Speculation over a host of high-profile transfers intensified this week, with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández at the centre of renewed interest from Manchester City after a curious absence from the squad that beat Luton in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night.
Despite manager Xabi Alonso having publicly stated before kickoff that the Argentina international would be involved, Fernández did not feature, a decision that immediately triggered fresh rumours about his future. Reports suggest a move to City could be close, with Chelsea reportedly demanding around £120m for the 25-year-old. City are also said to be exploring a deal for Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye, valued by the Merseyside club at £80m.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Arsenal continue to be linked with a sensational swoop for Atlético Madrid's Julián Alvarez, even as manager Mikel Arteta maintains he is "really happy" with his current options. Alvarez, who has fallen out of favour with Atlético supporters after expressing a desire to leave for Barcelona, has reportedly skipped training for two consecutive days. With Atlético refusing to sanction a move to their domestic rivals, the Spanish club is said to be in talks with Arsenal instead, discussing a fee in the region of £128m for the forward, with Gabriel Jesus potentially moving to Madrid as part of the deal.
Aston Villa are hopeful of beating Galatasaray to the signature of Milan winger Rafael Leão, despite the Turkish club having already had a £38m bid accepted by the Serie A side. Villa are pushing for a season-long loan with an obligation to buy, though Milan are said to prefer an outright sale before the transfer window closes.
In other forward-market news, Everton striker Beto could depart for Fiorentina, who have also shown interest in Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are bracing for interest in Daniel Muñoz, with former boss Oliver Glasner keen to reunite with his ex-full-back at Crystal Palace. Nottingham Forest have already lodged a £22m bid for the 30-year-old, though Everton may also enter the race.
Newcastle's £69m summer signing Nick Woltemade appears set for a temporary switch to Napoli after struggling to adapt to Eddie Howe's demands on Tyneside. The tall striker was left out of the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup win over West Brom, with his playing style seemingly ill-suited to the intensity required. Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo, a versatile attacking option, has also been withdrawn from first-team training amid growing expectation of a departure before the window shuts.
Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, whose loan spell at Aston Villa yielded just nine appearances, is being tipped for a move to Italy, with both Napoli and Lazio reportedly interested in reviving his career.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are searching for defensive reinforcements, with Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Chelsea's Tosin Adarabioyo both mentioned as potential targets to strengthen their backline.
Finally, further down the transfer chain, Hull City are said to be interested in Roma's teenage striker Robinio Vaz, while Leeds United's back-up goalkeeper Lucas Perri looks set for a move to Torino, potentially prompting the Yorkshire club to bring in Standard Liège's Matthieu Epolo as a replacement.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.