The Premier League transfer deadline is approaching fast, but some of the summer’s biggest deals remain unresolved. From Julián Álvarez to Arsenal to Bradley Barcola and Liverpool, the final week could transform several clubs.
By Abiodun Adewale Adeniyi | Founder & Editor, Beyond the Final Whistle
August 25, 2026 | Premier League | Transfer News
The Premier League transfer deadline 2026 is approaching, and some of the summer’s biggest business could still be completed before the window closes.
Premier League clubs have until 11pm BST on Tuesday, September 1 to complete their summer transfers, according to the Premier League’s official transfer-window information.
We have already seen enormous deals this summer, but Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, Newcastle and Aston Villa are among the clubs that could still be active.
Here are 10 transfers worth watching before deadline day.
- Julián Álvarez → Arsenal
This could become the defining deal of deadline week.
Arsenal remain interested in Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, despite the Argentine’s preference to remain in Spain. Atlético are reportedly demanding around €150m (£128m), while refusing to strengthen domestic rivals Barcelona.
That has potentially reopened the door for Arsenal.
We recently examined the growing crisis surrounding Álvarez in How the Julián Álvarez Transfer Saga Became a Crisis for Atlético Madrid.
If Arsenal decide to make one final statement signing, this is the deal to watch.
Likelihood: Possible, but extremely expensive.
- Bradley Barcola → Liverpool
Liverpool’s search for attacking reinforcements continues, and Bradley Barcola remains one of the biggest names on their radar.
PSG’s valuation has been the major obstacle. Recent reports suggest negotiations remain active, with Liverpool attempting to reduce what could become another enormous Premier League transfer fee.
With Liverpool trying to reshape their attack after Mohamed Salah’s departure, Barcola could become a cornerstone of the next era at Anfield.
Likelihood: One to watch closely.
- Yankuba Minteh → Liverpool
Barcola isn’t Liverpool’s only target.
The Reds have already had £50m and £60m offers rejected by Brighton for Yankuba Minteh, with Brighton demanding more for the 22-year-old winger.
Minteh’s injury complicates matters, but Liverpool clearly see him as a possible long-term solution on the right.
A third offer could make this one of deadline week’s most interesting negotiations.
Likelihood: Very possible if Liverpool increase their bid.
- Enzo Fernández → Manchester City
Manchester City’s midfield rebuild may not be finished.
City remain interested in Enzo Fernández, despite Chelsea previously placing a huge valuation on the Argentine midfielder.
The Guardian reports that City could test Chelsea’s resolve following the expected departure of Nico González, with Fernández reportedly open to working again with Enzo Maresca.
We previously examined the situation in Enzo Fernández Chelsea-Manchester City: Why the Blues Set a £120m Price Tag.
After Rodri’s departure, City’s midfield transformation remains one of the biggest stories of the summer.
Likelihood: Difficult — but not dead.
- Nico González → Newcastle United
This deal appears considerably closer.
Newcastle are in advanced negotiations with Manchester City for Nico González, with a fee around £50m being discussed.
City’s pursuit of other midfielders could make González expendable, while Newcastle need reinforcements after a summer of major squad changes.
Of everything on this list, this looks like one of the transfers most capable of moving quickly.
Likelihood: High.
- Cody Gakpo → Tottenham or Manchester City
Cody Gakpo could suddenly become one of the most important pieces in the deadline-week puzzle.
Tottenham have been monitoring the Liverpool forward, while Manchester City are also believed to retain an interest. Liverpool’s willingness to sell could depend heavily on whether they complete their own winger signings.
That creates a classic transfer domino.
Barcola or Minteh arrives → Gakpo potentially becomes available.
This one could move very late.
Likelihood: Dependent on Liverpool’s incoming business.
- Omar Marmoush → Tottenham
Tottenham have already made one huge attacking investment by signing Savinho from Manchester City.
They may not be finished.
Spurs have also pursued Omar Marmoush, with reports suggesting City could demand around £75m.
We have already analysed Tottenham’s extraordinary spending in Tottenham Spend £85m on Savinho: Ambition or Another Expensive Gamble?.
Adding Marmoush would take their attacking rebuild to another level.
Likelihood: Possible, but expensive.
- Rafael Leão → Aston Villa
This would be one of the most surprising moves of the entire window.
Aston Villa have reportedly approached AC Milan regarding Rafael Leão, with the Portuguese international believed to be open to a Premier League move.
After selling Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, Villa have both an attacking vacancy and significant money to reinvest.
Whether Milan can actually be persuaded to sell this late is another question.
Likelihood: Ambitious outsider.
- Jean-Philippe Mateta → Aston Villa
Villa may have a more achievable attacking option.
They have made an opening approach for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, although that first offer was reportedly rejected.
Mateta already knows the Premier League, reducing the adaptation risk associated with a late-window signing.
If Villa decide they need another proven centre-forward before September 1, negotiations could accelerate.
Likelihood: Worth monitoring.
- Mykhailo Mudryk → Leeds United
One of the more intriguing potential moves involves Mykhailo Mudryk.
Leeds have reportedly explored a loan move for the Chelsea winger, although Chelsea have already rejected approaches.
For Chelsea, a temporary departure could provide an opportunity to reduce an overcrowded squad.
For Leeds, it would represent a high-profile attacking gamble.
Much would depend on the structure of any loan agreement.
Likelihood: Possible if Leeds return with improved terms.
Deadline Week Could Change the Premier League
The opening weekend has already reminded several clubs that weaknesses identified during preseason become much more uncomfortable once competitive football begins.
We saw that clearly in Premier League Opening Weekend Chaos: Hull Stun Manchester United as Tottenham Are Thrashed.
Now sporting directors have only days to respond.
Liverpool need attacking solutions. Manchester City are rebuilding their midfield. Tottenham continue to spend aggressively. Newcastle are looking for reinforcements, while Arsenal have the opportunity to make perhaps the biggest statement of all.
Not all ten transfers will happen.
Some may collapse over valuation. Others could depend on one transfer triggering another.
But that’s exactly what makes the final week fascinating.
Between now and 11pm BST on September 1, one phone call could completely change the outlook of the Premier League season.
What Do You Think?
Which of these ten transfers do you think will happen before deadline day?
And which club desperately needs one more signing?
Share your prediction in the comments below.
