Deadline day is an exciting time for Premier League fans as they check if their clubs make any late deals. There are always twists and turns as big-money signings make shock moves and transfer chiefs take risks with emergency loan deals.
Currently, for three of the biggest English clubs, Arsenal are crying out for a proven number nine, Manchester United need a new left-back they can rely on for a full season, and Liverpool should pounce for a Cody Gakpo replacement. All three clubs have identified players who fit those needs.
Now they have to agree on a deal before the window closes. The question is whether the price and the time left will allow it.
Why Arsenal Need A Ready-Made Forward Like Julian Alvarez
Arsenal’s summer business has strengthened the squad without addressing its biggest weakness. Christos Tzolis has arrived for £34m as cover on the left, while free-agent goalkeeper Illan Meslier has joined as third choice.
Neither signing addresses the lack of depth up front that hurt Arsenal last season, when they had few options capable of leading the attack in the absence of their first-choice striker. That gap is why Julian Alvarez remains the target, even though the deal has stalled.
Atletico Madrid have ruled out selling him to Barcelona, telling the forward directly that they will not strengthen a domestic rival. The refusal narrows Alvarez’s options, but it does not automatically push him towards Arsenal.
He has also given Arsenal no indication that he is ready to move to England. Arsenal’s position has not changed despite that. Sources close to the club say they are not prepared to lower their expectations or settle for another option.
For now, it is Alvarez or no new forward this window. Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin said this week that Alvarez is "really struggling," adding that people had "misled him" and left him "confused."
Head coach Diego Simeone confirmed Alvarez will not play against Sevilla after missing three days of training.
Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City for a reported €75m in 2024 and is under contract until 2030, giving the Spanish club little reason to rush a decision.
Why Manchester United Need A Left-Back They Can Rely On All Season
United’s need for a left-back goes beyond this season. Luke Shaw is currently the club’s only senior specialist in the position, but his recurring injuries have made it difficult for United to rely on him for a full campaign.
That is why Lewis Hall remains their target despite Newcastle rejecting their opening approach. Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle was asked directly whether Hall could be sold. His answer left little room for doubt: “No chance.”
United have not treated that as the end of the matter. What has changed is the emergence of reports that Hall is negotiating a new contract at Newcastle, making a transfer less likely.
United are continuing to speak with Hall’s representatives, however, in the hope that agreeing personal terms could help if Newcastle eventually change their position. The alternatives being discussed show how specific United’s search has become.
Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde have both been mentioned as possible alternatives, while interest in RB Leipzig’s David Raum appears to have cooled after German reports suggested Leipzig now plans to keep him.
None is a perfect fit for what United are looking for: a left-footed, English-qualified player who is young enough to develop as the squad continues to grow. The left-back position is not United’s only concern. The club are also looking to strengthen their forward line.
Reports suggest Joshua Zirkzee could join Fiorentina on loan before the deadline. Signing a left-back who can play regularly and a forward ready to start would address the two positions where United lacked depth for much of last season.
United have already completed five signings this summer, including Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a £65m deal confirmed by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. Despite that spending, the club is still looking to strengthen at left-back, with Antonee Robinson the main alternative if Hall becomes unavailable.
Why Liverpool Need A Winger Like Ismaila Sarr
Liverpool have already had two offers for Ismaila Sarr rejected by Crystal Palace, with the second reported to be worth between £50m and £60m. Palace’s resistance has not changed Liverpool’s interest, but it has made the deal more expensive.
Liverpool’s need for another wide player comes from the changes already made to the squad. The club is working to move Cody Gakpo to Manchester City, and his departure would leave a gap that has not yet been filled.
Sarr’s ability to play across the front line is one reason Liverpool prefer him to other options on their list, including Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
Liverpool have not walked away. The club remains confident a deal is possible and they are considering a third offer that would make Sarr the most expensive Senegalese player in Premier League history.
Bradley Barcola’s move from Paris Saint-Germain is also in its final stages, but Liverpool see the two players as different options rather than alternatives for the same position.
What The Rest Of The League Still Needs To Fix Before The Deadline
Several other clubs have identified gaps of their own heading into the final days of the window, although none face the same level of urgency as Arsenal, United, or Liverpool.
Aston Villa has officially signed free-agent midfielder Leon Goretzka after injuries and a suspension left them short of options in central midfield.
Chelsea’s priority is departures rather than new arrivals, with Enzo Fernandez linked with a move to Manchester City and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez attracting interest from clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Newcastle are working to finalise a deal for Lille winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo, while Tottenham have focused largely on departures. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Pape Matar Sarr, Richarlison and Kevin Danso have all formally asked to leave the club.
Everton are working to complete a deal for Fulham full-back Kenny Tete, while Nottingham Forest have agreed a fee with Crystal Palace for defender Daniel Munoz. Sunderland’s pursuit of Marseille winger Igor Paixao has stalled, prompting the club to explore alternatives.
For Arsenal, United and Liverpool, the situation remains clear. None of the three clubs is looking at a long list of alternatives. They have identified their preferred targets and now have to convince the players’ clubs to agree to deals before the transfer window closes.
