Transfer news LIVE: Chelsea sign Aubameyang, Arsenal’s Luiz bid rejected, Liverpool confirm Arthur
Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Man City, Leeds, Barcelona, PSG and many more were busy on deadline day
The transfer window closed with a flurry of late activity, as Chelsea signed the former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a two-year deal from Barcelona. Aubameyang, who will wear the number 9 shirt at Stamford Bridge, was finally announced after midnight and was followed by the loan signing of midfielder Denis Zakaria from Juventus as Chelsea’s busy summer of transfer business concluded with two major deals.
Liverpool signed Arthur on loan from Juventus to ease their midfield injury problems but Arsenal‘s late chase of Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz ended in disappointment. Arsenal saw three bids rejected, the last around £25m, with Aston Villa holding out for £40m for a player out of contract next summer.
Earlier, Manchester United completed the signing of Antony from Ajax for €100m in the biggest deal of transfer deadline day. The Brazilian international has put pen to paper on a contract at Old Trafford that runs until 2027, and was followed by goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who has joined on a season-long loan from Newcastle.
Elsewhere, Manuel Akanji sealed his move to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund on a five-year deal while Leicester made their first outfield signing of the window as they announced the arrival of Belgium international Wout Faes from Reims. He replaces Wesley Fofana, who joined Chelsea for £70m on Wednesday.
Follow all the latest twists and turns on transfer deadline day below.
Aubameyang and Alonso deals set to be completed
Fabrizio Romano has given Aubameyang’s move to Chelsea and Alonso’s swap to Barcelona the ‘here we go’ treatment.
He has tweeted: “Pierre Aubameyang to Chelsea and Marcos Alonso to Barça: here we go! Full agreement completed. €14m fee to Barcelona.
“Aubameyang will fly to London around 5pm! Two year deal + one more option. Alonso in Spain to undergo medical and sign three year deal.”
Bellerin to join Barcelona
Arsenal have agreed to allow right-back Hector Bellerin to join Barcelona, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
It is set to be completed as a free transfer rather than a contract termination and he has agreed to take a pay cut to get the deal done.
Bellerin, who spent last season on loan in Spain at Real Betis, is waiting for permission to travel for his medical.
Pedro happy at Watford
Joao Pedro has pledged his future to Watford on social media despite speculation over a possible move to Everton.
In an Instagram post, the 20-year-old said: “I’m very happy here. I love being at Watford and I want to do more with them.
“I spoke to the Board yesterday and I am fully committed to the club and looking forward to a successful season. Let’s go Hornets.”
Romeu posts Southampton farewell
Midfielder Oriel Romeu has posted a farewell message to Southampton fans after completing a move to Girona this morning.
He said to Saints supporters: “I’m sad because it’s over but I’m happier because it’s happened #SaintsFC.”
Romeu spent seven years at St Mary’s and made an impressive 25 appearances for the south coast outfit.
Nice in for Barkley?
Chelsea released midfielder Ross Barkley earlier this week and he is now in search of a new club as a free agent.
RMC Sport are reporting that Ligue 1 side Nice are interested in bringing the former England international to the club.
Where do you think Barkley will end up?
Liverpool finalising Arthur deal
Liverpool are on the brink of completing a year loan for Arthur, of Juventus, with the player set to complete a medical in the early hours of deadline day.
Jurgen Klopp has ultimately decided to act on a midfield crisis in his team, and a deal for the 26-year-old Brazilian international represents one of the less complicated solutions.
Although negotiations are not yet complete, Arthur was flying to the UK on Thursday morning for a medical, in order to speed up the process.
Liverpool have been surveying options in case the deal falls down, but there is confidence it will be completed. Any contract will not include an option to buy.
Liverpool set to sign Arthur on loan to ease midfield injury problems
A deal for the 26-year-old Brazilian international represents one of the less complicated solutions available so late in the window
Blackburn boss Tomasson on Brereton-Diaz speculation
Blackburn manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has told BBC Sport that he hopes Ben Brereton-Diaz stays at the club beyond the 11pm deadline.
He said “Ben (Brereton Diaz) has quality. He’s a great lad and works hard for the team. Hopefully he stays.”
He then went on to add: “If he’s not staying we need a lot of money”
Diaz, 23, has entered the final year of his contract and is being linked with Fulham, Everton and West Ham.
Premier League’s power
Here is a more extensive look at just how much more money is sloshing around the Premier League compared with Europe’s other major leagues.
Pretty staggering.
Fulham finalising Dan James deal
Fulham are also thought to be closing in on an agreement for Leeds winger Dan James to join Marco Silva’s men at Craven Cottage.
Final details are currently being discussed, with Leeds set to announce Marseille man Bamba Dienge as James’ replacement.
These signings are beginning to come thick and fast.
Forest confirm Boly signing
Steve Cooper was praying for the end of the transfer window this morning but now he has made his 17th signing of the summer.
Wolves centre-back Willy Boly has joined the club on deadline day, just four days after failing to report for Wanderers game against Newcastle.
Yet another new face arrives at the City Ground.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments