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.
Chelsea transfer news
Chelsea could be set for a very, very busy deadline day.
Owner Todd Boehly is still negotiating several deals, including for the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Josko Gvardiol.
Get a complete round-up of the goings on at Stamford Bridge via our dedicated page below.
Chelsea transfer news: Aubameyang, Neymar, Gvardiol, Alvarez, Zaha and more
With Chelsea still looking to complete business on deadline day, who could be joining Thomas Tuchel’s side before the end of the summer transfer window?
Fulham see Brereton-Diaz bid rejected
Fulham have had a bid for Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton-Diaz rejected by the Championship outfit.
The Chilean international has been linked with West Ham and Everton, but it is the Cottagers who have seen an offer dismissed by the Lancashire club.
It remains to be seen whether or not Marco Silva’s men will return with another bid before the 11pm deadline.
Ronaldo future to dominate deadline day
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the subject of frenzied speculation as the summer transfer window enters its final day.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has played down suggestions that the 37-year-old Portugal skipper could leave the club for a second time having been linked with Napoli and former side Sporting this summer.
The impending arrival of Ajax frontman Antony in a deal costing £80.6million with a further £4.2million in add-ons has sparked suggestions Ronaldo, who has started only one game so far this season, may be allowed to go.
However, asked about his future, Ten Hag said: “We need numbers there, we need not just quantity, but quality.”
West Ham eye Bednarek as Dawson replacement
West Ham are reportedly keen to bring Southampton centre-back Jan Bednarek in to replace the outgoing Craig Dawson.
Dawson, 32, is being eyed up by Leicester, Wolves and Aston Villa after a stellar campaign in the Premier League and Europa League last season.
If he is to depart, BBC Sport understand that Bednarek is David Moyes’ first choice alternative.
Man Utd transfer round-up
A Manchester United fan trying to get the lowdown on your club’s dealings today? Look no further than our dedicated page.
Cody Gakpo, Martin Dubravka and Cristiano Ronaldo are all at the centre of speculation around Old Trafford today.
Get a full round-up of all the ins and outs here...
Man United transfer news: Ronaldo, Antony, Dubravka, Gakpo, Dest and more
Could there be deadline day drama at Old Trafford and a busy end to the summer transfer window?
Fofana reveals James messages
Wesley Fofana has revealed how Reece James’ Instagram messages helped convince him to join Chelsea after his move from Leicester for around £70m was confirmed.
The French centre-back, 21, boosts Thomas Tuchel’s defence and takes the Blues’ spending past £250m this summer.
Speaking after completing his move, Fofana revealed he has had ongoing contact with his new teammates while negotiations were taking place this summer between the clubs.
"I spoke to Reece James on Instagram,” Fofana told Chelsea’s official YouTube channel. “Edouard Mendy and [Marc] Cucurella too.
“Reece messaged me on Instagram about a month ago. He said, 'you're coming? You and me play on the right side'. It's good for the confidence. He's my guy now.”
Chelsea on verge of Aubameyang deal
Chelsea are edging closer to completing a deal for Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports.
This morning, The Athletic’s David Ornstein tweeted: “Chelsea on verge of agreement to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona.
“Latest bid ~€7.5m + Marcos Alonso. Proposed deal 2+1y (y3 based on % of apps in y2). 33yo currently in Barcelona. Moving towards conclusion.”
Gerrard on Luiz future
Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard gave an update on Douglas Luiz’s future last night amid links with Arsenal, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid.
The Brazilian, 24, was dropped to the bench for the loss to Arsenal before coming on to score, leading many to speculate over his future at the club.
To which Gerrard responded: “There’s more than two people that are in control of that but I’m certainly not one of them. That will be Douglas, that will be his agent and that will be what happens around that.
“I would like to keep him, he’s a fantastic player and I’ve made that abundantly clear. We are not in a position where we need to lose top players.
“But at the same time, Douglas has got a year to go and it is really one of those really touchy situations where the club has to do what is best for the club, not necessarily what is best for me.”
Depay to stay at Barcelona
Memphis Depay is reportedly set to remain at Barcelona.
The Netherlands international, 28, had been linked with a move to both Juventus and Manchester United this summer.
But Sport now understand that he will honour the final year of his contract, ending debate over where he will end up.
Brighton in for Gilmour
Resident transfer expert Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Brighton are keen to bring Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour to the club before the end of the window this evening.
The 21-year-old Scotland international has not been handed a minute of football so far this season after returning from his loan spell at Norwich.
He will undoubtedly want minutes, so a move the Seagulls - who are flying high in the Premier League - could be perfect.
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