As the summer transfer window edges toward its final days, several high-profile moves remain unresolved across the Premier League, with clubs racing to complete deals that could shape the season ahead.
Liverpool's pursuit of Bradley Barcola has been one of the window's defining storylines. Although the Reds are searching for a successor to Mohamed Salah, their interest in the Paris Saint-Germain forward is notable given that he has played 77% of his minutes on the left flank rather than the right. Liverpool appear less concerned with finding a direct replacement and more focused on adding a quick, pressing forward capable of operating on either side of the attack. Barcola's statistical profile supports that logic: his peak sprint speed of 32.7km/h ranked fourth-highest across Europe's top five leagues last season, he made 109 runs in behind in the Champions League, and he regenerated possession in the final third more frequently than any Liverpool player per 90 minutes. With 11 Ligue 1 goals last season and 14 the year before, the 23-year-old fits the profile of a vertical attacking threat suited to Andoni Iraola's high-tempo style.
Arsenal, meanwhile, continue to be linked with Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez despite winning the Premier League title and reaching the Champions League final last season. The Gunners scored 71 league goals — their lowest tally as champions in a decade — with 29 coming from set pieces, a Premier League record. Viktor Gyökeres led their scoring charts with just 14 goals, fewer than several rivals across the division. Thierry Henry has publicly praised Álvarez's all-round game, saying: "One of my favourite nines out there is Julián Álvarez. Putting pressure, playing alone, dropping low, whatever you want — score free-kicks, hold the ball. He played at the Olympic Games, the Copa América, but I don't hear him saying he's tired. He plays in everything and, the way he does it, I like him." Álvarez, who applied more pressures per 90 minutes in last season's Champions League than any other player, has reportedly expressed a desire to leave Atlético, who have resisted interest from Barcelona and insist he is not for sale.
At Manchester City, the departure of Rodri to Barcelona has left a significant void in midfield. Enzo Maresca appears to be distributing the Spaniard's responsibilities among multiple signings rather than seeking a single replacement. Elliot Anderson, a £116m arrival, is expected to take on defensive midfield duties after leading the Premier League in both possessions won (306) and touches (3,323) last season. Enzo Fernández has also been linked as City look to add creativity from deep, with the Argentine ranking seventh among Premier League central midfielders for forward passes and contributing 10 league goals last season.
Elsewhere, Cody Gakpo's future at Liverpool appears uncertain, particularly if Barcola arrives. Both Tottenham and Manchester City have been credited with interest in the Dutch forward, with Spurs reportedly having agreed personal terms. Despite a modest 2024-25 Premier League return of seven goals and five assists, Gakpo posted an xG of 8.59 from 87 shots and created 10 big chances. He scored 18 goals in all competitions during Liverpool's title-winning campaign and impressed for the Netherlands at the World Cup, netting three times in four matches.
With the deadline fast approaching, all four situations remain fluid, and further developments are expected before the window closes.
Based on reporting from The Guardian and WhoScored.