The summer transfer window slammed shut this evening, but not before a remarkable flurry of late activity across the Premier League. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham were all busy in the final hours of Deadline Day, with blockbuster moves and surprise twists dominating the headlines.

Arsenal have long dreamed of signing Julian Alvarez, and the Gunners finally made their move with a formal offer for the Manchester City forward. However, the north London club are also exploring alternatives, with Malick Fofana emerging as a potential fallback option. The future of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli also remains uncertain, as both forwards are linked with summer exits.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are orchestrating a triple deal that could reshape their squad. Enzo Fernandez is reportedly expected to make a blockbuster move to Manchester City in a deal worth around £120 million, with Lamine Camara arriving at Stamford Bridge as his replacement. Tottenham have responded by making a shock move for Mykhailo Mudryk on loan, with Tosin Adarabioyo also set to join Spurs permanently as Kevin Danso departs.

Manchester United are still working on a new left-back, with Michael Carrick keen to provide competition for Luke Shaw. Liverpool have been busy too, closing in on Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola in a deal that could reach €128 million. Follow the full round-up of Deadline Day's key developments below.

Arsenal make Julian Alvarez offer

Arsenal have submitted an offer for Manchester City's Julian Alvarez, according to multiple reports on Deadline Day. The Argentina international has been the Gunners' dream signing for weeks, but a deal has proven difficult to negotiate given City's reluctance to sell one of their key attacking options.

The offer is understood to be structured with a significant upfront fee plus performance-related add-ons, but City are yet to respond formally. Arsenal remain hopeful of reaching an agreement, though they are also aware that time is running out.

In the meantime, the Gunners have explored alternative targets. Malick Fofana of Lyon has emerged as a late option, with the 20-year-old Belgian winger seen as a younger, more affordable alternative to Alvarez. Arsenal scouts have watched Fofana extensively this season, and the club have made inquiries about his availability.

Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus are both expected to leave the Emirates before the window closes. Martinelli has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while Jesus is reportedly in talks with Barcelona. The departures would free up significant wages and potentially generate funds to finance a new signing.

Chelsea's triple deal

Chelsea are working on a complex triple deal that could dramatically alter their squad before the deadline. The most surprising element is the expected departure of Enzo Fernandez, who is reportedly in talks to join Manchester City for a fee in the region of £120 million.

Fernandez has been a key figure for Chelsea since his record-breaking move from Benfica in January 2023, but the club are willing to cash in to balance their books and reinvest in younger talent. Lamine Camara of Metz is the player earmarked to replace the Argentine in midfield, with a deal reportedly close to completion.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have made a shock approach to sign Mykhailo Mudryk on loan. The Ukrainian winger has struggled for consistency at Chelsea, and Spurs see him as a low-risk addition to bolster their attacking options. As part of the same double swoop, Tosin Adarabioyo is set to join Tottenham on a permanent deal, with Kevin Danso moving in the opposite direction.

Richarlison's future also remains in doubt. The Brazilian striker has been linked with a return to Everton, and talks are ongoing between the two clubs. A late move cannot be ruled out, but any deal would depend on Tottenham securing a replacement.

Manchester United's left-back search

Manchester United have been handed a boost in their attempts to sign Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas after seeing an approach for Lewis Hall turned down by Newcastle United.

United had identified Hall as a primary target, but Newcastle made it clear that the 21-year-old is not for sale, especially after already losing Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer. With Bruno Guimaraes on the verge of completing a £75 million move to Arsenal, Newcastle have no plans to lose a fourth key player.

As a result, United have turned their attention to Salinas, a highly-rated young left-back who has impressed in Spain's second tier. The Red Devils are said to be in talks with Racing Santander over a potential deal, though negotiations are still at an early stage.

Michael Carrick is keen to provide competition for Luke Shaw, who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. United have also been linked with a move for a more experienced option, but time is running out to complete a deal before the deadline.

Liverpool's late move for Bradley Barcola

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, with reports suggesting an agreement in principle has been reached for a fee in the region of €128 million (£109 million).

PSG had initially ruled out selling the 23-year-old this summer, but they are now open to offers and have held preliminary talks with Liverpool. However, Sky Sports report that there is a significant gap in valuation between the two clubs, with PSG holding out for £145 million.

Despite the discrepancy, Liverpool remain confident of getting a deal over the line before the deadline. Barcola is seen as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, who has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. The French winger has enjoyed a breakout season at PSG, scoring 12 goals and providing 17 assists in all competitions.

Arsenal have also been linked with Barcola, but Liverpool are understood to be the front-runners for his signature.

Manchester City's late business

Manchester City are not done yet either. In addition to the potential signing of Enzo Fernandez, City are set to complete the signing of Iliman Ndiaye from under the noses of Tottenham. Ndiaye, who plays for Marseille, has been a target for Spurs, but City have moved quickly to hijack the deal.

City are also addressing their goalkeeping department. After selling James Trafford to Leeds for a club-record £40 million on Thursday, City have struck a deal with Marseille for Argentina international Geronimo Rulli. The fee is believed to be around £2.5 million, and Rulli is set to fly to the UK for a medical.

The Argentine goalkeeper, who was part of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup, is expected to provide competition for Ederson.

Newcastle confirm Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal

Newcastle have effectively confirmed Bruno Guimaraes' move to Arsenal, with an official announcement expected shortly. The transfer saga of the summer has finally been resolved after the two clubs agreed on a fee worth around £75 million, potentially rising to £80 million with add-ons.

Guimaraes will become Arsenal's third arrival of the summer after Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis. Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson has suggested that Arsenal had hoped to pay a lower fee, but ultimately the Gunners met the Magpies' valuation.

To fill the void left by Guimaraes, Newcastle are considering a move for Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The former Tottenham player is valued at around £15 million and could be an ideal replacement.

Other Deadline Day developments

Coventry City, preparing for their return to the Premier League, have bolstered their squad with the signing of Ghana international Caleb Yirenkyi. The 22-year-old forward joins from a club in Belgium and is expected to provide additional depth in attack.

Manchester United also confirmed that Youri Tielemans is in line to make his debut against Paris Saint-Germain this weekend. Bruno Fernandes is set to return, though Senne Lammens and Matheus Cunha will miss out through injury. Tielemans signed from Aston Villa last month for around £35 million on a five-year contract.

In other news, Real Madrid announced a contract extension for Vinicius Jr. that keeps him at the club until June 30, 2032. The Brazilian forward has been one of the most important players in one of the most successful periods in Real Madrid's history, winning 14 titles and being named The Best FIFA Men's Player in 2024.

Endrick, another Real Madrid forward, has arrived in Budapest for Saturday's friendly against Ferencvaros, despite ongoing speculation over his future.

As the clock ticks toward the deadline, clubs are working around the clock to finalize deals. With so many moves expected to go down to the wire, fans are braced for a dramatic conclusion to the summer window.

Source: The Standard News