and the potential for £5m more on top of that.
Tottenham complete £85m signing of Man City winger Savinho
Chelsea set to offload Liam Delap for record fee
08:41 , Will CastleNottingham Forest have agreed a club record deal of £50m to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap.
The former Ipswich man has been displaced in the No 9 shirt at Stamford Bridge by Joao Pedro and the Chelsea hierarchy were open to letting him leave after a disappointing first campaign at the club.
Chelsea will make £20m profit on a striker they signed for £30m, and who scored just two goals in 41 appearances.
The 23-year-old is expected to complete a medical on Wednesday.
Newcastle agree £52m deal for Manchester City midfielder as Bruno Guimaraes replacement
08:38 , Richard JollyNewcastle have agreed a £52m deal with Manchester City for Nico Gonzalez and the midfielder is set to become their biggest summer signing.
The 2025 Carabao Cup winners will pay an initial £48m for the Spaniard with a potential £4m in add-ons.
It could give City a small profit after signing Gonzalez from Porto in January 2025 for £49m.
Gonzalez, while only 24, will become the oldest player Newcastle have signed this summer after they decided they need to add more experience following the departures of captain Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali from the midfield.
He is undergoing a medical today.
Newcastle agree £52m deal for Man City midfielder as Bruno Guimaraes replacement
Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa move for outcast Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson
08:37 , Miguel DelaneyAtletico Madrid have spoken to Chelsea about a loan for Nicolas Jackson, with a potential obligation to buy.
The London club would prefer an outright sale, as they attempt to offload a number of squad players ahead of transfer deadline day in eight days' time.
Aston Villa also considering Jackson, with a £65m deal being discussed.
Any move could have a knock-on effect on multiple other transfers.
Chelsea themselves are understood to be open to a versatile attacker should they complete enough outgoings, with Marcus Rashford an option that has been broached.
Atletico securing Jackson could meanwhile smooth Julian Alvarez's departure - potentially to Barcelona or even Arsenal - in what is already a protracted saga.
Atletico Madrid move for outcast Chelsea striker as potential Alvarez replacement
Man City step up midfield rebuild with €100m deal for 18-year-old
08:30 , Will CastleManchester City have agreed a €100m deal with Lille to buy midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old is set to become City’s second big-money midfield signing of the summer, and the third most expensive player in their history, as they continue their busy first summer under Enzo Maresca.
Bouaddi will arrive as City step up their midfield overhaul after the departures of captain Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.
City will pay an initial €95m deal with a potential €5m in add-ons, for the Morocco international.
He is set to join the £116m Elliot Anderson as part of City’s midfield revamp. Only Anderson and Jack Grealish have ever cost City more than his fee.
Why Ollie Watkins’ move to Saudi Arabia will tarnish his Aston Villa legacy
08:28 , Richard JollyThe England striker Ollie Watkins seems dead set on leaving Villa in the lurch to join Al Hilal – which, Richard Jolly writes, is a great shame for a club and player who were very good for one another:
Why Ollie Watkins’ move to Saudi Arabia will tarnish his Aston Villa legacy
ICYMI: Man Utd sign Carlos Baleba to complete £148m midfield overhaul
08:25 , Richard JollyCarlos Baleba has joined Manchester United as Michael Carrick has completed a hat-trick of midfield buys this season.
The Cameroon international, who has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford, has joined from Brighton for an initial £65m.
United could pay an extra £5m in add-ons for the 22-year-old, who believes he can reach a new level under Carrick, a former midfielder.
Man United seal Carlos Baleba deal to complete £148m midfield overhaul
Man Utd receive Alejandro Balde boost
08:22 , Will CastleSpanish publication Marca are reporting that Alejandro Balde has decided that he wants to leave Barcelona in a huge boost to Manchester United’s hopes of signing him.
The report says that Joao Cancelo’s arrival and the fact that Balde was left out of Barca’s matchday squad for the game against Elche has changed Balde’s mind about remaining at the club and fighting for his place.
United are the frontrunners for his signature but they are said to want a loan deal instead of a permanent transfer as previously reported.
Will Julian Alvarez sign for Arsenal? Here’s what we know as transfer deadline looms
08:19 , Will CastleWill Julian Alvarez join Arsenal? It could be the transfer saga that defines the final week of the window.
Alan Smith takes a look at everything we know:
Will Julian Alvarez sign for Arsenal? Here’s what we know as transfer deadline looms
Liverpool hold positive talks over Bradley Barcola
08:17 , Will CastleLet’s kick things off with a Bradley Barcola update, shall we?
Liverpool have held positive talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a move for Barcola, according to Sky Sports.
There has been a sizeable gap in valuation throughout this long-standing saga, with PSG asking for €145m to relinquish the French winger.
As such, Liverpool held key discussions with PSG yesterday to seek clarity over the direction of travel of their pursuit.
The Athletic reiterate that Barcola is committed to joining Liverpool, who are understood to no longer face competition from Arsenal after the Premier League champions were put off by the price tag.
Good morning
08:09 , Will CastleHello and welcome to The Independent’s transfer news live blog!
With just a week left before the summer window slams shut, there is still a lot of big business to be done, with sagas surrounding the likes of Bradley Barcola, Julian Alvarez and more yet to be resolved.
Stay tuned for all the latest updates.
