The 2026 summer transfer window is entering its final and potentially busiest stage, with Premier League clubs scrambling to complete deals before the deadline on Tuesday, September 1 at 11pm BST.
Several major transfers remain uncertain, with Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton among the clubs at the centre of negotiations.
The late activity comes after an already busy summer transfer window, with clubs continuing to reshape their squads following the World Cup.
Arsenal push for Julián Alvarez
One of the biggest stories involves Arsenal and Atlético Madrid striker Julián Alvarez.
Arsenal are reportedly trying to bring the Argentina international to the Emirates Stadium as part of their efforts to strengthen their attacking options.
The proposed deal could be worth around £100 million, although negotiations remain complicated. Arsenal also have several outgoing transfers to complete as they attempt to reduce the size of their squad.
Gabriel Jesus is reportedly close to joining Barcelona in a deal worth about £8.6 million, while Gabriel Martinelli is expected to move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Fábio Vieira is also heading away from Arsenal.
The movement could leave Arsenal with additional room to complete their pursuit of Alvarez before the deadline.
Manchester City interested in Cody Gakpo
Manchester City are also involved in one of the most closely watched deals of deadline week.
City have shown interest in Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, although the transfer depends partly on Liverpool securing a replacement before agreeing to let the Netherlands international leave.
Liverpool are reportedly monitoring several attacking options as they consider how to respond to the situation.
Gakpo has become an important player for Liverpool, making any potential departure a major decision for the club.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are looking to strengthen their squad and could see Gakpo as a player capable of operating in several attacking positions.
Everton target Folarin Balogun
Everton are also working on a major late move, with the club negotiating with Monaco for Folarin Balogun.
The United States international is being considered as a replacement for Beto, who is expected to leave Everton for Fiorentina. Reports indicate that Everton’s discussions with Monaco are ongoing, with the proposed deal potentially worth around £40 million.
Balogun, who was developed at Arsenal, enjoyed a strong 2025/26 campaign with Monaco, scoring 13 Ligue 1 goals and being named the club’s Player of the Season.
A move back to the Premier League would therefore represent a significant return for the striker.
Other clubs also active
The transfer activity extends beyond the biggest Premier League clubs.
Newcastle United are considering a loan move for Nick Woltemade, with Juventus reportedly interested in taking the German striker to Italy. A potential loan could depend on Newcastle finding a replacement.
Chelsea are also facing uncertainty surrounding midfielder Enzo Fernández, with Manchester City reportedly interested in the Argentine. Chelsea are monitoring potential replacements as the deadline approaches.
Meanwhile, Juventus have been involved in discussions for Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, adding another high-profile deal to the final days of the window.
Deadline approaching
The Premier League’s summer transfer window officially closes at 11pm BST on Tuesday, September 1.
With only hours remaining, clubs must move quickly to complete negotiations, medical examinations and registration paperwork.
For supporters, the final stage of the window promises plenty of drama, particularly with several high-profile players still uncertain about where they will play after the deadline.
The situations involving Alvarez, Gakpo and Balogun could become some of the biggest stories of the final hours.
With Premier League clubs continuing to negotiate late into the night, the transfer window is heading towards a potentially dramatic conclusion.
