The transfer window is heading for a frantic conclusion tonight as Premier League clubs scramble to complete last-minute business before the 11pm deadline.
Arsenal are considering a late move for a wide forward, with Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling linked to a sensational move between the London rivals. The Independent reported that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is an admirer of Sterling from their days at Manchester City, but the club are unwilling to pay a fee for the 29-year-old.
Sterling has been told he will not play under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, who are expected to be the busiest club on deadline day. The Blues want to sign a striker, but top options Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney have agreed deals with Saudi side Al-Ahli.
Toney is set to leave Brentford for £40m and has undergone a medical with the Saudi Pro League club, but Chelsea have not given up hope on signing Osimhen before the deadline and are hoping Al-Ahli will be unable to complete both transfers.
Elsewhere, Chelsea and Manchester United are set to agree to a deal for winger Jadon Sancho, who is expected to depart Old Trafford. United will also finally finish off a move for PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, after Scott McTominay was sold to Napoli.
Follow the latest transfer news and updates from deadline day in today’s live blog below:
Ivan Toney heading to Saudi Arabia after Brentford accept Al-Ahli bid
Brentford have accepted a £40million offer from Al-Ahli for Ivan Toney, the PA news agency understands.
England forward Toney has attracted interest from Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, but is now set for a medical ahead of completing a move to the Saudi Pro League outfit.
The 28-year-old has one year left on his Brentford deal and has yet to feature in a Bees matchday squad this season ahead of a potential move away from West London.
Al-Ahli have also reportedly agreed a deal with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, but it is uncertain if signing Toney will affect their move for the Nigeria forward.
The PA news agency also understands that Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto on a season-long loan.
Chris Wilson30 August 2024 18:25
More on Sancho
A little update on the Jadon Sancho situation – Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea have tabled two different offers for the England winger.
“One proposal is loan with buy option clause, the other one with obligation to buy” reports the Italian.
He hasn’t gone into detail on the different terms, but does add that “Chelsea also reached total agreement with Jadon Sancho on personal terms”, so it is “up to Man United now”.
Chris Wilson30 August 2024 18:20
Bajcetic joins RB Salzburg
Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has joined RB Salzburg on loan for the season.
The young Spaniard, who was linked with Barcelona, joins a side managed by former Reds assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders, who was appointed head coach in the summer.
Chris Wilson30 August 2024 18:05
Newcastle reject Elanga bid
A quick update on Newcastle’s interest in Elanga – Forest have already rejected the bid of around £35m, according to Sky.
Reports elsewhere suggest the offer would have to be ‘too good to turn down’ in the eyes of the Forest hierarchy.
Chris Wilson30 August 2024 18:00
Former City target to join Real Sociedad
Another report from Fabrizio Romano, and this time it regards a former target for Man City.
Icelandic striker Orri Óskarsson is on the verge of joining Real Sociedad for a package totalling around €20m, according to the Italian.
Oskarsson had been a City target as back-up for Erling Haaland, but the club cooled their interest earlier this week. The 20-year-old is seen as a hot prospect across Europe.
Chris Wilson30 August 2024 17:55
Newcastle looking at Elanga?
A new target has emerged for Newcastle – former Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga.
Sky Sports reports that the Magpies are “exploring a late deal that could cost £35m+” for the Sweden international.
The mini report adds that Forest have no desire to sell Elanga, and “it would take a lot more than that figure to give it a serious consideration”.
Newcastle reportedly Elanga as part of the deal that took Elliot Anderson to Forest earlier this summer.
Chris Wilson30 August 2024 17:45
Toney on the way to Saudi Arabia?
Romano is also reporting on Ivan Toney, and he claims that a deal for the England striker is close to being agreed between Al Ahli and Brentford.
He says that “medical tests [have been] done in London”, with Toney on the verge of becoming an Al Ahli player this evening.
Romano had earlier reports that the Saudi club would only sign one of either Toney or Osimhen – he adds that the “Osimhen deal is in TOTAL stand-by” at the moment.
Chris Wilson30 August 2024 17:35
Lo Celso completes return to Real Betis
Fabrizio Romano reports that Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso has completed a move to Real Betis.
The Italian adds that the deal has been “completed with Jhonny Cardoso as part of the agreement”.
Chris Wilson30 August 2024 17:20
Frustrated Victor Osimhen wants Chelsea move
Various reports coming out of Italy suggest Victor Osimhen is very frustrated with Napoli, who he believes are blocking his departure for Chelsea as they hold out on the fee. Osimhen has supposedly made clear his preference to move to the Premier League.
A move to Al Ahli broke down and Ivan Toney appears to be the Saudi club’s choice, so could Osimhen still be Chelsea-bound tonight?
Lawrence Ostlere30 August 2024 17:10
Ipswich still chasing Armando Broja as deadline nears
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna remains relaxed as the club works on a potential deal for Chelsea striker Armando Broja ahead of the transfer deadline, but insists he has full faith in the squad as it is.
Town have been exploring a loan move with an obligation to buy for Broja, who is carrying an Achilles problem but has still been called into the Albania squad for the upcoming international break.
McKenna, though, admits it is “less likely than likely” the Suffolk club will be able to complete any more transfers ahead of Friday’s 11pm deadline, with reports also suggesting interest in Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath.
“There has been discussions with Armando (Broja), that is not a secret, and it is not a secret that he has got an injury issue,” the Ipswich manager said.
“The clubs are ongoing with discussions, it has to be the right thing for all parties. It has to be the right thing for us – that he can come and have a positive impact at a point in the season.
“It has to be the right thing for Armando, as it’s a very important moment for his young career, and the right decision for Chelsea, so those parties are continuing to discuss. We will see what is right and hopefully the best resolution will be found by this evening.”
Lawrence Ostlere30 August 2024 17:00