The concluding phase of the transfer window is always a chaotic chess match in a bottle. The remaining weeks of summer will shape the balance of power in European football for the upcoming season.
Top 10 transfer sagas as the deadline looms
1. Will Barcelona bag Julian Alvarez?
The Argentine forward from Atletico Madrid has become Barcelona's prime target to replace Robert Lewandowski. Following a transfer request from the player, sporting director Deco is preparing a bid of around €100 million, potentially involving Ferran Torres or Marc Casado as part of the deal.
2. Could Bradley Barcola become Liverpool's new attacking star?
With Mohamed Salah departing, Liverpool has made PSG winger Bradley Barcola their top priority. The Frenchman wants to move to Anfield, but the clubs are currently at an impasse over the fee; PSG demands £145 million, while the Merseysiders have offered around £100 million.
3. Will Manchester City keep Rodri, or is a move to Spain on the cards?
The 2026 World Cup Golden Ball winner is entering the final year of his contract and is keen on a return to Spain. Real Madrid, under José Mourinho, and Barcelona, seeking a replacement for the injured Frenkie de Jong, are being linked with the 30-year-old defensive midfielder.
4. How will Arsenal bolster their left flank?
After Vinicius Junior extended his contract with Real Madrid and Chelsea ruled out selling Joao Pedro, the Gunners, alongside new sporting director Andrea Berta, are exploring alternative options for an elite winger.
5. Can Manchester United secure their midfield?
Michael Carrick's side desperately needs a world-class pivot. Their main target, Manu Kone from Roma, is valued at £51 million, but discussions within the club regarding this transfer remain heated.
6. Will Ayub Bouaddi replace Rodri at Manchester City?
City have negotiated personal terms with the 18-year-old Lille prospect Bouaddi until 2031, but the French club is demanding €100 million, leading to negotiations still being ongoing.
7. Is Ferran Torres off to PSG to join Luis Enrique?
PSG's head coach Luis Enrique is keen on having the World Cup final hero in Paris, offering him a pivotal role to replace the departed Goncalo Ramos, who has moved to AC Milan.
8. Can Newcastle United salvage a disappointing transfer window?
After selling Sandro Tonali to Tottenham for £100 million and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £70 million, the Magpies missed out on Benjamin Sesko and Angelo Stiller. They're now hoping to enhance their squad with signings like Felix Nmecha and Luka Sucic.
9. How will Xabi Alonso reshape Chelsea's squad?
Having splashed over £300 million on new faces such as Morgan Rogers (£117 million), Maxence Lacroix, and Danny Welbeck, Alonso is ready to offload up to 11 players, including Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, and Nicolas Jackson. Meanwhile, Marc Cucurella has already joined Real Madrid.
10. Will Tottenham continue their record-breaking spending under De Zerbi?
Following the signings of Sandro Tonali for £100 million, Mateus Fernandes for £85 million, and Jan-Paul van Hecke for £52 million, Roberto De Zerbi is pushing Daniel Levy for the acquisition of Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace.
