The Premier League season is underway, but with just eight days left in the transfer window, several major deals could still be completed. Weaknesses exposed during the opening weekend have prompted clubs to act, with Liverpool seeking a Mohamed Salah replacement and Manchester United in desperate need of a full-back. Manchester City could also see significant movement, with the Etihad Stadium potentially becoming a revolving door as numerous stars are set to leave.
Arsenal Target Julian Alvarez and Victor Osimhen
Arsenal looked imperious during their Premier League opener with Coventry, but Mikel Arteta is still interested in Julian Alvarez, 26, for £85 million. However, the wantaway Argentine is not keen on a move to the Gunners. Victor Osimhen, 29, is another option for Arteta up front, with the Galatasaray star carrying a price tag of around £55 million, making him a cheaper alternative to Alvarez.
Liverpool's Search for a Salah Replacement
At Liverpool, Andoni Iraola is looking to replace Salah with PSG star Bradley Barcola seemingly at the front of the queue. The Frenchman, 23, will cost a significant fee as PSG have reportedly demanded between £128 million and £111 million. Liverpool are also targeting Barcola's young PSG team-mate Ibrahim Mbaye. Like Barcola, Mbaye, 18, has been pushed down the pecking order in Paris and could leave for Anfield for around £50 million.
The Reds are keeping their options open out wide and have also enquired about Brighton's 22-year-old star Yankuba Minteh. Recent reports suggest a third bid is imminent amid the Seagulls' £60 million asking price.
Manchester United Close on Carlos Baleba and Lewis Hall
Liverpool's bitter rivals United look to have finally landed Carlos Baleba from Brighton. The Red Devils are expected to announce the 22-year-old in a deal structured as an initial £65 million plus £5 million in performance-related add-ons. However, Michael Carrick still needs a left-back and has been heavily linked with Lewis Hall, 21, who has impressed at Newcastle. Hall will not come cheap, and United might have to pay north of £70 million.
Villa Stars Linked with Exits
Ollie Watkins looks set to leave Aston Villa, as Unai Emery addressed his omission with "silence" on Sunday. Watkins, 30, is destined for the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal ready to come back in after their £45 million bid was rejected. Watkins could be joined at Al-Hilal by Gabriel Martinelli, 25, with talks reportedly taking place over a £60 million move, which would see the Brazilian become Arsenal's record sale.
Nicolas Jackson is looking for a route out of Chelsea after spending last season on loan at Bayern Munich. Jackson, 25, has seen his asking price reportedly slashed to £65 million by the Blues as Aston Villa track him as a Watkins replacement.
Manchester City's Incoming and Outgoing Deals
Enzo Maresca started Marc Guehi at the base of his midfield on Sunday, and City have seemingly reacted quickly in the market, agreeing an £86 million deal with Lille for 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi. However, Maresca might not be done there, as City have been linked with Enzo Fernandez all summer. If the Italian wants to reunite with Fernandez, 25, it will cost City an eye-watering £120 million.
City will also be saying goodbye to players before the deadline, with Savinho looking set to be their record sale. Savinho, 22, has agreed to join Tottenham in an £85 million deal. The Brazilian will be joined by Omar Marmoush, who will also swap the Etihad for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer. Marmoush, 27, is joining initially on loan with a mandatory £50 million fee next summer. Finally, Nico Gonzalez also looks set to leave the Etihad. The 24-year-old has struggled since his move from Porto, and reports now suggest he could move to Newcastle in a deal worth £50 million.
