It’s already been a transfer window that’s seen more than £2billion splashed out by Premier League clubs – and that figure is only going to increase before next week’s cut-off.
So far the biggest spenders have been Chelsea who have forked out 347million on new players whilst Tottenham Hotspur – who were perhaps most in need of some squad surgery – aren’t too far behind with £322m spent thus far. Newly-promoted Ipswich Town have raised a few eyebrows with their splurge of £165m which includes Emersonn from Toulouse for £26.6m.
It seems inevitable that PL clubs will surpass the previous record spend of 3.3bn, set last year, before the window closes for business at 11pm next Tuesday (September 1). With that in mind, Here are a few things to look out for in the final week of the window:
Enzo Fernandez situation
Arguably the biggest deal of the summer could come to a head right near to the window’s end. Enzo Fernandez has been at Chelsea since early 2023 but reports have continually linked him with a bumper move to Manchester City this summer. The presence of ex-Blues boss Enzo Maresca in the City dugout only heightens those links.
However, it remains puzzling to many as to why Fernandez would wish to swap one English club for another especially after his ear-cupping celebration following his goal against England in the World Cup semi-final.
He got a taste of what is likely to come at every game this season on Monday night when Fulham fans jeered and booed his every touch after he was brought on as a substitute for Chelsea in their 3-2 win.
Whilst many tipped Fernandez to move abroad, even before the World Cup, it now appears City may well get their man but it may come at an inflated price with reports tipping it to exceed the £125m that Liverpool spent on Alexander Isak a year ago.
Late Alvarez movement?
Sticking with Argentinians on the brink of big moves, Julian Alvarez is said to remain a clear target for Arsenal before the summer window closes.
The Atletico Madrid star was booed, heckled and banned from clapping his own supporters at the weekend, having admitted during the World Cup that he wants to leave the Spanish side.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Arsenal remain attentive to the situation in case Alvarez opens the door to a North London switch – although his preference is said to be Barcelona. A move to the Emirates would give Mikel Arteta a huge boost in his side’s quest to defend their Premier League crown although a fresh report claims they are up against the clock.
Outlets suggest that Atletico have set a deadline of Friday for the saga to be resolved by, allowing them sufficient time to source a replacement.
Aston Villa reinforcements?
The Premier League club that has seen the most upheaval this summer is arguably Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s side have pretty much had their team stripped of its star assets, with the likes of Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa and Youri Tielemans all poached and the likes of Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez seemingly on their way too.
Those exits manifested themselves last weekend when Brighton tore an out-of-sorts Villa apart in a 4-0 win. Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports on Monday night, delivered his verdict on the crisis at Villa: “It’s a mystery to me what is going on there. When you think about who has left Aston Villa – Lucas Digne, Tielemans, Rogers, Konsa – that squad’s been obliterated of its experience.”
Despite having dipped their toes in the market tentatively so far, Villa remain in dire need of reinforcements so expect them to be one of the busier clubs between now and Tuesday.
Liverpool to dip into market?
The Reds have been pretty quiet in the window so far, with the headlines coming via the departure lounge with long-serving players such as Mo Salah, Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones leaving.
Incomings have been thin on the ground too with Jérémy Jacquet and Victor Munoz two main arrivals albeit still early in their developments. Many expect a blue-riband signing to arrive before the deadline passes, with PSG’s Bradley Barcola thought to be the chief target for Andoni Iraola. It appears now to be a case of wrangling over the fee for the Frenchman although some reports suggest that his arrival could be offset by Cody Gakpo heading for the exit door.
