Ten big transfers that could happen on Deadline Day

FT Desk

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:46 CDT
• 5 min read

There are a matter of hours left in the summer transfer window, with clubs all over Europe scrambling to complete last-minute deals that will see their squads finalised until January.

The likes of Chelsea, Man Utd, Man City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Barcelona and many more are all hoping to bring in more players before the window shuts on September 1.

What transfers could happen on Deadline Day?

Here are 10 players who could be on the move.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Chelsea

Wesley Fofana – who completed his move from Leicester on Wednesday - is unlikely to be the only new face at Chelsea, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seemingly inbound from Barcelona.

The former Arsenal striker is nearing a switch to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea apparently unconcerned by the shocking broken jaw he received following an armed robbery at his house.

Personal terms have not yet been agreed and the structure of a deal is still being discussed but it a move is expected to go through before the deadline.

Marcos Alonso to Barcelona

Going the other way is likely to be Marcos Alonso, who has been a top target for Barcelona all summer.

The Blaugrana have been unable to get the deal over the line yet, but this transfer is expected to be done one way or another.

Alonso could join as part of the Aubameyang deal, or could move separately. Either way, he has already agreed personal terms with Barcelona.

Bernardo Silva to Barcelona

In a shocking turnaround, Bernardo Silva could still head to Barcelona before the deadline, despite Manchester City initially claiming the player would be staying.

A report from Barca insider Gerardo Romero claimed the deal was on and that City were already looking for replacements.

City boss Pep Guardiola had previously told reporters that the player was 'irreplaceable' and that he would not be leaving.

Bernardo, meanwhile, has appeared on Catalan radio to deny the prospect of a late swoop. He said: "I’m going to stay at Manchester City. I haven't received any offers.

"I'm staying in Manchester, here I'm happy and the decision has been made."

Cody Gakpo to Leeds

PSV winger Cody Gakpo has been the target of a host of Premier League clubs this summer and it is believed that Leeds are now leading the chase for him.

The Dutchman was previously linked to Manchester United and Arsenal but Leeds are now looking to beat Southampton to his signature.

PSV are thought to be demanding £25m for Gakpo and they are also hoping to tie him down to a new contract should he reject a move away.

Manuel Akanji to Man City

Man City have been in the market for another centre back for a number of weeks and have now done a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Manuel Akanji.

They will pay Dortmund €17m for the Swiss international, who was keen to leave with only one year left on his contract.

He will have his medical in the coming hours and officially sign.

There are doubts over Akanji's ability, however, with the Swiss likened to Harry Maguire. The jury is firmly out on this deal.

Douglas Luiz to Liverpool

Liverpool are searching for a central midfielder before the transfer window closes following a host of injuries in this area of the field.

According to a number of reports on Wednesday, they have now moved for Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz.

The two clubs are said to be in negotiations for a player whose contract expires in 2023 and is thus available for sale.

Martin Dubravka to Man Utd

Man Utd will sign a goalkeeper before the transfer window closes and it looks as if the Newcastle man will arrive.

Martin Dubravka has already passed a medical and a deal has been agreed on loan with option to buy.

It remains to be seen whether he will challenge David de Gea for the number one spot at the club.

Danilo to Arsenal

Arsenal are still keen to sign another midfielder before the transfer window closes – and the favourite now is Palmeiras star Danilo.

A host of top sources have confirmed that Arsenal are in talks to sign the Brazilian, who is valued at €25m or more.

Palmeiras would ideally like to keep the player but Arsenal are pushing.

Aster Vranckx to Milan

AC Milan have been one of the best teams in Europe in recent years when it has come to recruiting and developing young talent.

And they are set to sign another highly-rated youngster in the form of Wolfsburg midfielder Aster Vranckx.

The teenage Belgian is set to join on loan with an option to buy for €12m.

Hakim Ziyech to Tottenham

Tottenham are hoping to sign another attacking wideman before the end of the window.

Hakim Ziyech and Leeds’ Daniel James are both on the shortlist for Antonio Conte.

Ziyech is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, although the rivalry between Chelsea and Tottenham makes this a tough deal.