Clubs go all in for deadline
|Published
IN BRIDGE: Wesley Fofana
Diep innie moeilikhied after losing to Southampton 2-1 on Tuesday, Chelsea were the busiest of the Premier League’s big clubs on transfer deadline day on Wednesday.
At the time of going to print, the Blues announced the £70m signing of Wesley Fofana from Leicester and were apparently also in talks to bring in striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona, while reportedly also launching a crazy £77m bid for RB Leipzig defender Josep Gvardiol.
Settling in! 🏡#FofanaIsChelsea pic.twitter.com/NhbEWkdadm
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 31, 2022
The Blues weren’t the only groot span looking to beef up their defence, with Manchester City snapping up a Swiss centreback Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund for £17m.
Neighbours United were set to announce £85m winger Antony before the midnight deadline, while also strengthening the goalkeeping options with Martin Dubravka joining from Newcastle on a season-long loan.
Martin Dubravka is gonna sign the contract as new Manchester Utd player in the next few hours. It’s done, sealed with both player and Newcastle side. 100%. 🔴![CDATA[]]>🤝 #MUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2022
Here we go confirmed. pic.twitter.com/USQdiYC42F
Arsenal, meanwhile, were in talks with Brazilian giants Palmeiras for £20m central midfielder Danilo and the Gunners were in a £30m shootout with Brentford for Shakhtar Donetsk youngster Mykhaylo Mudryk.
One player Arsenal were willing to let go was Ainsley Maitland-Niles with Southampton leading the race for in a loan deal versatile England man.
The Saints were also in battle with Leeds and Everton for £25m-rated PSV winger Cody Gakpo.
Leeds are now leading the race to sign Cody Gakpo! PSV have still not accepted any bid from Southampton or Leeds but #LUFC now pushing to get it done. 🚨⚪️ #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2022
Fight still open, but Leeds are trying to tempt Gakpo despite Southampton proposal. pic.twitter.com/E7SQ1IEPJl
Everton were super busy too, closing deals for United midfield youngster James Garner and the return of former anchorman Idrissa Gueye from PSG, while Wolves confirmed a £15m deal with Stuttgart for Austria striker Sasa Kalajdzic.