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DEADLINE DAY DRAMA: ENZO, ALVAREZ, GAKPO HEADLINE EPL TRANSFER SAGAS
Premier League clubs are racing against time to complete their remaining transfer business as the summer window approaches its Tuesday, September 1 deadline, with several high-profile moves still hanging in the balance.
Among the biggest names whose futures remain uncertain are Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez and Liverpool attacker Cody Gakpo.
Alvarez wanted by Arsenal, Barcelona
Julian Alvarez remains one of the biggest names on the transfer market, with Arsenal and Barcelona both interested in the Argentine forward.
Atletico Madrid are reportedly reluctant to sell Alvarez to Barcelona but could be more willing to negotiate with Arsenal. The Spanish club are understood to value the 26-year-old at around €150m (£128m).
Alvarez has also missed several training sessions and was left out of Atletico's squad for their match against Sevilla, further fuelling speculation over his future.
Man City continue to monitor Enzo
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is another major name attracting attention ahead of the deadline.
Manchester City are monitoring the Argentina international and could make a major move for him. Fernandez missed Chelsea's Premier League victory over Brighton, adding further uncertainty around his immediate future.
Chelsea had previously demanded £120m for Fernandez, but the club later indicated that the midfielder was not for sale after the deadline for a formal offer passed without a bid. Manager Xabi Alonso has also publicly said Chelsea are happy with the player.
Chelsea consider Lamine Camara
If Fernandez eventually leaves Stamford Bridge, Chelsea could turn to Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as a potential replacement.
The Senegal international has already established himself at international level and would provide Chelsea with another option in midfield should the club lose Fernandez before the window closes.
Gakpo attracts Man City and Tottenham interest
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has also emerged as one of the players to watch before deadline day.
Manchester City have reportedly opened talks with Liverpool over a potential deal and are prepared to offer around £85m. Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, while Gakpo is reportedly open to joining City.
Liverpool, however, are not expected to sanction the transfer unless they can bring in another attacking player, with Bradley Barcola among their targets.
Liverpool turn to Ismaila Sarr
Liverpool have also stepped up their pursuit of Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr as they look to strengthen their attack.
The Reds previously had two offers for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh rejected, with Brighton reportedly demanding more than the £60m Liverpool offered.
Liverpool subsequently made an enquiry for Sarr, although Crystal Palace initially rejected their approach.
Ndiaye and Richarlison could swap clubs
Tottenham and Everton are also involved in negotiations that could see Iliman Ndiaye move to Tottenham, with Richarlison potentially heading in the opposite direction.
A deal for Ndiaye is reportedly close, although Manchester City's interest could still complicate matters.
Everton, meanwhile, have agreed terms in principle to re-sign Richarlison, who is keen to leave Tottenham with only one year remaining on his contract.
Grealish set for Everton return
Manchester City's Jack Grealish is another player whose future could be resolved before the deadline.
Everton are increasingly confident of bringing the England international back to Goodison Park on loan. Grealish spent last season with the club and reportedly prefers another spell at Everton to a return to Aston Villa.
Newcastle interested in Fernandez-Pardo
Newcastle United remain interested in Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo as they seek another attacking option.
The 21-year-old fits Newcastle's preferred age profile and can play in several positions across the forward line.
Lille's decision to leave him out of their squad against Paris Saint-Germain and keep him away from training until the transfer window closes has further increased speculation about a possible move.
Zirkzee could leave Manchester United
Manchester United could also be involved in late transfer activity, particularly concerning Joshua Zirkzee.
Fiorentina are interested in signing the Netherlands international on loan with an option to buy. United would reportedly prefer a permanent transfer or a loan agreement containing an obligation to purchase.
With the deadline fast approaching, the final hours of the transfer window could produce a series of major moves as clubs attempt to complete their squads before the market closes.
The transfer window is scheduled to shut at 11pm BST on Tuesday, September 1, leaving clubs with limited time to finalise negotiations and complete the necessary paperwork.