Published : 31 Aug 2026, 08:19 PM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:37 AM
Manchester City have opened talks over a surprise move for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo as the Reds close in on Bradley Barcola, while Arsenal are preparing to lose both Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli in a late-window clearout.
Tottenham and Everton are also discussing two major deals that could send Iliman Ndiaye to north London and Richarlison back to Goodison Park, with little time remaining before the transfer window closes.
Here are some of the biggest moves taking shape.
Gakpo to City Gathers Pace
Manchester City have opened talks with Liverpool over Gakpo, potentially setting up one of the window’s most eye-catching late moves.
Liverpool are considering their position after City’s approach arrived so close to the deadline, Sky Sports reports, with a potential transfer regarded as possible.
Tottenham had also been interested in the Netherlands international, but City now appear to be leading the pursuit.
Any Liverpool decision is closely connected to their own attacking rebuild.
The Reds have reached an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain for Barcola in a package that could rise to £123 million, comprising £106 million up front and up to £17 million in add-ons, according to Sky.
The France international is expected to sign a contract running until 2031.
Barcola’s arrival could make a Gakpo exit easier to accommodate, although Liverpool are also trying to add another winger. Sky says they have approached Crystal Palace over Ismaïla Sarr after negotiations for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh proved difficult.
Palace, however, regard Sarr as not for sale.
Jesus Set for Barcelona Switch
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus is heading towards Barcelona after the clubs reached an agreement over a permanent transfer.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday that the deal was agreed, giving it his customary “here we go”, with Jesus authorised by Arsenal to travel for a medical.
Romano said Arsenal would receive a package of €10 million plus add-ons, with the Brazilian expected to sign until June 2028 with an option for another year.
The Times also reports that Jesus is close to completing the move after slipping down Arsenal’s attacking pecking order.
Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 but has seen his role diminish as Mikel Arteta has reshaped his forward line.
Martinelli to Al Hilal
Jesus may not be the only Brazilian forward leaving Arsenal.
Romano has also given Gabriel Martinelli’s proposed move to Saudi club Al Hilal the “here we go” treatment, reporting a verbal agreement worth more than €65 million including add-ons.
Martinelli has been authorised to travel and is expected to sign a long-term contract, according to Romano.
Sky Sports had previously reported progress in negotiations between Arsenal and Al Hilal and said Martinelli was open to the move after rejecting interest from Galatasaray.
The 25-year-old joined Arsenal in 2019 and became an important part of Arteta’s attack, but his impending departure would continue a striking late reshaping of the Premier League champions’ forward options.
Ndiaye to Spurs, Richarlison Back to Everton?
Tottenham and Everton are in advanced discussions over two separate transfers involving Ndiaye and Richarlison.
Spurs are discussing a deal worth around £60 million for Ndiaye, with talks over personal terms also under way, Sky Sports reports.
Everton, meanwhile, are trying to bring Richarlison back to Goodison Park for around £35 million.
Richarlison left Everton for Tottenham in 2022 but has struggled for consistency in north London.
Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi said on Saturday that the Brazilian had repeatedly asked to leave and confirmed he was omitted from the squad against Newcastle because of his desire for a transfer.
Everton are currently focused on securing his return, although Monaco striker Folarin Balogun is another option.
Ndiaye, meanwhile, has rejected several Everton contract offers and has also attracted interest from Manchester City.
Everton Want Grealish Reunion
Everton are also continuing discussions with Manchester City over another deal for Jack Grealish.
Sky Sports says the structure remains fluid, with the England international entering the final year of his City contract.
Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton and was absent from City’s squad for their 4-1 win at Crystal Palace.
City manager Enzo Maresca said he had spoken with the 30-year-old and expected greater clarity over his future within days.
A permanent return to Goodison would add another major name to an already busy finish to Everton’s window, particularly if the club can simultaneously bring Richarlison back while negotiating Ndiaye’s departure.
