August 13 – Liverpool’s high-profile deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi has collapsed after the 25-year-old opted to remain at his boyhood club On an improved contract.
The deal would have marked the first incoming of the summer for Liverpool in a bizarrely bleak window, with Arne Slot and predecessor Jurgen Klopp both stressing the need for a top-level number six with just four days until the league season begins.
No indication of a plan-B has been put forward despite Liverpool selling Fabio Carvalho to Brentford for £25 million to raise funds for a top-tier move, which has never quite materialised.
Liverpool have also received a third bid from Red Bull Salzburg for 19-year-old midfielder Bobby Clark. The Austrian side had an £8 million offer for the Englishman rejected on Sunday but the new offer is expected to be closer to the £10m asking price.
Arsenal are planning a bolster their attacking options by moving to sign French winger Kingsley Coman on loan for the season, with Bayern Munich prepared to let the 28-year-old leave. Still without the clinical striker that many fans have been pleading for, the Gunners look set to utilise Kai Havertz as a false nine for the coming season.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney is being looked at by Saudi Pro League clubs, with Al-Ahli keen on the 28-year-old England international. Spurs were deemed to be the Englishman’s best-suited destination but opted instead for the club-record signing of Dominic Solanke, who transferred from Bournemouth for £65 million.
Chelsea reportedly want Atletico Madrid wantaway Joao Felix in the latest episode of an absurdly long transfer haul for Todd Boehly yet again. The 24-year-old Portugal international spent six months at the West London club in 2023 and is out of favour in Madrid, having spent the last season out on loan at FC Barcelona.
With Julian Alvarez arriving as part of a €90 million move from Manchester City, Joao Felix has fallen further down the pecking order at Atletico Madrid and has also been linked with a move to Aston Villa earlier in the window.
Manchester United reportedly are weighing up a £50 million move for Brighton’s 19-year-old Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson amid concerns that Chelsea could try to sign him.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1726804322labto1726804322ofdlr1726804322owedi1726804322sni@g1726804322niwe.1726804322yrrah1726804322