Premier League clubs are intensifying their transfer pursuits ahead of the 1 September deadline, with Arsenal chasing Julian Alvarez and Aston Villa seeking crucial replacements.
The Premier League champions have already bolstered their squad significantly this summer with the arrivals of Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis and Ezri Konsa.
However, the north London side remain in the market for an elite forward to complete their attacking lineup.
Mikel Arteta’s recruitment team maintain a long-standing interest in securing the highly-rated Argentine international.
Despite the complexities of completing such a blockbuster deal, the Emirates hierarchy are prepared to act swiftly if an opportunity arises.
If you want someone who is Premier League proven, who has won it all from the World Cup to the Champions League, Julian Alvarez looks like the guy that can take Arsenal to the promise land.Watson, Arsenal fan
Meanwhile, the capital club are also fending off interest in their own attackers, with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal opening talks for winger Gabriel Martinelli.
Villa rebuild following high-profile exits
Aston Villa face a frantic end to the window after enduring a raft of star departures over the summer months.
The Midlands club are bracing for the potential exit of Ollie Watkins, who is currently the subject of an intense transfer saga involving Al-Hilal.
If their talismanic striker departs for the Middle East, the Villans have identified Nicolas Jackson as a primary target to lead the line.
Defensive reinforcements are also firmly on the agenda following Konsa’s aforementioned switch to the Emirates.
After seeing bids rejected for Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, the Birmingham outfit have opened discussions for Club Brugge prospect Joel Ordonez.
It looks like we will be OK in midfield once Johan Manzambi is fit and with the addition of Leon Goretzka, but it is clear Aston Villa desperately require a striker more than anything right now.Amy Finley, Aston Villa fan
Bournemouth fight to retain key prospects
On the south coast, Bournemouth are simply hoping to survive the final days of the window without losing their most prized assets.
Heavyweight clubs are currently circling for dynamic forward Eli Junior Kroupi and standout midfielder Alex Scott.
However, the Cherries hierarchy remain adamant that neither young talent is available for transfer before the deadline strikes.
Aston Villa have made a formal approach to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao ahead of the transfer deadline following uncertainty surrounding Ollie Watkins.
The Premier League club are seriously pursuing the Portuguese international, who is reportedly open to swapping Serie A for English football.
Representatives from both sides are currently in active negotiations to secure an agreement before the window closes on 1 September.
Watkins’ future hangs in the balance
Unai Emery’s sudden need to bolster his attacking options comes amidst serious Saudi Arabian interest in his primary striker.
Al Hilal are engaged in discussions regarding a potential transfer for Watkins, having already seen at least one lucrative bid rejected by the Midlands outfit.
Speculation intensified over the weekend when the England international was conspicuously omitted from the matchday squad during Sunday’s heavy 4-0 defeat at Brighton.
When questioned about the surprising absence after the match, the Villa manager offered a remarkably blunt response.
“Ask him. I only can answer it by silence.”
Reports subsequently indicated that the 30-year-old returned to training at Bodymoor Heath on Monday and issued an apology to his teammates.
Ambitious pursuit of Serie A star
Capturing the signature of the former Lille winger would represent a significant statement of intent from the Villa Park hierarchy.
The lightning-fast attacker has been a crucial figure for the Rossoneri in recent seasons, combining lethal pace with precise finishing in the final third.
With the deadline rapidly approaching, the English side must move swiftly to finalise terms and integrate their prospective marquee signing.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been nominated for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award as he targets a prestigious hat-trick of individual accolades.
The Portuguese playmaker has already secured the Premier League Player of the Season and Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year prizes.
He earned those honours after breaking the division’s all-time assist record, previously shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
His creative brilliance helped steer the Red Devils to a third-place finish under the guidance of manager Michael Carrick.
Arsenal trio recognised after title win
Three Arsenal stars have also been shortlisted following a historic campaign that ended a 22-year wait for the league championship.
David Raya, Gabriel and Declan Rice were selected by their peers after forming the backbone of the Gunners’ triumphant season.
The Spanish goalkeeper claimed his third consecutive Golden Glove, while his Brazilian defensive teammate anchored a backline that conceded just 27 goals.
