Key events
Arne Slot remained calm in today’s press conference. When asked about any last minute transfers he said: “Not expecting anything but if we see an opportunity, we could act.”
Jacob Steinberg
West Ham’s focus is on outgoings, although they could still move for PSG midfielder Carlos Soler and have one more deal rumbling away in the background.
Much depends on whether they can raise funds. Kurt Zouma is set to head to Saudi Arabia on loan, assuming he passes a medical.
Nottingham Forest are interested in James Ward-Prowse and Southampton could sign Maxwel Cornet on loan, unless there’s a hijack from Palace. Nayef Aguerd has interest from multiple clubs but Danny Ings has no plans to leave West Ham.
Understand that Ernest Nuamah could still leave Lyon before the end of the transfer window. The Ghana midfielder has interest from Everton and Nottingham Forest
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) August 30, 2024
Jacob Steinberg
Enzo Maresca has made it clear to Chelsea’s outcasts that they won’t play for him even if they do not leave today.
That gives someone like Trevoh Chalobah a decision to make. The defender has interest from Crystal Palace, Wolves, RB Leipzig and Real Sociedad. It’s not a given that he leaves his boyhood club.
Somebody has sent a solution to Chelsea’s problem into my inbox:
“If Sky Italy are correct then Toney won’t be going further east than Fulham Broadway – but the Bees should swap him for Raheem and Chilwell ( with a small cash difference?), thereby gaining a fine striker and cover for injury prone (but wonderful) Rico Henry on the left? This agenting thing ain’t so hard…”
Read more about Neto’s move to Arsenal below:
Ed Aarons
Arsenal are set to sign Neto on a season-long loan from Bournemouth after failing with two bids for Espanyol’s Joan Garcia. The Brazilian goalkeeper is due to have a medical on Friday after an agreement was struck with Bournemouth for a straight loan with no option or obligation to buy, with Neto set to provide cover for David Raya following the expected departure of Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton.
Leicester have completed the signing of Atalanta defender Caleb Okoli for about €15m (£12.7m). The 22-year-old, who has represented Italy at Under-21 level, spent last season on loan in Serie A at Frosinone.
Okoli, who has agreed a five-year contract, is Leicester’s third summer signing after the arrival of the 18-year-old midfielder Michael Golding from Chelsea for about £5m and the former Fulham forward Bobby Decordova-Reid on a free transfer.
Jacob Steinberg
Chelsea representatives flew out to Italy last night in an attempt to convince Victor Osimhen to join them from Napoli. They are willing to break their wage structure to land the Nigerian but they are going to have to work extremely hard to stop him taking a huge offer from Al Ahli.
It’s never quiet at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca wants a new forward and there is a chance of Chelsea moving for Ivan Toney. They are also in talks with Manchester United over a deal for Jadon Sancho. Another winger? It seems unnecessary. Raheem Sterling could easily end up staying at Chelsea today. We are also waiting to see if there are moves for Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Trevoh Chalobah. I’m told it’s 50-50 for Chalobah.
Nicky Bandini
Chiesa’s first season at Juventus was his best, with 14 goals and 10 assists in all competitions (he notched a further one of each for Fiorentina before the transfer). Then came Euro 2020, where he began as a reserve but took Domenico Berardi’s place on the right of Italy’s attack after coming off the bench to score an extra-time goal against Austria. His goal against Spain in the semi-final cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest emerging talents.
Elsewhere in Liverpool, the Reds completed their first signing of the window. Read all about the Federico Chiesa deal below:
Here’s a prediction from Mark:
“I foresee a positive ending to the window for Everton, wiping away some of the current gloom around the club. It would be inexcusable not to use the remaining domestic loan so expect a London based player to travel to Liverpool for a late, late move. Have a great day and drink lots of Diet Coke!”
I think I’ll start with a coffee before opting for something stronger this evening.
Here’s a prediction from Andrew Coxon:
“Chelsea miss out on Osimhen, bid for Toney but can’t get the deal over the line and end up keeping Sterling, Chilwell and Chalobah due to a lack of takers at the prices they’re asking. Circus continues…”
I wouldn’t be surprised Andrew. I wouldn’t be surprised.
Sky Italy are reporting that Victor Osimhen is heading to Al-Alhi . It’s bad news for Chelsea who will have to look elsewhere for a striker. Ivan Toney?
Preamble
Hello and welcome to this transfer deadline day live blog.
Today is the day. Buckle up for twists, turns and late drama.
A great deal of attention has been placed on Chelsea this window. They have signed a shedload of players and will be keen to shed the dead wood today i.e. Raheem Sterling and co. Expect more chaos today.
Outside of Chelsea there will be plenty of drama around the grounds as clubs try to secure last minute deals. Keep refreshing this page for updates and email me your thoughts.
