Transfer Deadline Day: Real Madrid, Barcelona and Premier League Giants Face Final Decisions

The summer transfer window is entering its final hours, with some of Europe’s biggest clubs still working on deals.

Several teams are chasing late additions, while others are focused on completing player departures before the deadline.

Here is a look at the latest transfer situations involving Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

Real Madrid: Big Spending Leaves Little Room for More

Real Madrid are not expected to make another major signing before the transfer window closes.

The Spanish giants have already invested heavily this summer, committing around €250 million to six players.

Their incoming business includes Denzel Dumfries from Inter for €25 million, Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer, Marc Cucurella from Chelsea for €55 million plus potential bonuses, Bernardo Silva on a free transfer, Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for €125 million plus €15 million in add-ons, and Carlos Espi from Levante for €25 million.

The club believes the squad now has enough depth to compete for the major trophies, with at least two players available for most positions.

There is still an internal desire for another midfielder and centre-back, but Madrid are unlikely to make a signing simply because the deadline is approaching.

Could anyone leave?

A late departure remains possible.

Madrid are aware that several Premier League clubs still need reinforcements and could therefore make offers for players who are not considered completely untouchable.

Eduardo Camavinga and Raul Asencio are among those who could attract interest.

The midfield question

Despite their impressive spending, midfield remains an area that could concern Madrid.

The club still lacks a dominant midfielder capable of consistently controlling the pace of matches.

That issue has become more noticeable since Toni Kroos retired in 2024 and Luka Modric left the club in 2025.

Madrid signed Bernardo Silva after his departure from Manchester City, but their earlier attempt to bring in Rodri showed that the club recognised the need for another influential midfielder.

Rodri ultimately chose Barcelona, leaving Madrid to work with the options already available.

Barcelona: Gabriel Jesus Arrives as Alvarez Dream Fades

Barcelona are close to completing the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal.

The Brazilian forward is expected to cost around €10 million and is set to sign a two-year contract with an option for another season.

Jesus was not Barcelona’s first choice. The club’s preferred target was Julian Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid have consistently resisted the idea of selling their striker to a direct domestic rival.

Barcelona have continued to monitor the situation, but a late agreement for Alvarez appears extremely difficult.

Jesus will nevertheless give Hansi Flick a natural centre-forward option. He is expected to play a supporting role rather than immediately becoming the undisputed focal point of the attack.

Barcelona have also strengthened their goalkeeping department by signing Dominik Livakovic from Fenerbahce.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper is viewed partly as a long-term move because Wojciech Szczesny is 36 and has only one year remaining on his contract.

Barcelona departures

Defender Hector Fort has already completed a move to Real Sociedad.

Midfielder Marc Casado is also expected to leave after falling outside Flick’s plans.

Casado has attracted interest from clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia and has been training separately from Barcelona’s first team while considering his next move.

What does Barcelona still need?

The biggest unresolved issue is the striker position.

If Alvarez does not arrive, Barcelona can use Raphinha and Anthony Gordon in central attacking roles, while Jesus provides another option.

However, the club would still prefer to eventually sign a younger specialist striker who can offer both immediate quality and long-term value.

Defence could also use reinforcement. Barcelona would like to add a left-footed centre-back, particularly after Ronald Araujo’s loan move to Liverpool.

Manchester United: Left-Back Still a Major Concern

Manchester United have already strengthened their midfield with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, but the club could still make changes elsewhere.

Left-back has emerged as one of the biggest areas of concern.

United previously explored moves for Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, although both clubs have made it clear that their players are not available.

Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde has also been considered.

United were primarily interested in a loan arrangement, while Barcelona would prefer a permanent transfer if they decide to sell.

Racing Santander teenager Jorge Salinas is another possibility, although Atletico Madrid are also discussing a move for the 19-year-old.

Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen has also been mentioned as an option.

United are simultaneously considering Leicester City midfielder Louis Page. The 18-year-old has attracted interest from Arsenal as well, but the clubs still need to agree on a fee.

Zirkzee’s future remains uncertain

Joshua Zirkzee is one of the main players who could leave Manchester United before the deadline.

Several Italian clubs have shown interest, including Juventus and Como.

Fiorentina had been discussing a loan move, but their pursuit of Everton striker Beto could now alter those plans.

Napoli have also made contact.

United would consider a departure for young left-back Harry Amass, although that decision could depend on whether another player arrives to provide cover.

Burnley previously discussed a £3.5 million offer, but that proposal currently appears unlikely to proceed.

Teenage striker Chido Obi is another player attracting interest, with Feyenoord among the clubs monitoring him.

United’s squad dilemma

The left-back position remains particularly important.

Luke Shaw has managed an impressive run of availability, starting all 38 Premier League matches last season. However, his previous injury problems mean United cannot assume he will remain fit throughout a campaign that includes Champions League football.

Patrick Dorgu, meanwhile, appears to be viewed more as an attacking option under Michael Carrick after originally arriving as a left wing-back.

