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Transfer Deadline Day tracker: News, latest updates and full list of official deals as summer window closes

Chelsea were one of the big movers on transfer deadline day with two major acquisitions made and several homegrown products getting permanently transferred.

FC Barcelona were also active, landing a new right-back and a new left-back, the latter as part of the wheeling and dealing with Chelsea. One of those signings is expected to be formally presented on Friday.

Manchester United made the most expensive signing of the transfer window on Deadline Day with Antony topping the list of fees shelled out during the summer.

Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Leeds, Southampton, and Brighton were some of the Premier League clubs who were still making moves right up until the close. Forest has officially added a total of 21 players during the window, and they would’ve also added Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi if the paperwork had come through on time. They could still bring on out-of-contract players like right back Serge Aurier, with whom a deal has reportedly been agreed.

The Sporting News has logged all the activity and player movement as the window closed on Thursday. Here are the biggest stories that unfolded on Deadline Day:

  • Chelsea’s last-gasp moves: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Zakaria have joined Tuchel’s side, while Billy Gilmour, Ethan Ampadu, and Kenedy are out the door.
  • Comings and goings at Barcelona: Spanish players Hector Bellerin and Marcos Alonso are Blaugrana players and both technically arrived on a free transfer (Chelsea rescinded Alonso’s contract as part of the Aubameyang deal). And after plenty of chatter, Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong aren’t going anywhere.
  • New PSG recruits: A day after unveiling Fabian Ruiz, the Ligue 1 powerhouse announced a new midfielder from Valencia (Carlos Soler), while saying farewell to several players over recent days.
  • Liverpool’s midfield search: Jurgen Klopp has been straightforward about the desire to land a central midfielder, and the club made a surprise move for Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo.

MORE: Most expensive transfers of the summer window

But the wildest story of the day has to be the one involving Marseille forward Bamba Dieng, who was on the verge of joining Leeds, only to change his mind and opt for French side OGC Nice. Then he failed the medical.

Jump To:

  • Latest news, rumours, and reports

  • List of official transfers

  • Players linked with possible moves


Transfer Deadline Day news

Chelsea land Aubameyang, Zakaria (Fri 00:20 BST / 19:20 ET)

It’s official. Former Arsenal man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is now a Chelsea player as announced by the club a little over an hour after the close of the window. Meanwhile, Marcos Alonso has had his contract rescinded in order to be able to join FC Barcelona as part of the deal. That’s expected to be announced on Friday.

MORE: Why Chelsea boss Tuchel wants reunion with Aubameyang

Although the Blues missed out on Dynamo Moscow midfielder Arsen Zakharyan and talks over Ajax’s Edson Alvarez broke down (as per reports from De Telegraaf), Juventus schemer Denis Zakaria arrived as part of a season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent.

Hector Bellerin joins Barcelona (Thurs 23:16 BST / 18:16 ET)

After making the switch to Barcelona on a free transfer, Hector Bellerin took to social media to pen an emotional goodbye to Arsenal fans. The Spanish full-back spent 11 years with the club, although he was at Real Betis on loan this past season. His switch to Barcelona comes after the mutual termination of his Arsenal contract, allowing him to join the Catalan club, where he takes the place of the departed Sergino Dest.

Fulham snag James, Vinicius (Thurs 22:49 BST / 17:49 ET)

With a busy Deadline Day already seeing the likes of Layvin Kurzawa and Willian joining the squad, Fulham completed another pair of signings just before the buzzer. The club announced the arrival of Carlos Vinicius, a former Tottenham striker, as Aleksandar Mitrovic’s new backup.

Additionally, a deal for Leeds forward Dan James was executed with minutes to spare before the deadline. James had seen his minutes cut at Leeds by the arrivals of Brenden Aaronson and Luis Sinisterra.

Depay staying at Barcelona (Thurs 22:04 BST / 17:04 ET)

Despite a desire to depart the club after falling down manager Xavi Hernandez’s pecking order, Memphis Depay will stay at the La Liga side. The player himself confirmed the news on social media despite speculation that he was looking for a new club.

It will be difficult for Depay to find minutes on the field this season, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski and other attacking talent present. However, room on the bench has opened with the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Martin Braithwaite.

Liverpool secure Arthur loan deal (Thurs 21:56 BST / 16:56 ET)

This move happened fast on Deadline Day as Liverpool were desperate for midfield cover. Juventus agreed to loan out midfielder Arthur with a Juventus release claiming that Liverpool will pay a €4.5 million loan fee and have the option to make the deal permanent next summer for a €37.5 million fee.

The acquisition should help Liverpool manage through a raft of injuries. The Reds have seen midfielders Thiago, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Jordan Henderson all go down with medical issues.

Sergino Dest loaned to AC Milan (Thu 20:23 BST / 15:23 ET)

Dest was linked to Villarreal on Wednesday, but AC Milan jumped in and reached a deal with Barcelona for a loan and purchase option, after Rossoneri right back Alessandro Florenzi was injured in a Serie A match. The Italian side confirmed the deal on Deadline Day.

After being frozen out of the Barcelona squad, amid reports that Xavi did not rate the American, Dest now has a fresh start and a chance to impress at a Champions League side.

Man United confirm Dubravaka loan (Thurs 17:30 BST / 12:30 ET)

Manchester United have secured a season-long loan move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravaka. United have be on the hunt for an experienced back up option to David de Gea, following Dean Henderson’s loan to Nottingham Forest, and the Slovakian can join United permanently next summer.

Everton confirm Gueye’s return (Thurs 17:00 BST / 12:00 ET)

Everton have completed a deal to bring Senegalese international Idrissa Gana Gueye back to Goodison Park. The combative midfielder returns to Merseyside from PSG on a two-year deal, after leaving for Paris in 2019, for an undisclosed fee, as Frank Lampard’s seventh summer signing.

Arsenal offer for Luiz rejected (Thurs 16:45 BST / 11:45 ET)

With Liverpool turning their sights from Douglas Luiz to Arthur, the Aston Villa midfielder emerged as a target for Arsenal. The Gunners were keen for midfield reinforcements and  lodged three separate bids up to £25 million, according to The Independent. All were rejected, with Miguel Delaney reporting that Villa demand closer to £40m ($46.1m) for the Brazilian.

Man United finalise Antony signing (Thurs 09:36 BST / 04:36 ET)

Manchester United have completed the signing of Brazil forward Antony from Ajax. The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract, with the option of a further year. United will pay an initial €95m (£82.2m/$95.3m) with a possible further €5m (£4.3/$5m) in add-ons.

 

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