Man City wants Fernandez... and Arsenal to sign Alvarez
Manchester City are hoping to finalize a major deal in the final hours of the English summer transfer window by signing Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea, while Premier League champions Arsenal have their sights set on the other Argentine, Julian Alvarez.
With Premier League clubs unable to register new players until next January following the deadline (today, Tuesday, at 22:00 GMT), City and Arsenal, among others, have a final opportunity to strengthen their squads.
The frantic spending in the closing moments dominates the scene, as City attempts to finally secure the services of Chelsea’s Fernandez. Chelsea value the Argentine at around £120 million ($162 million), but City have not yet reached that figure in their offers.
Fernandez could thrive under the guidance of Italian coach Enzo Maresca, his former manager at Chelsea. Maresca is keen to sign the Argentine after the club recently sold influential midfielder Rodri, the 2026 World Cup winner with Spain, to Barcelona, alongside the departures of Portuguese star Bernardo Silva, Spaniard Nico Gonzalez, and Dutch midfielder Tjannik Reiniers.
Chelsea’s new Spanish manager, 2022 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso, has excluded Fernandez from his squad for the last two matches, amid growing speculation about a potential move to the Etihad Stadium.
City are also expected to announce the signing of Senegalese midfielder Iliman Ndiaye from Everton in a deal worth £65 million.
Tottenham had also been linked with Ndiaye, but it appears City have won the race for the 26-year-old.
Alvarez Close to Arsenal
Arsenal could make a significant splash if they succeed in signing Argentine striker Alvarez.
Reports suggest Alvarez prefers a move to Barcelona, but with Atletico Madrid unwilling to sell him to a La Liga rival, he may accept an offer from Arsenal valued at £128 million.
Alvarez has missed several training sessions and was not included in Atletico’s squad for their victory over Sevilla last weekend. A deal for the former City star would send a strong message of intent from Arsenal, who are aiming to win back-to-back Premier League titles for the first time since the 1930s.
Meanwhile, Arsenal striker Ethan Nwaneri is preparing to join German side Borussia Dortmund on a full-season loan.
Liverpool stole the headlines on Monday by securing the signing of French striker Bradley Barcola, paying £123 million to bring him from Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is still seeking an additional winger as the team adjusts to life after Egyptian top scorer Mohamed Salah, who joined Trabzonspor in August after ending his illustrious career at Anfield.
Iraola has Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace and Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh from Brighton on his list.
If Liverpool sign either of these targets, it could pave the way for Dutch striker Cody Gakpo’s departure from Anfield, with interest from City and Tottenham.
Elliott to Leave Liverpool
Harvey Elliott is set to leave Liverpool, nearing a loan move to Spanish side Valencia, following a disappointing spell with Aston Villa last season.
Tottenham are keen to sign Chelsea’s Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk on loan after failing to secure the services of Ndiaye. Meanwhile, Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is preparing to return to Everton on loan, having spent last season with the Scottish manager David Moyes’ side.
Grealish lost his place at Manchester City over the past two years but made a positive impression during his time at Everton before suffering a foot injury that ended his season in January.
Everton are also strong contenders to sign American striker Folarin Balogun from Monaco in a deal worth £40 million.
German striker Nicolas Fullkrug is expected to join Newcastle United on loan from Italian club Juventus.
