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Transfer Deadline Day 2026: Key Moves That Could Still Happen Before The Window Closes

The summer transfer window opened on June 15, yet several Premier League teams are still rushing to finalize significant deals before the 23:00 BST cutoff on Tuesday. Big names like Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Cody Gakpo, and Ismaila Sarr could find new homes, but time is running out.

BBC Sport's football experts have identified the standout transfers that might go through during this hectic final day.

Julian Alvarez: Barcelona or Arsenal?

Julian Alvarez has found himself in a tough spot between wanting to leave Atletico Madrid and the club refusing to sell him to Barcelona. However, they may be open to a deal with Arsenal. The 26-year-old striker has missed several training sessions and skipped the trip to face Sevilla, reportedly unwell according to coach Simeone, who is trying to keep him motivated for when he returns.

Atletico seeks around 150 million euros (£128m) for Alvarez, while Arsenal have been closely monitoring the situation due to their long-standing interest.

Enzo Fernandez: Manchester City Target

Enzo Fernandez was absent from Manchester City's recent win over Brighton, fueling speculation about his future. With departures like Rodri and Bernardo Silva leaving gaps, City need reinforcements in midfield.

A move for Fernandez could break club records, exceeding the £116m spent earlier this summer on Elliot Anderson. Meanwhile, if Fernandez moves, Chelsea might bring in Lamine Camara from Monaco to fill the void. Camara has 49 caps for Senegal and would be Chelsea’s 13th signing as the club continues a busy transfer window.

Chelsea also face questions about players like Mykhailo Mudryk, Pedro Neto, Tosin Adarabioyo, and several younger talents who could be on the move.

Cody Gakpo: Man City or Tottenham?

Manchester City have started talks with Liverpool for winger Cody Gakpo, who prefers a move there. Yet Liverpool want to sign another attacker before letting Gakpo leave. Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, but City's offer of roughly £80m puts them ahead.

Despite this, the deal looks shaky as Liverpool may hold on to Gakpo if no replacement arrives before the deadline.

Ismaila Sarr: Liverpool's Alternative

With uncertainty around Gakpo, Liverpool has shifted focus to Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr, after two rejected bids for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh. Palace wants more than Liverpool’s £60m offer for Sarr, a right-winger who has scored 23 goals in 81 appearances for Senegal.

Richarlison and Iliman Ndiaye: Swap Between Everton and Tottenham?

Tottenham are close to signing Iliman Ndiaye from Everton, with Richarlison heading the other way. Ndiaye, 26, has turned down contract offers and held talks with Saudi club Al-Hilal. Everton are willing to sell, while Richarlison is set to leave Spurs after informing manager Roberto de Zerbi of his desire to move.

Jack Grealish to Everton?

Everton seem confident about securing a loan deal to bring back Jack Grealish from Manchester City. Although details are complex, Grealish favors a return to Everton over rejoining Aston Villa.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo to Newcastle

Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle aims to add more forwards after signing Nico Gonzalez. They have long targeted Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo, a versatile 21-year-old forward recently capped by Belgium and part of their World Cup squad. Lille’s coach left Fernandez-Pardo out of a recent game and training, hinting at an impending transfer.

Joshua Zirkzee to Juventus?

Manchester United may focus on moving Joshua Zirkzee on deadline day. Fiorentina showed interest but failed to agree terms. Now, Juventus are keen but only if Jonathan David leaves for Atletico Madrid. Selling Zirkzee could allow United to bring in reinforcements, possibly via loans.

Summary of Potential Transfers

  • Julian Alvarez: Atletico Madrid to Arsenal or Barcelona, fee about £128m
  • Enzo Fernandez: Possible record move to Manchester City
  • Lamine Camara: Monaco to Chelsea as midfield replacement
  • Cody Gakpo: Liverpool to Manchester City or Tottenham; deal uncertain
  • Ismaila Sarr: Crystal Palace to Liverpool alternative target
  • Iliman Ndiaye: Everton to Tottenham; Richarlison moves opposite way
  • Jack Grealish: Manchester City to Everton loan return
  • Matias Fernandez-Pardo: Lille to Newcastle potential transfer
  • Joshua Zirkzee: Manchester United to Juventus possible move

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