The summer transfer window in Europe closes on September 1. Despite some eye-catching moves already, such as Rodri's transfer to Barcelona and Carlos Baleba joining Manchester United, there's still room for record-breaking deals. BritBall.Net's Andrey Dyumin outlines ten major transfer narratives to watch in the final week.
1. Bradley Barcola (PSG → Liverpool)
The biggest potential blockbuster of the window. The 23-year-old French winger has agreed personal terms with Liverpool, who are actively negotiating in Paris to reduce PSG's initial financial demands of €140–150 million. Barcola is a top priority for Andoni Iraola.
2. Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea → Manchester City)
City are restructuring their midfield following the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Tijani Reijnders. After signing Buaddi and Elliot Anderson, the club is willing to break the bank for the 25-year-old Argentine. Chelsea is valuing the midfielder at around £120 million and is reluctant to strengthen a direct rival, but City's financial might keeps the deal alive.
3. Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid → Barcelona / Arsenal)
The most convoluted saga of August. The 26-year-old striker wants to move to Barcelona, but the Catalans' €100 million bid was rejected, and Atletico are unwilling to sell to a La Liga competitor. Arsenal is ready to meet Madrid's asking price of around €150–160 million, but the transfer hinges on the Argentinian's willingness to relocate to London.
4. Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal → Al-Hilal)
The 25-year-old Brazilian winger is close to moving to Saudi Arabia for £50–56 million, excluding bonuses. Martinelli has fallen out of Mikel Arteta's starting lineup, and his sale would provide the club with the necessary funds to make a decisive push for Alvarez.
5. Yankuba Minte (Brighton → Liverpool)
A backup option for the Merseysiders. Brighton rejected two offers from Liverpool, the second being £60 million, and is demanding £80 million. Liverpool have shifted their focus to Barcola and will return to Minte only if the price significantly drops.
6. Kenan Yildiz (Juventus → Arsenal)
The Gunners are considering the 21-year-old Turkish forward as a flank attack option. However, this deal is complicated by Juventus's demands (over £60 million) and the player's recent foot injury, which may require surgery.
7. Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace → Manchester City)
City have made an official inquiry, but the London club is adamant about not selling their 22-year-old midfield leader, whose contract runs until 2029. A potential transfer would only happen with an outrageous offer.
8. Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace → Aston Villa)
Birmingham are on the lookout for a forward due to uncertainty surrounding Ollie Watkins. Palace rejected the first bid, and the situation is made more complex by Mateta's ongoing legal dispute with the club regarding the final year of his contract through FIFA.
9. Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea → Aston Villa)
The 25-year-old Senegalese player is a more realistic candidate for Unai Emery, who knows him well from their time together at Villarreal. The clubs are discussing a full transfer for £65 million, trying to fit the deal within financial fair play regulations.
10. Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal → Napoli)
If the Gunners successfully sign a new top forward, they would be willing to let the 29-year-old Brazilian move to Serie A to alleviate their squad and wage bill.
