Transfer news LIVE: Chelsea sign Aubameyang, Arsenal’s Luiz bid rejected, Liverpool confirm Arthur
Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Man City, Leeds, Barcelona, PSG and many more were busy on deadline day
The transfer window closed with a flurry of late activity, as Chelsea signed the former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a two-year deal from Barcelona. Aubameyang, who will wear the number 9 shirt at Stamford Bridge, was finally announced after midnight and was followed by the loan signing of midfielder Denis Zakaria from Juventus as Chelsea’s busy summer of transfer business concluded with two major deals.
Liverpool signed Arthur on loan from Juventus to ease their midfield injury problems but Arsenal‘s late chase of Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz ended in disappointment. Arsenal saw three bids rejected, the last around £25m, with Aston Villa holding out for £40m for a player out of contract next summer.
Earlier, Manchester United completed the signing of Antony from Ajax for €100m in the biggest deal of transfer deadline day. The Brazilian international has put pen to paper on a contract at Old Trafford that runs until 2027, and was followed by goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who has joined on a season-long loan from Newcastle.
Elsewhere, Manuel Akanji sealed his move to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund on a five-year deal while Leicester made their first outfield signing of the window as they announced the arrival of Belgium international Wout Faes from Reims. He replaces Wesley Fofana, who joined Chelsea for £70m on Wednesday.
Follow all the latest twists and turns on transfer deadline day below.
Villa sealing Bednarek transfer
The Athletic are reporting that Jan Bednarek is set to leave Southampton for Aston Villa in the coming hours.
The 26-year-old Poland international had been linked earlier today with a move to West Ham to replace Craig Dawson - who looks set to join Wolves.
But now Villa appear to have leapfrogged David Moyes’ side and struck a deal with the Saints centre-back.
Antony set to make debut against Arsenal
More on Antony. He will be eligible to play for Manchester United when they face Arsenal on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag’s side take on Leicester this evening and then have just 72 hours to prepare for Mikel Arteta’s men - who have won all five of their Premier League matches so far this season.
Can United’s newboy make an instant impact this weekend?
Man Utd make deadline day history
Let’s loop back to the biggest deal of the day so far then. Not just that, but the biggest ever Premier League transfer on deadline day.
Manchester United have completed the €100m (£85.5m) signing of Antony from Ajax.
The 22-year-old winger has signed a contract at Old Trafford until 2027, with the option of a further year.
Antony becomes the second-most expensive signing in United's history after the £89.6m arrival of Paul Pogba from Juventus in 2016.
United are set to pay a guaranteed €95m (£81.3m) to Ajax, with an additional €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons.
The Brazil international is reunited with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, who he had played under since joining from Sao Paolo in 2020.
Manchester United complete €100m signing of Antony
The 22-year-old winger signs contract until 2027 with option of further year
Forest agree deal for Blackpool’s Bowler
Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal for their 20TH signing of the summer, according to The Telegraph.
Blackpool winger Josh Bowler is closing in on a £4 million move to the newly-promoted Premier League outfit, subject to passing a medical.
Steve Cooper essentially has a completely new squad to choose from.
Arsenal ponder move for Luiz amid midfield crisis
Arsenal will investigate a deal for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, who coincidentally scored against them direct from a corner in Wednesday’s game, and are still talking to Palmeiras over a move for Danilo.
The latter, however, currently looks likelier for January.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard admitted after the game that Luiz’s future is out of hands.
“We are not in a position where we need to lose our top players,” he said on Wednesday. “But at the same time, Douglas has got a year to go, and it is one of those really touchy situations where the club have to do what is best for the club and not necessarily what’s best for me.”
Arsenal ponder move for Douglas Luiz amid midfield injury crisis
Mohamed Elneny’s injury has left the Gunners with just two fit central midfielders
Bellerin seals move to Barcelona
Hector Bellerin has completed a free transfer from Arsenal to Barcelona, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
In the last moments, he tweeted: “Hector Bellerín to Barcelona, here we go! Been told it’s all agreed, one year contract with NO option for further season.
“Bellerín will sign until June 2023 in the next hours. Medical scheduled, contract will be terminated by mutual consent with Arsenal.”
Leeds sign Dieng and working on Gakpo deal
Leeds’ majority owner Andrea Radrizzani has revealed that the club have signed Bamba Dieng and are working on a deal for Cody Gakpo from PSV.
He said on Twitter: “Let’s welcome Bamba Dieng and we will continue to work on Gapko.
“Now it s time to focus on the pitch and support our new project and the great job Jesse and the staff are doing.”
Marcelo to Leicester?!
Hold up though, this is an incredible rumour.
Spanish journalist Marti Miras is reporting that Leicester are closing in on a deal for Real Madrid left-back Marcelo.
The five-time Champions League winner still needs to pass a medical, but he is thought to be in the final stages of completing a transfer which would see him sign until next summer.
Leicester talks stall for Atalanta winger Boga
More bad news for Leicester City fans.
They may have acquired defender Wout Faes earlier today, but Atalanta winger Jeremie Boga does not appear to be joining him at the King Power Stadium.
According to The Athletic, talks have stalled and a deal now appears less likely.
The Foxes head into their fifth Premier League game of the season against Manchester United this evening hoping to move off the bottom of the table.
Wolves eye West Ham’s Dawson
Wolves are leading the race to sign West Ham centre-back Craig Dawson before the 11pm deadline this evening.
Bruno Lage watched Willy Boly leave the club earlier today as he joined fellow Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest.
But they are looking to replace him in double quick time and Dawson is though to be the perfect player for the role.
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