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.
Silva to stay at Manchester City
Bernardo Silva has confirmed he will stay at Manchester City despite speculation over a possible move to Barcelona.
The Spaniard told RAC1: “I didn’t get any offers from Spain. No one came, I’m staying at Manchester City. I am happy. The decision is made.”
So there is a deal that shall not be happening today.
Arsenal seeking new midfielder
As Martinelli is linked with a move away, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has his sights set on bringing in a new midfielder before the window closes.
The Gunners have suffered injuries to Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and Oleksandr Zinchenko already this season - with Martin Odegaard also potentially carrying a knock.
Speaking after the win over Aston Villa last night, Arteta said: “We are short in that position (midfield) so are looking at options in the market.
“The club have been super supportive in trying to keep improving the squad. If the right player is there and available, we will try.”
Arsenal brace for Martinelli bid
This isn’t one we expected to be reporting on today, but Arsenal are reportedly bracing for a bid from AC Milan for star youngster Gabriel Martinelli.
The 21-year-old forward has a contract which will keep him at the Emirates until 2024.
But according to Calciomercatoweb, Milan still feel they could coax him away from North London and are keen to do so if they end up parting ways with Rafael Leao - who has been linked with a deadline day move to Chelsea.
Dubravka to Man Utd?
Martin Dubravka is on the brink of moving to Old Trafford after Newcastle and Manchester United agreed terms on a loan deal with an option to buy.
The goalkeeper is set to undergo his medical. United have been insistent on a loan with an option to buy the 33-year-old Slovakian for around £5m, and Dubravka will provide competition for long-time No 1 David de Gea.
Interest has reportedly cooled over the Eintracht Frankfurt’sKevin Trapp after the club demanded €25m.
Chelsea closing in on Gvardiol
Speculation I’m sure you have heard a bit about by now is RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol going to Chelsea.
The Daily Telegraph reports the Blues are closing in on a £77.7 million deal for the 20-year-old Croatia defender.
He would sign for Chelsea but then return to Germany for the remainder of the current season, meaning he will have to wait to link up with fellow new centre-backs Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana.
Chelsea in for Ajax midfielder Alvarez
Another Chelsea rumour.
De Telegraaf reports – via Metro – that24-year-old Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez is keen to push through a move to Chelsea.
Owner Todd Boehly has launched a £50 million bid for the Mexico international as the Blues bid to bolster their squad after two defeats from their opening five matches.
Newcastle in for Leicester midfielder Tielemans
Newcastle are “exploring the possibility of trying to sign” Youri Tielemans from crisis club Leicester.
According to The Daily Mail, the 25-year-old midfielder has been a target for Arsenal throughout the summer.
But Eddie Howe’s men are thought to be interested in stealing him away from the Emirates in the final hours of the window.
Leicester face Manchester United tonight, so Tielemans could theoretically move while his teammates are playing.
Brentford in for Arsenal target Mudryk
Brentford could be about to hijack Arsenal’s move for Shakhtar Donetsk forward Mykhaylo Mudryk.
The 21-year-old Ukrainian forward is valued at £25m – which would smash the previous transfer record at Thomas Frank’s side.
That came when the Bees forked out £17.1m for winger Keane Lewis-Potter earlier this summer.
Chelsea also in for Leao
Chelsea are also thought to be interested in AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.
The Times are reporting that the 23-year-old forward has been linked with the club in a late deadline day swoop.
However, it could easily be scuppered by his reported £126million price tag.
Could Neymar really move to Chelsea?
Neymar could make a shock deadline day move to Chelsea while the Blues are still in negotations to finalise the transfer of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona.
Neyar has been offered to Chelsea, acccording to The Mail, as Paris Saint-Germain battle to meet Uefa’s Financial Fair Play regulations, while The Times reports PSG presented Neymar as an option only to later retract the offer and are refusing to sell despite Chelsea’s interest.
The astronomical fees involved would make it a tricky deal to pull off on deadline day, especially considering Chelsea’s own financial fair play challenges this season, having spent plenty already this summer.
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