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.
Deadline day: Deal or no deal?
Meanwhile, Burnley’s social media admin continues to be the breakout star of the transfer window.
They have signed Jordan Beyer, a German youth international defender from Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Done deal: Wout Faes > Leicester City
Leicester City have signed Belgium defender Wout Faes from French club Stade de Reims on a five-year-deal, subject to international clearance, the Premier League club announced on Thursday’s transfer deadline day.
Faes, who was named Reims’ player of the season for 2021-22, will join Leicester as a replacement for Wesley Fofana, who moved to Chelsea this week.
The 24-year-old made his debut for Belgium in the Nations League in June this year. Faes is Leicester’s second summer signing after they signed Alex Smithies as a backup goalkeeper on a free transfer.
Latest: Aubameyang in London ahead of Chelsea move
Sky Sports have tracked down Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is back in London ahead of his move to Chelsea.
Done deal: Layvin Kurzawa > Fulham
Paris St Germain defender Layvin Kurzawa has joined Fulham on a season-long loan.
The left-back boosts the options of Marco Silva, who has guided the Cottagers to two wins out of five in the Premier League this season.
Kurzawa said: “I feel very, very happy to be here. It’s a family here, everyone is very cool. I’ve watched every Fulham game this season and I can’t wait to play with this team.”
Fulham also teased the former France international will not be their only business of the day, writing on Twitter: “Our first deadline day signing is Layvin Kurzawa.”
Done deal! Villa sign Dendoncker from Wolves
Aston Villa have completed the signing of verstatile Belgium international Leander Dendoncker from Wolves, for a fee of around £13m.
Could that be followed by Douglas Luiz heading to Arsenal?
Done deal: Manuel Akanji >Manchester City
Manuel Akanji has set his sights on winning silverware in England after signing a five-year deal to complete his move to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund.
City were thought to have wrapped up their summer business but went back into the market to add defensive depth after recent injuries to Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake left Ruben Dias and John Stones as the only fit senior centre-halves available to Pep Guardiola.
The Premier League champions have paid a reported £17million to land the Switzerland international, who spent four seasons with Dortmund after joining from Basel in 2018.
“I am delighted to be here, and can’t wait to get started,” said Akanji, who has taken the number 25 shirt vacated by former City captain Fernandinho this summer.
Everton fail with £15m approach for Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus
Ajax have rejected a £15m-plus bid from Everton for Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus, and are adamant he is not for sale this summer.
While the Dutch champions are insistent they lose no more players after a summer of considerable outgoings, there is an extra dimension with the 22-year-old.
Ajax firmly believe he will develop into one of the best midfielders in the world, and will be worth much more than that £15m fee - even allowing for add-ons - after the World Cup. Kudus is certain to go with Ghana to Qatar in November.
Ajax did not want to sell Antony this week, but felt Manchester United’s offer of €100m was just too good to turn down. With Everton getting nowhere close to such a bid, and the Dutch champions so excited about his potential, an exit for Kudus seems impossible.
Everton fail with £15m approach for Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus
The Dutch champions are reluctant to let the Ghana international leave
Chelsea’s Vale set for Hull loan
Chelsea youngster Harvey Vale is set to join Hull City on a loan, according to Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard.
The 18-year-old has signed a four-year deal with Chelsea, though, before heading out for his first Championship experience.
What deals are close?
Arthur Melo > Liverpool
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 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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