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.
Depay staying at Barcelona
Memphis Depay has been rumoured to be leaving Barcelona all summer and was close to a move to Juventus before that fell through.
No other clubs could get a deal over the line for the forward and he has tweeted his commitment to the club:
Villa reject Arsenal bid for Luiz
Arsenal have submitted a bid of £23m plus £2m in add-ons but Aston Villa have once again rejected the bid. It looks nailed on that the midfielder will remain at the club past the deadline.
Aarons staying at Norwich
Max Aarons will stay at Norwich after both Borussia Monchengladbach and Villarreal tried to get him on loan in the past 48 hours.
Southampton showed interest too but opted to pursue a deal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles instead.
Liverpool sign Brazil midfielder Arthur Melo on season-long loan from Juventus
Liverpool have ended their search for a midfielder with the season-long loan signing of Brazil international Arthur Melo from Juventus.
The 26-year-old completed his medical on deadline day and his transfer is subject to international clearance.
Jurgen Klopp’s crisis in midfield escalated following the 2-1 win over Newcastle on Wednesday night, with captain Jordan Henderson set to undergo scans on a hamstring injury that could sideline him for three weeks.
The Liverpool manager had already admitted he had been wrong in not signing a midfielder earlier in the window, with injuries to Thiago Alcantara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain having further limited his options.
Liverpool sign Brazil midfielder Arthur Melo on season-long loan from Juventus
Liverpool were left scrambling for a midfielder after last night’s win against Newcastle and the Brazil international was identified as a short-term solution
One hour to go
There’s just 60 minutes of the summer transfer window left to go and clubs are still making deals. Liverpool are close to announcing the arrival of Arthur Melo from Juventus.
It’s only a matter of time:
Liverpool confirm Arthur loan
Very disappointed they haven’t gone for the Arthur theme tune, but...
Here we go!
Arsenal set for frustration in Douglas Luiz chase
Arsenal have reportedly submitted a fresh bid of £23m for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz which, according to Miguel Delaney earlier, is still set to be a long way short of Villa’s £40m asking price.
Aston Villa set £40m asking price for Arsenal target Douglas Luiz
The Gunners are looking to add in midfield following a number of injuries
Done deal: Willian > Fulham
Willian is back in the Premier League, with the former Chelsea and Arsenal forward signing a one-year deal with Fulham.
The former Brazil international had been training with Marco Silva’s side following his departure from Corinthians last month. The 34-year-old joins a Fulham team who have made a solid start to the season.
“I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to be back in the Premier League,” he said. “Fulham is a special club, a club that wants to improve, that wants to fight for something bigger, so I’m here to help, and I cant wait to get started.”
Done deal! Southampton sign City starlet Edozie
It’s getting busy at Southampton...
As expected, they have now added the 19-year-old Sam Edozie on deadline day, with the Manchester City academy player joining on a permanent tranfer.
City are believed to have a buy-back clause in his deal but this looks more smart business from the Saints, who have already signed Roméo Lavia and Gavin Bazunu from City’s academy this summer.
Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “Samuel is another promising young player who brings good attacking qualities to us, and he is someone who fits very well with our philosophy.
“He is a quick player who has impressive technical ability, so he will be able to help our squad immediately, but we also see a lot of potential in him for the future.
“This is a good opportunity for him, and I know he is excited about the chance to come here and improve.”
Done deal: Jack Stephens > Bournemouth
Bournemouth have completed the loan signing of Jack Stephens from fellow south coast side Southampton.
Centre-back Stephens has joined the Cherries on a season-long deal after falling down the pecking order at Saints.
Neill Blake, Bournemouth’s chief executive, said: “We’re very pleased to bring Jack to the club and he strengthens our defensive options. He brings with him significant Premier League experience and I’m sure will prove a very valuable addition both on and off the pitch.”
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