England international Rice contributed four goals and seven assists across 36 appearances before being rested for their title-crowning finale against Crystal Palace.
City duo complete six-man shortlist
Manchester City forwards Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki fill the final two spots on the exclusive nomination list.
The prolific Norwegian striker secured the Golden Boot by netting 27 times, finishing five clear of Brentford forward Igor Thiago.
There is no place on the shortlist for any Liverpool representatives, despite Mohamed Salah claiming the top prize last year.
The ultimate winner will be revealed at the 53rd annual PFA Awards Ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday, 25 August.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is facing a severe squad crisis ahead of Monday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal, following a disastrous 4-0 defeat by Brighton on the opening weekend of the season.
The West Midlands club were dismantled during a chaotic first half at the Amex Stadium that saw them concede four goals, score an own goal and suffer a red card.
New signing Joao Gomes was dismissed on his league debut, compounding the misery for a threadbare travelling squad devoid of a recognised striker.
Their Spanish head coach must now prepare his depleted side to host the reigning champions at Villa Park while navigating significant behind-the-scenes turmoil.
Exodus depletes European champions
The club’s recent continental success has come at a steep price, with four starters from May’s Europa League final already departing during the summer transfer window.
Key figures including Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa, Lucas Digne and Morgan Rogers have all exited, leaving squad retention at a Premier League low of 65.6 per cent.
This mass departure has severely weakened the defensive spine and creative options available to the former Paris St-Germain manager.
Uncertain futures for star players
Further high-profile exits appear imminent, with talismanic forward Ollie Watkins missing the trip to the south coast amid reported interest from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
When questioned about the England international’s absence against the Seagulls, the manager offered a brief but telling response.
Ask him. I can only answer it by silence.
World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was also notably absent from the matchday squad as he reportedly seeks a transfer following a collapsed move to Juventus.
Japanese international Zion Suzuki, signed to bolster the goalkeeping ranks, remained on the bench while the hosts ran riot in Sussex.
Tough test against familiar foes
The timing of this internal crisis could scarcely be worse for the Birmingham-based outfit as they prepare to welcome the current league title holders.
Their historic opening-day collapse matched a bleak Premier League record, mirroring Southampton’s calamitous first-half performance against Manchester United during the 2020-21 campaign.
While the 54-year-old tactician has previously navigated slow starts – eventually securing Champions League qualification despite a goal drought last autumn – this current rebuild looks decidedly more complex.
Immediate tactical adjustments and swift boardroom reinforcements are now essential if the hosts hope to remain competitive against the visiting Gunners.
Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has returned to first-team action but faces an uncertain future at Etihad Stadium ahead of the impending transfer deadline.
The 30-year-old is entering the final year of a lucrative contract and was previously discarded during Pep Guardiola’s final season in charge.
The former Aston Villa captain spent the first half of last term on loan at Everton before an Achilles tendon injury curtailed his spell on Merseyside.
However, the England international has since regained full fitness and featured as a substitute in both of City’s opening fixtures this season.
Maresca keeps transfer options open
Grealish played the final eight minutes of Sunday’s late Premier League victory over Bournemouth, having also appeared in the Community Shield defeat by Arsenal.
The creative playmaker appeared in high spirits on the bench and subsequently used social media to thank supporters for a warm welcome on his home return.
Despite finding a new lease of life under Guardiola’s managerial successor Enzo Maresca, club sources indicate all avenues remain open ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
“He is here and it is my duty to coach Jack and to try to get the best.”
Maresca addressed the media following the weekend victory, confirming that player departures are still possible.
“Then it is one more week to go and we will see what happens. Not only with Jack but also other players.”
Everton maintain interest in winger
The attacker had impressed during his temporary stint with the Toffees, registering two goals and six assists across 20 appearances.
His early-season form even earned him the Premier League’s Player of the Month award for August before injury struck in January.
While no concrete offers have materialised this summer, a return to Everton is currently viewed as the most viable destination should a transfer occur.
Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear confirmed that the club are yet to make a formal approach but remain closely connected to the player.
“He is a player we have remained in contact with,” Kinnear told BBC Radio Merseyside.
“It was no secret he decided to have his injury rehabilitation done here for the remainder of last season – he didn’t have to do that as he could have gone back to Manchester City.”
