Transfer Deadline Day: Alvarez, Gakpo, Fernandez Among Premier League Stars Facing Late Moves

The Premier League transfer window is entering its final hours, with clubs racing to complete major deals before Tuesday’s 23:00 BST deadline. Several high-profile players remain at the centre of negotiations, including Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and Liverpool attacker Cody Gakpo.

Alvarez’s future is one of the biggest unresolved stories. Arsenal and Barcelona are interested in the Argentina international, but Atletico Madrid are reluctant to sell to Barcelona. The Spanish club are reportedly more willing to negotiate with Arsenal and have placed a valuation of around €150m (£128m) on the 26-year-old.

Further uncertainty has surrounded Alvarez after he missed several Atletico training sessions and was omitted from the squad for the weekend match against Sevilla. Those developments have intensified speculation that a late move could be possible before the deadline.

Manchester City are also keeping a close eye on Chelsea midfielder Fernandez. The Argentina international missed Chelsea’s Premier League win over Brighton on Sunday, while City are considering whether to make a major offer. A deal could surpass their club-record £116m spent on Elliot Anderson earlier this summer.

Chelsea are already considering contingency plans should Fernandez leave. Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara has emerged as a possible replacement, with the Senegal international potentially becoming Chelsea’s 13th signing of the summer. The London club could also see further departures before the window closes.

Liverpool face their own major decision over Gakpo. Manchester City have opened talks with the Reds and are reportedly prepared to offer about £85m for the Netherlands forward, who is understood to be open to joining City. Tottenham are also interested, but Liverpool will only approve a sale if they can sign another attacker, with Barcelona winger Bradley Barcola among their targets.

Liverpool have also explored a move for Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr after Brighton rejected two bids for Yankuba Minteh, the second reportedly worth more than £60m. Meanwhile, Tottenham and Everton are working on a potential swap involving Iliman Ndiaye and Richarlison, although Manchester City’s interest in Ndiaye could complicate negotiations.

Elsewhere, Everton are increasingly confident of extending Jack Grealish’s stay at Goodison Park on loan from Manchester City, while Newcastle are pursuing Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo. At Manchester United, Joshua Zirkzee could depart on loan to Fiorentina if a deal can be agreed, although United would prefer a permanent transfer or a loan containing an obligation to buy.

With the clock ticking, the final hours could produce a chain reaction across the Premier League. A major departure may force another club to accelerate its own recruitment, meaning several of the window’s biggest deals could depend on what happens before Tuesday night’s deadline.