With just four days remaining before the Premier League's summer transfer window slams shut on Tuesday, several major clubs are scrambling to complete business, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea all making significant moves.
Liverpool appear closest to sealing a marquee signing, with Bradley Barcola poised to undergo a medical on Merseyside after Paris Saint-Germain accepted an offer in excess of £110million for the 23-year-old forward. Only minor paperwork remains before the deal is finalised, marking Liverpool's third signing worth more than £100million in just over twelve months. Registration rules mean Barcola will miss Liverpool's upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest, but he could be handed his debut when the Reds travel to Ipswich on September 4.
Arsenal, meanwhile, remain locked in negotiations over a potential move for Julian Alvarez, with reports suggesting Atletico Madrid have set Sunday as a deadline for the Gunners to complete a deal, giving the Spanish club time to find a replacement. Manchester City have reportedly made contact with Atletico to explore a loan return for the Argentine, though talks have not progressed beyond initial enquiries, and Alvarez is said to be reluctant to move back to England.
Adding intrigue to Arsenal's forward line situation, Gabriel Jesus has reportedly been offered to Atletico Madrid, separate from any Alvarez negotiations, according to Spanish outlet Marca. Arsenal are believed to be willing to sell Jesus for around £20million before the window closes, while Gabriel Martinelli is reportedly set for a move to Saudi Arabia.
On the incoming front for Arsenal, young defender Habeeb Ogunneye looks set to complete a free transfer from Manchester United after reaching full agreement with the Old Trafford club last week. The 20-year-old right-back underwent a medical at Arsenal's training ground and the deal is understood to include a 40 per cent sell-on clause, with Ogunneye expected to feature predominantly for the Gunners' under-21 side while training occasionally with the first team. He has already posted a farewell message to Manchester United on social media.
Chelsea have been exploring a move for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, with the west London club reportedly considering an opening bid before Tuesday's deadline. Monaco are said to be holding out for around £51million after rejecting an earlier £43million offer from Crystal Palace for the Senegalese international. Separately, Chelsea have terminated Kendry Paez's loan agreement with River Plate, with the 19-year-old set to return to Stamford Bridge to discuss his future after a stint that followed an earlier loan spell at Strasbourg.
Elsewhere, Tottenham's spending spree — which has topped £300million this summer and included the arrivals of Manchester City pair Omar Marmoush and Savio — was praised by head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who credited the club's ownership for backing his transfer strategy. De Zerbi has been personally involved in convincing several targets, including Jan Paul van Hecke and Mateus Fernandes, to join the club following their narrow escape from relegation last season.
Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra weighed in on two of the Premier League's biggest storylines. On a potential Alvarez arrival at Arsenal, he said: "If Julian Alvarez joins Arsenal, then it's game over... Mikel Arteta is not here to play around, he's trying to show that last season was not an accident, and he wants to win more trophies."
Evra also addressed Manchester United's left-back situation, suggesting Luke Shaw should be replaced by Lewis Hall. "I love Luke Shaw, but I love Man United even more, that's why I'm saying they need another left-back," he said, adding that Hall "gives you 90 minutes, guaranteed, that's the kind of left-back Man United need."
Among the more surprising bids reported was a €35million offer from newly promoted Hull City for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.