Harvey Elliott appears to have played his final game for Liverpool after being omitted from Andoni Iraola’s squad for Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Newcastle United.
The Spanish head coach began his tenure on Merseyside with a hard-fought Premier League point at St James’ Park.
However, the complete absence of the 23-year-old attacking midfielder from the travelling party has sparked major doubts over his Anfield future.
Struggles in a demanding new system
The former Bournemouth manager demands relentless running and high-intensity pressing from all his players.
Doubts have reportedly emerged over whether the ex-Fulham youngster possesses the physical attributes required to thrive in this rigorous tactical setup.
He previously endured a dismal season-long loan spell at Aston Villa last term, making just nine appearances.
Upon returning to Merseyside this summer, the boyhood Reds fan failed to make a significant impact during pre-season preparations.
It is understood he has now fallen significantly behind academy talent Lewis Koumas in the first-team pecking order.
Transfer window decisions looming
Time is rapidly running out for the out-of-favour playmaker to secure a move elsewhere, with the transfer window set to close next week.
During the club’s recent pre-season tour, the versatile midfielder admitted he may need to prioritise his own career development over sentiment.
“I’m still wanting to be selfish, doing what’s right for me.”
“Whether that’s staying here and fighting for my place or potentially going elsewhere, I’m still unsure at the moment until I get some more intel.”
With defensive frailties ruthlessly exposed by Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock on Tyneside, the new manager clearly has alternative priorities to address.
Targets such as Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh continue to be heavily linked as the recruitment team looks to bolster the wider squad.
For the former England youth international, a permanent departure now seems the most likely conclusion to his seven-year association with the club.
Nottingham Forest are nearing an agreement to sign striker Liam Delap from Chelsea in a deal potentially worth £50m.
The forward was notably omitted from the Blues’ matchday squad for their opening Premier League fixture against Fulham.
He only arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer after the West London club activated his release clause following Ipswich Town’s relegation to the Championship.
However, the attacker has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter in the capital.
Forest beat rivals to signature
The East Midlands outfit appear to have successfully fended off significant domestic competition to secure the transfer.
Everton and Leeds United had also registered strong interest in acquiring the out-of-favour frontman during the current transfer window.
The former Ipswich talisman is understood to be keen on the switch to the City Ground in search of consistent first-team football.
High valuation met
Sources suggest the Stamford Bridge hierarchy placed a substantial £50m asking price on their departing asset.
A successful transfer would provide a major boost to Forest’s attacking options as they look to consolidate their top-flight status this season.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has omitted Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk from his first Premier League squad against Fulham ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
The newly appointed Spanish boss selected Romeo Lavia and Josh Acheampong in his inaugural starting XI at Craven Cottage.
However, the complete absence of several established first-team figures provided the biggest talking point of the afternoon in west London.
Alongside Jackson and Mudryk, the Blues also left Marc Guiu, Tosin Adarabioyo and Dario Essugo entirely out of the matchday setup.
Attacking duo attract widespread interest
Senegal international Jackson is reportedly available for permanent transfer, with the club demanding a fee in the region of £65m.
Aston Villa are closely monitoring the 23-year-old striker as a potential replacement for Ollie Watkins, who is heavily linked with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian winger Mudryk is not for sale but is expected to leave Stamford Bridge on a temporary basis to secure regular football.
Coventry City and Leeds United have both expressed strong interest in acquiring the lightning-fast attacker on loan.
Despite the Yorkshire club being the former Shakhtar Donetsk player’s preferred destination, Chelsea officials insist talks with Leeds have been definitively terminated.
Clearing out the Stamford Bridge fringes
The sweeping squad changes highlight a decisive approach from Alonso to trim his roster before the window shuts at 23:00 BST next Tuesday.
Teenage Spanish forward Guiu has also been made available for permanent transfer with an asking price set at £25m.
Centre-back Tosin is currently exploring alternative options across Europe after being informed he does not feature in the new manager’s immediate plans.
Portuguese midfielder Essugo represents another likely temporary departure, with Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg emerging as a viable destination in Ligue 1.
However, the French outfit would only be permitted to sign either Essugo or Mudryk on loan from their parent club due to strict multi-club ownership regulations.