United could also have a problem at centre-forward if Zirkzee leaves.

Benjamin Sesko is the club’s leading striker, while Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha can play centrally. However, neither provides exactly the same qualities as a traditional target forward.

Arsenal: Attack Still on the Agenda

Arsenal are unlikely to make another major signing, although the club has spent much of the final stage of the window looking for another elite attacker.

The Gunners have already brought in Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa and Illan Meslier.

Their attacking search has included interest in Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior, while Julian Alvarez has also been considered.

Arsenal would be interested in Alvarez if he were willing to leave Atletico Madrid for a club other than Barcelona, but the striker does not appear ready to make that move.

With the deadline approaching, Arsenal have explored other possibilities, although completing a deal this late would require several factors to work in their favour.

Arsenal departures

Gabriel Martinelli is expected to join Al Hilal in a deal worth approximately €70 million.

That transfer would become a club-record sale for Arsenal.

Gabriel Jesus is also heading for Barcelona for an initial €10 million, with another €4.5 million potentially arriving through add-ons.

Fabio Vieira is expected to complete a permanent move to Hamburg for €10 million after spending last season on loan there.

Ethan Nwaneri has travelled for a medical ahead of a move to Borussia Dortmund, while goalkeeper Tommy Setford could leave on loan.

The left-wing problem

Arsenal’s biggest remaining concern is on the left side of the attack.

Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are both leaving, while Tzolis is the main addition in that area.

Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke can provide alternatives, but Arsenal’s pursuit of several attacking players indicates that the club would still like greater quality on the flank.

Lyon winger Malick Fofana is among the players being considered.

The 21-year-old Belgium international would reportedly be interested in joining Arsenal if the club decides to proceed.

Chelsea: Fernandez Situation Could Trigger More Business

Chelsea could still be one of the busiest clubs before the deadline.

Much depends on the future of Enzo Fernandez, who remains a target for Manchester City.

Chelsea would want to strengthen their midfield if the Argentine leaves. However, the replacement does not necessarily have to be a direct stylistic replacement.

Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara is one player admired by Chelsea, although his potential arrival is not directly tied to Fernandez.

Roma’s Manu Kone is another midfielder on the club’s radar.

Chelsea’s expected departures

Fernandez remains the biggest potential departure.

Chelsea had previously been prepared to consider a £120 million transfer under a verbal agreement that expired on August 14. With that deadline gone, the club would now expect a larger fee.

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is also expected to leave following Emiliano Martinez’s arrival.

Como have agreed a loan deal for Sanchez.

Mykhailo Mudryk is set to leave on loan, with Tottenham having agreed a deal for the winger. Personal terms still need to be completed.

Chelsea have also agreed a permanent transfer for Tosin Adarabioyo to Tottenham.

Strasbourg are among the clubs interested in Brazilian forward Deivid Washington, while Marc Guiu is expected to join RB Leipzig.

Dario Essugo is also set for a loan move, with Hull City among his options.

Landon Emenalo could join Celtic temporarily, while Aaron Anselmino, Shumaira Mheuka and Kendry Paez are also expected to leave on loan.

Chelsea’s midfield concern

Central midfield is the biggest area of uncertainty.

Moises Caicedo’s fitness issues and the possibility of losing Fernandez could leave Chelsea short of options.

The situation is further complicated by Essugo’s expected departure and the fitness history of Romeo Lavia and Reece James.

Newcastle: One More Attacker Could Arrive

Newcastle United remain active but are not expected to make a series of late signings.

The club has agreed a €60 million deal, plus add-ons, with Lille for Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

The 21-year-old Belgium international is capable of playing across the attack and is viewed as a quick and creative player who can add another source of goals.

Stuttgart’s Bilal El Khannouss has also been discussed.

The Morocco international is more naturally an attacking midfielder and could provide an option behind the striker.

Newcastle, however, are determined not to panic-buy.

The club wants any new signing to improve the squad significantly while maintaining its financial discipline and meeting UEFA requirements.

Possible Newcastle exits

Nick Woltemade could be one of the club’s most likely departures.

Several teams are interested in taking the forward on loan, including Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.

Newcastle would prefer an agreement that includes an option to buy.

Jacob Murphy has attracted attention from Nottingham Forest, but Newcastle are reluctant to lose the experienced winger.

Joe Willock is also expected to stay despite interest from Besiktas.

Nick Pope remains available for a possible late move, most likely on loan, although he could remain at the club.

Manchester United will not be able to sign Lewis Hall this summer, with Newcastle determined to keep the left-back.

Several younger players could leave on loan, including Leo Shahar, Sean Neave, Park Seung-soo and Miodrag Pivas.

Newcastle’s depth issues

Newcastle do not have major holes in the squad, but they could use more depth in several positions.

Fernandez-Pardo offers versatility but is not a traditional No. 10.

