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Welcome to Sports Mole‘s live coverage of summer 2024 transfer deadline day!
Stick with us to follow every twist, turn, done deal and rumour throughout England and Europe as clubs race to get their final pieces of business done before the window slams shut.
The deadline for English deals to go through is 11pm tonight, and some major moves are still expected to take place before that with plenty of big clubs seeking reinforcements or looking to offload players, and many big names expected to be part of that.
Could Arsenal rival Man United for Raheem Sterling?
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Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling on the final day of the summer transfer window.
Sterling has scored 19 goals and provided 12 assists in 81 competitive appearances since he joined Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer of 2022.
Despite being under contract until 2027, it appears that Sterling has already played his final game for the West London club.
The 29-year-old has not featured in any of Chelsea’s four matchday squads this season after being deemed surplus requirements by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
Bid rejected: Liverpool ‘turn down’ bid from Premier League club for goalkeeper
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Liverpool have reportedly rejected a bid from Nottingham Forest for goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Forest have made several additions during the summer transfer window, including David Carmo, Nikola Milenkovic, Elliot Anderson, Jota Silva, Marko Stamenic, Eric da Silva Moreira and Alex Moreno.
They have also brought in a new goalkeeper, recruiting Carlos Miguel from Corinthians following the departure of Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Miguel made his Forest debut in Wednesday’s penalty shootout defeat against Newcastle United in the second round of the EFL Cup.
Three-way battle: Southampton ‘join’ race for 64-time international
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Southampton have reportedly entered a three-horse race for Juventus winger Filip Kostic.
The 31-year-old is on the fringes of Thiago Motta‘s plans in Turin at the start of the 2024-25 term, failing to make a competitive appearance under the new boss at the Allianz Stadium.
Kostic was a regular fixture for the Old Lady during the 2023-24 campaign, playing 29 matches in Serie A, with 26 of those coming from the start of games.
A 64-time international since making his senior debut in January 2015, the veteran represented Serbia at this summer’s Euro 2024 in Germany.
“New chapter” – Teenage striker confirms Man City transfer
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Divin Mubama has revealed that he has joined Premier League champions Manchester City.
The 19-year-old striker is a product of West Ham United‘s academy which he joined at the age of eight back in 2013, but he departed the Hammers at the end of June following the expiration of his contract.
Mubama has been searching for a new club since turning down a contract extension offered to him by West Ham, and had attracted interest from a number of clubs including Sunderland, Lyon and Famalicao.
However, instead of pursuing immediate first-team football, the teenager has opted to make the move to Man City, where he is expected to begin as a youth player in Ben Wilkinson‘s Elite Development Squad.
Transfer news and rumours today: Weghorst to Ajax, Engels to Celtic
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Dutch giants Ajax have confirmed that they have signed Netherlands international Wout Weghorst from Burnley for an undisclosed fee.
Weghorst joined Burnley from Wolfsburg for £12m in January 2022 and mustered two goals in 20 Premier League appearances as the Clarets suffered Premier League relegation.
The Dutchman went on to spend time on loan at Besiktas, Manchester United and Hoffenheim, before he returned to Turf Moor for the start of the current season.
Weghorst featured as a substitute for Burnley’s first two matches, but he was not involved in games against Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league and EFL Cup respectively.
Transfer Deadline Day 2024: What deals could be done by Premier League’s big six?
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The clock is ticking on the summer transfer window and Premier League teams have until 11pm on Friday to strengthen their squads.
While a number of clubs will be working hard behind the scenes to finalise last-minute deals, the future of several star players remain uncertain and some of those will be seeking to force through an exit from their current clubs either on loan or permanently.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look at how the so-called top-six Premier League teams could approach transfer deadline day and what players they may look to sign and let go.
Will Barca make any further signings before end of transfer window?
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Barcelona will reportedly not be making any late additions to their squad, with the Catalan outfit being forced to admit defeat in their pursuit of a new midfielder late in the transfer window.
Marc Bernal‘s season-ending knee injury had led to Barcelona entering the midfield market, with the club said to have made a loan offer for Liverpool‘s Stefan Bajcetic, but the 19-year-old is closing in on a loan switch to Red Bull Salzburg.
According to Marca, Barcelona will not be signing any further players before the transfer window closes, with Pau Victor and Dani Olmo therefore set to be their only additions during the summer market.
The report claims that the Catalan outfit do not have room in their budget to bring in another player, as they were only able to register Olmo with La Liga due to Andreas Christensen‘s injury.
Last-minute move? Man United ‘still considering’ swoop for attacker
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Manchester United are reportedly still interested in signing Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling before the end of the summer window.
The 29-year-old was a prominent part of the Blues’ pre-season schedule, featuring in matches against the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City.
However, Sterling was left out of Chelsea’s squad for the opening match of the Premier League term – a 2-0 defeat to Pep Guardiola‘s Citizens at Stamford Bridge.
Due to his omission, the attacker’s representatives released a statement asking for clarity on their client’s place in Enzo Maresca‘s plans in West London.
