Manchester City and Arsenal are preparing for potentially major moves as Premier League clubs race to complete their final transfers before Tuesday’s deadline.
City are pushing to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, while Arsenal are exploring a move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez as clubs face a 2200 GMT deadline before the transfer window closes.
Manchester City remain interested in Fernandez, but Chelsea’s £120 million valuation of the Argentina international has so far proved a major stumbling block.
A reunion with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca could appeal to Fernandez, who previously expressed a desire to join Real Madrid, reportedly frustrating the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.
Maresca is keen to strengthen his midfield following Rodri’s move to Barcelona, while Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders have also left the club.
Fernandez has been omitted from Chelsea’s squad for their last two matches as uncertainty continues over his future.
City are also expected to complete a £65 million deal for Everton midfielder Iliman Ndiaye. Tottenham had been linked with the Senegal international, but Pep Guardiola’s side appear to have won the race for his signature.
Arsenal, meanwhile, could make one of the biggest moves of deadline day with a bid for Alvarez.
The Argentina striker is reportedly interested in joining Barcelona, but Atletico Madrid are reluctant to sell him to another La Liga club. That could open the door for Arsenal to negotiate a deal worth around £128 million.
Alvarez has missed several training sessions and was absent when Atletico defeated Sevilla last weekend.
A move for the former Manchester City forward would represent a major statement from Arsenal as they pursue consecutive Premier League titles for the first time since the 1930s.
Elsewhere, Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri is set to join Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan.
Liverpool have already made a significant move by signing France international Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million.
However, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is reportedly seeking another winger as the club continues to adjust following Mohamed Salah’s departure for Trabzonspor in August.
Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr and Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh are among Liverpool’s targets.
Should Liverpool secure either player, Dutch forward Cody Gakpo could be allowed to leave Anfield, with Manchester City and Tottenham monitoring his situation.
Harvey Elliott is also expected to depart Liverpool on loan, with Valencia reportedly set to provide his next destination after an underwhelming spell at Aston Villa last season.
Tottenham are attempting to bring Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk in on loan after missing out on Ndiaye.
Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is poised to return to Everton on loan after spending last season with the Merseyside club.
Grealish has struggled for regular opportunities at City in recent seasons but impressed during his time at Everton before a foot injury ended his campaign in January.
Everton are also close to completing a £40 million transfer for United States forward Folarin Balogun from Monaco.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United striker Nicolas Woltemade is set to join Juventus on loan as clubs scramble to finalise their business before the deadline.