Yoane Wissa, Willock and Jacob Ramsey can provide alternatives, although none is a natural replacement for a creative attacking midfielder.

Full-back depth is another concern.

Amar Dedic and Tino Livramento can operate on either side, while Dan Burn can cover at left-back when necessary.

At centre-back, Newcastle have four senior options, but Burn and Fabian Schar are both 34.

The club also lacks pace in some areas of central defence.

Liverpool: Barcola Deal Changes Deadline Plans

Liverpool have already made one of the biggest moves of the window by signing Bradley Barcola for £106 million.

The arrival of the French forward makes another major attacking addition less likely.

Manchester City’s decision not to continue pursuing Cody Gakpo has also changed the situation.

City previously had an £80 million offer rejected, but Gakpo is now expected to remain at Liverpool.

The Reds had considered Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr, but another senior attacker does not currently appear likely.

Liverpool could still strengthen their goalkeeping options.

Eighteen-year-old Lucca Brughmans is close to joining from Genk in a deal worth around €33 million. He is expected to return to Genk on loan for the remainder of the season unless there is a late change involving Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Liverpool are also working on a deal for Saint-Etienne winger Djylian N’Guessan, with a fee of about €5 million reportedly agreed.

Liverpool departures

The club does not intend to consider offers for most established first-team players.

Federico Chiesa is the main player whose situation remains uncertain.

The Italian has struggled to establish himself since arriving at Anfield and has not featured this season because of injury. A late offer could still change the situation, but his departure appears increasingly unlikely.

Harvey Elliott is expected to join Valencia on a season-long loan.

Keyrol Figueroa could also leave temporarily, while several other young players have attracted interest.

Liverpool have rejected a £30 million offer from Nottingham Forest for Trey Nyoni.

Areas Liverpool could improve

Liverpool still have questions at right-back, having decided against bringing in another specialist in the position.

The club’s midfield could also have benefited from another experienced player following Curtis Jones’ departure.

There is also no direct replacement for Mohamed Salah as a natural right-sided winger.

Liverpool are instead relying on a group of versatile attackers who can rotate across different positions.

Tottenham: Mudryk Move Could Be the Final Twist

Tottenham remain determined to sign another attacking player.

The club previously explored moves for Cody Gakpo and Iliman Ndiaye, but neither deal worked out.

Attention has now turned to Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk.

Tottenham have agreed a loan arrangement for the winger, who previously worked with manager Roberto De Zerbi at Shakhtar Donetsk.

The remaining issue is completing personal terms.

Mudryk represents something of a gamble after spending a lengthy period unavailable because of a doping suspension.

Tottenham have also agreed a permanent deal for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

Players who could leave

Kevin Danso, Richarlison and Pape Matar Sarr are among the players who have been linked with exits.

Sarr is expected to join Juventus on loan with an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met.

Richarlison came close to returning to Everton, but the transfer collapsed.

The Brazilian could find regular playing time difficult to secure behind Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush.

Danso’s situation is particularly notable because he remains a popular player within the squad.

However, Tottenham’s agreement for Tosin gives them a replacement in defence.

Tottenham’s remaining need

Spurs have made eight signings this summer and have strengthened almost every part of the team.

The left wing remains the main area where they could still improve.

Mathys Tel has started the club’s first two Premier League matches, but Tottenham’s attempts to sign Gakpo, Ndiaye and Mudryk suggest they want another option.

Savio can play on either flank, while Wilson Odobert is expected to return from injury.

Xavi Simons can also operate from the left.

A late attacking signing could therefore create significant competition for places.

Manchester City: Fernandez and Ndiaye Deals Could Complete the Puzzle

Manchester City are working on two major deals as the deadline approaches.

The biggest is their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

City have regarded Fernandez as a priority target and are still trying to reach a final agreement with Chelsea.

Fernandez has been left out of Chelsea’s recent squads, adding to speculation that a transfer could be completed.

City are also close to signing Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye.

The clubs have reached an agreement in principle worth £60 million plus £5 million in possible add-ons.

Ndiaye is expected to undergo a medical before the deadline.

City’s possible departures

Jack Grealish is expected to leave, with Everton working on a loan agreement.

Claudio Echeverri is also expected to move on.

Benfica are discussing a deal for the 20-year-old, with a loan arrangement and potential future purchase terms being considered.

Does City need more players?

City’s late transfer activity has followed a summer in which several players departed.

That has raised questions about whether the squad has enough depth.

However, completing the Fernandez and Ndiaye deals would give the club around 23 senior players.

The squad would then have strong options in goal, defence, midfield and attack.

The midfield could include Fernandez, Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Mateo Kovacic and Nico O’Reilly, while the forward line would feature players such as Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku, Antoine Semenyo, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland.

The bigger challenge may be integrating so many new players quickly.

With the transfer deadline approaching, the focus for Manchester City is now on completing the deals already in progress rather than starting another major recruitment drive.