Bidding war? Arsenal ‘to rival’ Chelsea for striker ahead of deadline
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Arsenal reportedly prepared to enter Chelsea in the race for Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
Since joining the West London club in 2020, the 28-year-old has been a major part of the Bees’ rise from the EFL to the top level of English football.
Toney found the net on 12 occasions during his maiden campaign in the Premier League, before scoring 20 times in 33 top-flight appearances during a sensational 2022-23 term.
Last term was hindered massively by an eight-month ban for the England international, who was found guilty of breaching FA betting regulations.
Ajax return? Dutch giants ‘consider’ offer for Man United man
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Ajax are reportedly weighing up a move for Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen in the final stages of the summer transfer window.
The Denmark international is believed to be free to leave Old Trafford before the market closes, with a recent report claiming that he could be available for as little as £5m.
The 32-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2022-23 campaign at Man United after arriving on a free transfer, scoring twice and registering 10 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions.
However, the midfielder found it difficult to show his best form last season, only managing one goal and three assists in 28 appearances, and he is yet to represent the club in 2024-25.
Loan switch: Man United confirm move for 20-year-old centre-back
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Manchester United have announced that Rhys Bennett has joined Fleetwood Town on loan.
The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Stockport County, although he only represented the club on one occasion, which came against Tranmere Rovers in League Two.
Bennett is not in Erik ten Hag‘s plans at Man United for the 2024-25 campaign, and a loan switch to Fleetwood for the remainder of the season has now been announced by the Red Devils.
“Manchester United defender Rhys Bennett is to spend the 2024/25 season on loan at Fleetwood Town,” read a statement on the Premier League club’s official website.
Ramsdale replacement? Arsenal ‘make £16m bid’ for goalkeeper
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Arsenal have reportedly submitted a £16.8m bid for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
The 23-year-old was plying his trade in the second tier of Spanish football during the 2023-24 season, keeping eight clean sheets from 14 appearances in La Liga 2.
Following Espanyol’s return to the top table of the Spanish club game, Garcia has been gracing the pitches of La Liga in the early stages of the term.
After defeats to Real Valladolid and Real Sociedad in the first two matches, the shot-stopper performed admirably to earn a shutout versus European heavyweights Atletico Madrid at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano on Wednesday night.
“An incredibly high ceiling” – Wolves announce signing of French defender
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Wolverhampton Wanderers have announced the signing of Nantes defender Bastien Meupiyou.
For much of the summer transfer window, Wolves have been in the market for a new central defender, preferably with Premier League experience having sold Max Kilman to West Ham United.
With little over 24 hours remaining, however, Gary O’Neil has not been provided with his preferred profile, leaving that search somewhat up in the air.
On Thursday afternoon, though, Wolves confirmed that they had acquired the services of Meupiyou on a five-year contract with the option of a further 12 months.
Finally! Lukaku seals permanent exit from Chelsea with return to Serie A
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Romelu Lukaku‘s time at Chelsea has finally come to an end after Napoli announced the permanent signing of the forward.
Back in 2021, the Blues had hoped that they had resolved the issues down the centre of their attack with the £97.5m signing of the Inter Milan frontman.
However, despite scoring 15 times in 44 appearances during his first campaign back at Stamford Bridge, an interview venting his frustration over life at Chelsea midway throughout that season proved significant.
Lukaku has since enjoyed successful loan stints at former club Inter and Roma with Chelsea finding it difficult to attract a suitable offer for his signature.
Bargain of the summer? Liverpool sign Chiesa in cut-price deal
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Liverpool have confirmed the bargain signing of Italian attacker Federico Chiesa from Juventus on a reported four-year contract for an initial fee of just £10m.
The 26-year-old becomes the second signing of the Arne Slot era following Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, although unlike the Georgia international, Chiesa will link up with the Reds right away.
The former Fiorentina man heads to Merseyside after being frozen out of the Bianconeri squad under Thiago Motta, leading Juventus to accept an extreme cut-price fee as he entered the last 12 months of his Turin contract.
“I’m so happy to be a Liverpool player,” Chiesa told the official Reds website. “Do you want to join Liverpool?’ – and the coach called me – I said yes immediately because I know the history of this club, I know what it represents to the fans. So, I’m so happy and I can’t wait to get started.”
Wolves ‘seal deal’ for Brazil international ahead of deadline day
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Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly won the race to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre.
Despite the big-money departures of Max Kilman and Pedro Neto, the West Midlands outfit have not signed a new first-team player since July 2.
That has led to frustration among the fanbase, particularly when it comes to the club securing a new centre-back to replace Kilman.
However, if reports are to be believed, players will be arriving in other positions, including goalkeeper Sam Johnstone who is on the brink of signing from Crystal Palace.
One in, one out? Everton ‘on verge’ of midfielder signing as striker nears exit
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Everton have reportedly reached an agreement with Ligue 1 club Marseille over a deal for striker Neal Maupay.
