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.
Man Utd’s interest in Barcelona defender Dest
Erik ten Hag had explored signing a right back ahead of the final two days of the window and The Independent’s Miguel Delaney has reported that Barcelona defender Sergino Dest was identified as the most viable option on the market.
The Independent first reported United’s interest in the USA international two weeks ago, and talks have become more concrete since then.
However, Ten Hag has confirmed United will be keeping Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer and, when asked whether Antony and Dubravka’s arrivals would mark the end of their transfer business, said: “I think so, it will be for this window the end, but when there is great opportunity we always have to be alert at this top club.
“Aaron will stay in. So this squad, we will go from September to minimum January but we will play with this squad this season.”
And this morning it was reported the full-back will join AC Milan on a season-long loan.
Chelsea’s Ampadu set for Spezia loan
Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu is set to join Spezia on year-long loan, deciding to return for another stint in Italian football due to the success of British players there in the last few seasons.
The Welsh international spent last season at Venezia, and saw first-hand the impact that Fikayo Tomori had at AC Milan, confident he can have similar success.
Ampadu had a number of offers, including from the Bundesliga, La Liga, Empoli and Nice in Ligue 1. The latter proved attractive due to the chance of European football, but a number of factors ultimately saw the 21-year-old decide to return to Serie A.
Among them are the fact that he has previously worked with Spezia coach Luca Gotti, from the latter’s time at Chelsea, and Italian football is seen as a higher standard than France.
Ethan Ampadu set to return to Serie A on season-long loan from Chelsea
The versatile performer will be hoping to earn a starting spot for Wales at the World Cup in Qatar later this year
Everton set to seal Garner transfer
Everton are expected to win the race to sign Manchester United midfielder James Garner on a permanent basis.
The 21-year-old has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs since United indicated that they would listen to offers of aroud £15m earlier this month.
Garner impressed on loan in the Championship last season, helping Nottingham Forest win promotion through the play-offs, but returned to Old Trafford facing competition for regular minutes.
The arrivals of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have seen him drop further down the pecking order and Garner was not mentioned by Erik ten Hag when listing his midfield options last week.
The England Under-21 international now appears set to join Everton and become Frank Lampard's seventh signing of the summer.
Everton set to win race for Manchester United midfielder James Garner
The 21-year-old impressed on loan at Nottingham Forest last season
Romeu leaves Southampton for Girona
Southampton midfielder Oriel Romeu has ended his seven-year spell at St Mary’s after completing a move to Serie A side Girona.
In the last few minutes, Saints tweeted: Thank you for everything, @OriolRomeu ❤️.
“The midfielder has today completed a transfer to @GironaFC after seven wonderful years with #SaintsFC.”
Man City complete Akanji signing
Manchester City have confirmed the €17.5m (£15.1m) signing of Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund.
Akanji has signed a five-year deal at the Etihad to become City’s fifth signing of the summer and offer depth at centre-back.
The 27-year-old will provide cover and competition for Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nathan Aké at the hear of Pep Guardiola’s defence.
Manchester City complete €17.5m signing of Manuel Akanji
Akanji becomes City’s fifth senior centre-back amid injuries to Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Aké
More on Man Utd signing Antony
John Murtough, Manchester United’s football director, has given his reaction to the club clinching Antony’s signature.
He said: “Antony is one of the most exciting young talents in European football and has exactly the right profile for the attacking, dynamic team Erik is building.
“We have been especially impressed by his desire to join Manchester United, and to be part of a long-term project to get the club back to the levels of performance we all expect.”
Arsenal transfer news
Another quick plug of our transfer round-ups today.
All you Arsenal fans out there who want to know what is going on around the Emirates on deadline day can head over to our dedicated page here.
Mikel Arteta has already stressed the club are interested in signing a new midfielder before the window slams shut. Who could that be?
Arsenal transfer news: Danilo, Mudryk, Tielemans, Neto Zaha and more
Who might Mikel Arteta’s side sign on transfer deadline day?
Liverpool linked with Arthur
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo before the 11pm deadline.
Jurgen Klopp has made it no secret his desire to bolster his options in the middle of the park.
And there are now several reports stating that Arthur is set for a medical on Merseyside later today ahead of a potential move.
Man Utd spent more than planned, says Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag has admitted that Manchester United have spent more than they originally planned to during this summer’s transfer window due to an inflated market.
Antony’s arrival will take United’s total outlay on players this summer up to a record-breaking £227m, surpassing the respective £151m and £148m expenditures during Louis van Gaal and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first full windows in charge.
Speaking about their business, Ten Hag said: “First, we really quickly identified the positions we wanted and then identified the players we wanted. The process is if you get them or not. More parties are involved, there are many factors who make it complicated. Then the market and how it developed.
“Last season, the benchmark was only five transfers above £60m and I don’t know how many now.
Ten Hag suggested that while money was always available for signings, the budget was increased due to an inflated market. “There was always money,” he added. “They made adaptations because of how the market was and I think the club did that well.”
Manchester United confirm Antony signing
Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Ajax forward Antony.
Agreeing a deal until 2027, the Brazilian, 22, said: “This is an incredible moment in my career to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world. I’m thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family, and all my coaches and team-mates, because I could not have got here without them.
“Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.
“My time at Ajax was fantastic and I will always be grateful for the trust they put in me, but now I am ready for the next challenge, and I can’t wait to join my new team-mates and play my part in bringing success to Manchester United.”
Manchester United complete €100m signing of Antony
The 22-year-old winger signs contract until 2027 with option of further year
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