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.
Ronaldo on for United at Leicester
There was lots of talk around Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of today’s deadline. He’s staying at United - in fact, with around 90 minutes until the deadline, he is brought on by Erik ten Hag as they look to close out a win over Leicester.
Leicester vs Man Utd LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
Leicester search for first win of season as United aim to make it three from three
Nottingham Forest eye further signings on deadline day
With a move for Michy Batshuayi close, Nottingham Forest now look set to add former Spurs right back Serge Aurier to their squad - according to Fabrizio Romano.
Aurier is a free agent after leaving Vilarreal last season.
Done deal: Idrissa Gueye > Everton
Idrissa Gueye has returned to Everton from Paris Saint-Germain as he has signed a two-year deal at Goodison Park.
The Senegal international described his move as “coming back home” and said he told PSG that if he were to leave, he wanted it to be for Everton.
The 32-year-old, who was one of Everton’s most successful signings of recent years in a three-season spell on Merseyside before leaving in 2019, has become Frank Lampard’s seventh summer signing.
He said: “There is no better feeling than coming back home. I’ve followed the team every week and watched how they play. For me, there is no better place than Everton so that’s why I chose to come back here.”
Chelsea in late Memphis Depay talks?
“There have been late discussions about Memphis Depay to Chelsea, but - again - it doesn’t look like there is enough time,” Miguel Delaney of The Independent reports.
Miguel adds that Arsenal and Aston Villa remain apart in their talks for Douglas Luiz.
Done deal! Maitland-Niles signs for Southampton on loan
But here is a deal that has gone through! Ainsley Maitland-Niles has joined Southampton on loan from Arsenal for the season. The 25-year-old wants to kickstart his career and is set to get opportunities under Ralph Hasenhuttl, following loan spells at West Brom and Roma in previous seasons.
“Ainsley is at a good point in his career, with a lot of experience already, but he is also still a player with potential, and he is someone who can definitely help us,” Hasenhuttl said. “I think he fits well with us and can develop his game even further during his time here. He can also play in different positions, which is always a good thing, and I am pleased to welcome him as part of our squad.”
Deadline day - TWO hours to go!
It’s time to get moving! We’re still waiting on these deals getting over the line
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang > Chelsea
- Arthur Melo > Liverpool
- Douglas Luiz > Arsenal
- Denis Zakaria > Chelsea
- Billy Gilmour > Brighton
- Dan James > Fulham
- Hector Bellerin > Barcelona
Done deal: Willy Boly > Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest made their 19th summer signing as Ivory Coast defender Willy Boly joined from Wolves.
Boly, 31, has been liked with a move to Forest in recent weeks and is the latest in a long list of arrivals at the City Ground. The club said he has signed a two-year deal having spent five seasons at Wolves.
Man United leading Leicester at the break
I can’t remember the last transfer deadline where actual football was being played, but Manchester United are leading Leicester 1-0 at the break over at the King Power thanks to a smart finish from Jadon Sancho.
United have been good. Leicester look like a team who haven’t won all season.
Leicester vs Man Utd LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
Leicester search for first win of season as United aim to make it three from three
What deals are close?
James Garner > Everton
Midfielder James Garner is expected to leave before the deadline with The Independent’s Mark Critchley reporting Everton are favourites to win the race to sign the 21-year-old on a permanent basis.
Garner 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. He 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.
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