The Independent

29 August 2026

The Independent

29 August 2026

The summer transfer window shuts on 1 September, and clubs across Europe are heading into a hectic final few days as they try to complete their business now that the 2026/27 season is already under way.

There have already been several eye-catching moves around Europe this summer, with Barcelona signing Rodri and the transfers involving Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson and Bruno Guimaraes all drawing significant attention.

However, while some sides may believe their work is finished, most clubs – particularly a number in the Premier League – are aware they still need reinforcements if they are to compete properly this season.

Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United are all understood to be exploring late additions, while clubs such as Chelsea and Arsenal are hoping to strengthen in the final days, depending on departures.

So, with only a handful of days remaining in the window, here are 10 big transfers that could still go through before deadline day:

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was booed on his return to Stamford Bridge after a difficult summer that ended with a red card and defeat in the World Cup final. The Argentina international has previously indicated he would be open to leaving the Blues, and new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is known to admire his former midfielder. Even so, Chelsea had earlier set a deadline of 5pm on Friday 14 August for clubs to submit bids for Fernandez, and with that cut-off now passed, the club expect him to remain at Stamford Bridge.

Xabi Alonso recently said Fernandez is “training really well”, but City are still expected to test Chelsea’s resolve before the close of the window with an offer at, or close to, the Blues’ valuation of £120m. On top of that, City are also believed to have already agreed personal terms with the Argentine.

Fernandez has attracted strong interest from Manchester City.

The ongoing story around Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez is another that has continued throughout the summer, with the Argentina forward having been Arsenal’s main target during the window. The Gunners appeared to shift focus elsewhere after Alvarez made it clear he wanted to join Barcelona, but with Atletico refusing to negotiate with their LaLiga rivals following an explosive breakdown in relations, an opening may now have appeared for Mikel Arteta to make his move.

Any agreement would have to break Arsenal’s transfer record, though, after Atletico rejected offers of £85m and £130m from Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. Atletico continue to insist Alvarez will not be sold at any price this summer, telling Marca: “There is a 0% chance of selling Julián Alvarez to Barcelona”. But that could leave them with an unhappy player – or push them towards a sale to Arsenal.

Julian Alvarez is being tracked by both Arsenal and Barcelona.

Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara has been linked with Chelsea in recent days as the possibility of City moving for Enzo Fernandez has gathered pace. Chelsea are said to be examining the terms of a potential deal, with some reports in France claiming the Blues initially explored a move worth around £34m. Monaco, however, are believed to want a little over £50m for the 22-year-old.

Arsenal’s widely reported chase for Vinicius Jr may have ended in frustration, but the Gunners are still keen to bring in a left-sided attacker before the summer window closes. That has led them towards Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, with the Turkey international valued at more than £60m by the Italian club. There is room for movement in the squad, with Gabriel Martinelli closing in on a switch to the Saudi Pro League, and this is one situation worth monitoring as the window reaches its final phase, even if the champions may choose to wait until January before strengthening this area of the attack.

Ismaila Sarr has already been the subject of two bids from Galatasaray, both of which Crystal Palace rejected, and Liverpool have now entered the picture as they look to improve Andoni Iraola’s attacking options. Sarr, 28, fits the profile of an Iraola player, bringing pace and athleticism both on and off the ball, along with the technical quality to create and score while operating at high intensity. Palace insist they want to keep Sarr and have turned down a £50m offer from Liverpool, and it remains uncertain whether the Reds will return with a better proposal.

Ismaila Sarr was in action for Palace against Liverpool last season.

With that £50m bid for Sarr having been rejected, Liverpool now appear less likely to return for him and may instead revisit another winger on their shortlist – Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh. The Reds have already had offers worth £50m and £60m rejected by the Seagulls, but they may be forced to improve their bid, especially with Sarr a possibility to move elsewhere and Ibrahim Mbaye set to join Aston Villa. Reports indicate Brighton value Minteh closer to £80m, although it remains unclear whether Liverpool would go that high, particularly after spending more than £105m on Barcola.

Everton winger Iliman Ndiye has emerged in recent days as a target for Manchester City, although the club have not yet made an official bid for the Senegal international. Everton manager David Moyes has said any transfer at this stage would make it “too tight for time” to reinvest and sign a replacement, and with City’s options out wide looking promising, this may be one they decide to leave. However, Tottenham are also reportedly interested as they continue their search for a winger, so the situation may not be settled just yet.

Another Palace attacker attracting interest from a Premier League rival is Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has scored 15 goals in each of the last three seasons at Selhurst Park. The 29-year-old is seen as a possible replacement for Ollie Watkins, who is attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League, but Palace were not impressed by Aston Villa’s proposed valuation and discussions have not moved forward. More recently, Mateta suffered an injury that could rule him out for around a month, putting any potential transfer at risk.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is a proven Premier League goalscorer.

Alejandro Balde was left out of Barcelona’s opening squad after manager Hansi Flick told him to take time to think about his future. It has since been reported that Balde would rather stay at Camp Nou, but the young left-back remains Manchester United’s leading target as they look to strengthen in defence, and Barca are thought to be willing to listen to serious offers. A fee of around £40m has been suggested for the 22-year-old Spaniard if United choose to intensify their interest, although Fabrizio Romano has previously said the deal is “too expensive” for United to complete this summer, even if the situation remains fluid.

An alternative could be a move for Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas, who has a release clause of about £13.7m. The 19-year-old has also attracted interest from clubs including Atletico Madrid, but he could provide United with a stop-gap solution as well.

Manchester United are keen to improve their defensive options.

The Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo is known to be wanted by Tottenham, who are still not finished with their big summer spending. But Liverpool would likely need at least two new arrivals at Anfield before they would consider approving a sale. Spurs are reported to have agreed personal terms with Gakpo, who scored on the opening weekend and registered an assist against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but they have not yet made a formal bid to Liverpool, while Manchester City are also said to be interested. This is one to keep an eye on in the final days of the window, but several pieces would need to fall into place – and perhaps Liverpool may decide to keep him after a couple of encouraging appearances at the start of the season.

Cody Gakpo scored for Liverpool against Newcastle on the opening weekend.