The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Brentford where he scored eight goals in 31 appearances across all competitions.
Maupay has since returned to Everton where he has struggled to make his mark when presented with first-team opportunities, scoring just one goal in 32 games since joining the club in August 2022.
The Frenchman has watched on as an unused substitute in Everton’s opening two Premier League games this season and he was one of several Toffees players subjected to verbal abuse from the club’s supporters at London Euston train station following their 4-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Chelsea set for PSG battle to sign highly-rated Benfica man?
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Chelsea are reportedly set to battle Paris Saint-Germain for the signature of a highly-rated Benfica defender in the final few hours of the summer transfer window.
The West Londoners are currently the biggest spenders in Europe so far this summer, forking out in excess of £200m on 11 new players under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Four of those new additions are defenders including Tosin Adarabioyo, who has joined on a free transfer, while Renato Veiga, Aaron Anselmino and Caleb Wiley have also made permanent moves to Stamford Bridge – the latter two have since left on loan.
Chelsea are thought to be prioritising the addition of a new centre-forward, with talks said to have been held over potential deals for Victor Osimhen of Napoli and Ivan Toney of Brentford.
Arsenal ‘could’ sign Bundesliga attacker ahead of transfer deadline
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Arsenal are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman before the summer transfer window closes.
Mikel Arteta is believed to be keen to sign a new attacker before Friday’s deadline and has been tipped to recruit a new centre-forward to provide competition for Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
The likes of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Evan Ferguson have all been linked with a big-money switch to the Emirates Stadium, but a move for any of these players is yet to materialise.
Arsenal could instead turn their attention to strengthening their options in wide attacking areas and one name who is believed to be of interest in France international Coman.
‘I’ve a year left, let’s enjoy it’ – Salah offers Liverpool contract update
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Mohamed Salah has insisted that he is only focused on enjoying the final year of his contract at Liverpool before making a decision on his future.
Speculation over the 32-year-old’s future at Anfield has been rife for some time, with his current deal due to expire in the summer of 2025.
During his seven-year stay on the red side of Merseyside, Salah has earned legendary status having contributed with 213 goals and 90 assists in 351 appearances, as well as winning a total of seven trophies.
Salah scored 25 goals and provided 14 assists in 44 games for Liverpool last season as they won the EFL Cup and settled for a third-placed finish in the Premier League, and the Egyptian has since contributed to three goals (two goals, one assist) in the club’s opening two league games of the new campaign.
Chelsea confirm loan exit, contract extension for big-money signing
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Chelsea have confirmed that goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has made the loan switch to Bournemouth for the 2024-25 campaign.
The Blues have been attempting to part ways with the Spain international all summer courtesy of just one year remaining on his contract.
Despite the change of head coach, there has been never any possibility of the former £71.6m signing being reintegrated back into the squad as co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital attempt to reduce the club’s outgoings.
A potential move to the Saudi Pro League failed to materialise, as did another temporary transfer to Real Madrid after spending the 2023-24 season at the Bernabeu.
Transfer news and rumours today: Cantwell to Blackburn, Trusty to Celtic
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Blackburn Rovers are allegedly in advanced discussions with Rangers for Todd Cantwell.
The 26-year-old’s future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, and it appears that he will be leaving the Scottish giants in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.
According to Football Insider, Blackburn are in advanced talks over a move for Cantwell, and the Championship outfit are confident that a deal will be agreed before Friday’s deadline.
Cantwell has asked to leave Rangers this summer and was not included in their preparations for the new season, while he has also not featured in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign.
Tickle your fancy: Arsenal ‘eye move’ for Wigan goalie
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Arsenal have reportedly taken an interest in Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle as Aaron Ramsdale prepares to complete a permanent move to Southampton.
After spending one season as David Raya‘s deputy, Ramsdale is on the cusp of ending his North London stint, as the Gunners have agreed a £25m deal with Russell Martin‘s side for the England international.
Arsenal are supposedly set to receive an initial £18m for Ramsdale, with another £7m in performance-related add-ons, and the 26-year-old is expected to undergo his medical with the Saints on Thursday.
Ramsdale will become the third senior goalkeeper to leave Arsenal either temporarily or on loan this summer, as Karl Hein has joined Real Valladolid on a temporary basis, while Arthur Okonkwo left on a free transfer for Wrexham.
Was Hansi’s hijack successful? Bajcetic loan transfer ‘agreed’
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Liverpool and Red Bull Salzburg have reportedly come to an agreement over the loan transfer of Stefan Bajcetic after Barcelona failed with a late bid to hijack the move.
The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the Reds’ ranks and burst onto the scene in the 2022-23 season, before injury hampered his development last season.
Bajcetic was restricted to just three matches for the senior team in the 2023-24 campaign, although there was optimism that he could play a prominent role under Arne Slot this season.
Apart from Bajcetic, Wataru Endo is Liverpool’s only recognised number six, and the Reds have been attempting to strengthen in that area this summer, failing with a concerted attempt to sign Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.