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.
Vinicius set to join Fulham
Former Tottenham forward Carlos Vinicius is set to join Fulham for a fee of £5 million, according to 90Min.
Marco Silva’s men have been chasing both Dan James and Bamba Dieng, but the Vinicius transfer looks to be the first one they are going to get over the line.
He arrives from Benfica - where he has barely played over the past three seasons due to loans at Spurs and PSV.
He netted 10 times in 22 appearances for Tottenham during the 2020/21 campaign.
Chelsea reach agreement for Aubameyang
Chelsea have reached an agreement to bring Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the club.
Fabrizio Romano has said on Twitter: “Chelsea and Barcelona have now reached an agreement in principle for Pierre Aubameyang!
“€14m fee plus Marcos Alonso to Barça included — now finalizing details. Aubameyang is expected to fly to London in the upcoming hours, once details are resolved.”
Just six months after departing Arsenal, Aubameyang is set to return to the Premier League.
Balotelli joins FC Sion
Overnight, maverick striker Mario Balotelli joined Swiss outfit FC Sion from Adana Demirspor in a somewhat bizarre move.
The Italian forward, 32, continues to enjoy one of the most unique careers you will see.
Watford terminate Rose’s contract
Watford have confirmed the termination of Danny Rose’s contract by mutual agreement.
The Championship side tweeted: “Watford FC and Danny Rose have agreed a mutual cancellation of the defender's contract with both parties in agreement that their futures will head in different directions.
“We thank Danny for his service and wish him well for his next opportunity.”
Done deal! Leicester sign Belgian defender Wout Faes
Leicester have confirmed the transfer of Wout Faes from French side Reims.
The 24-year-old Belgium international has signed a five-year contract with the Foxes and fills a gap in the squad left by the departure of Wesley Fofana, who has moved to Chelsea.
Speaking to LCFC TV, Faes said: “It’s an amazing feeling [to be here]; it’s not sunk in yet. This is the dream step in my career and I’m very happy to be here. I’m progressing year after year, and I hope to continue doing the same here. All the facilities and knowledge is here to help me to get even better. I will have to work hard, but I will give 100 per cent to help the team.”
Zaha set to stay at Palace
Wilfried Zaha has been linked with both Chelsea and Arsenal over the past 24 hours, and he is thought to be on the Gunners’ list of potential targets.
However, Patrick Vieira dismissed suggestions Zaha could leave before the deadline following the 1-1 draw with Brentford on Tuesday.
When asked if he had contemplated Zaha’s departure, Vieira said: “I didn’t even put that in my head, I didn’t even ask myself that question.
“I am working with him every day and there is nothing crossing my mind that something like that will happen. The only thing he is showing is competitiveness on the field, doing well for this football club that he loves very much.
“There is nothing coming from any other club. Wilfried is playing his football, he is enjoying his football and, as a manager or the chairman, there is nothing from anybody.
“We are in a period where there is a lot of things going on in the papers and regarding Wilfried there is nothing true in that. This is the only thing I can tell you.”
Vertonghen arrives in Brussels
Jan Vertoghen has touched down in Brussels – the former Tottenham defender is set to join Anderlecht from Benfica.
Aston Villa have bid accepted for Dendoncker
According to The Athletic, Wolves have accepted a £12.9 million offer from Aston Villa for midfielder Leander Dendoncker.
A medical is now set to take place ahead of the move, with Steven Gerrard keen to bolster his squad before the deadline.
Could Dendoncker’s arrival free up Doulgas Luiz to join Arsenal?
Antony issues messages to Man Utd fans
Manchester United signing Antony has sent the club’s fans a message following his arrival at Old Trafford this morning.
In a short video clip, he said: “What’s up fans! Anthony here. Look, I’m already wearing the shirt of the biggest club in the world.
“Just here to tell you that I’m really excited and looking forward to being on the pitch in this shirt and honouring you fans. Much love and let’s make history together. Together!”
Melo set to complete Liverpool move
Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo’s loan transfer to Liverpool has been given the ‘here we go’ treatment and looks set to be finalised!
Fabrizio Romano has just tweeted: “Arthur Melo to Liverpool, here we go! Contracts are now ready to be signed once medical will be completed in the afternoon, already booked.
“Arthur is flying to UK right now. Loan deal valid until June 2023, no buy option.”
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