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Latest on Liverpool’s Barcola pursuit as Aston Villa plot stunning double swoop in $218m overhaul

Football360 · Football · 2026-08-27T01:34:11+00:00 · nguồn gốc

The summer transfer window is rapidly approaching its conclusion and some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs are still scrambling to get deals over the line. Aston Villa are at the centre of the action after reportedly agreeing a deal for Nicolas Jackson as they prepare to farewell Ollie Watkins, while their ambitious pursuit of AC Milan star Rafael Leao is also gathering momentum. Elsewhere, Liverpool are back around the negotiating table for Bradley Barcola, Arsenal’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has taken another twist and Manchester City could launch a blockbuster move for Enzo Fernandez. Here’s the latest Premier League transfer news and rumours as deadline day draws closer. Liverpool back in talks for Bradley Barcola Liverpool are reportedly making another push to land Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola. The Reds have held fresh talks with PSG over the France international as they attempt to find a breakthrough before the transfer window closes. Barcola has been one of Liverpool’s priority targets throughout the summer, but PSG’s asking price has proven to be a major stumbling block. A deal could now be struck for around £115 million, which would still make the 23-year-old the second-most expensive signing in Liverpool history. Barcola has two years remaining on his contract in Paris but is reportedly keen to leave after falling down Luis Enrique’s pecking order. Liverpool have been searching for reinforcements out wide following Mohamed Salah’s departure and remain hopeful a deal can be reached. There isn’t long left to find one. Aston Villa close in on Jackson as Leao talks continue Aston Villa could be set for a dramatic overhaul of their attack in the final days of the transfer window. Villa have reportedly agreed a deal worth up to £65 million (A$123m) with Chelsea for Nicolas Jackson, who is set to replace the outgoing Ollie Watkins at Villa Park. Watkins is keen on making the move to Saudi Arabia, bringing an end to his six-year stay at Villa Park. The 30-year-old scored 16 Premier League goals last season as Unai Emery’s side qualified for the Champions League, but his future has been up in the air throughout the closing stages of the window. Jackson, meanwhile, spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich and has been available for a permanent move away from Chelsea this summer. But Villa might not be finished there. They are also pushing to sign Rafael Leao from AC Milan in what would be another major addition to Emery’s attack. Villa have made an approach for the Portugal international and are in talks with Milan over a deal, with Leao said to be open to a move to the Premier League. The 27-year-old has been one of Milan’s biggest stars in recent seasons and registered nine goals and three assists in Serie A last campaign. TalkSPORT reports Villa have held talks with Milan over the move, while The Athletic reports Leao is also attracting interest from Galatasaray but is believed to favour Villa. If Villa can get it done, Emery could end the window by replacing Watkins with not one, but two high-profile attacking additions. Arsenal receive boost in Julian Alvarez pursuit The Julian Alvarez transfer saga has taken yet another twist. Arsenal remain in the mix to bring the Argentina superstar back to the Premier League, while Atletico Madrid have emphatically shut the door on a move to Barcelona. Barcelona president Joan Laporta publicly called on Atletico to accept their offer for Alvarez on Wednesday. Atletico’s response? That could leave Arsenal with an opening. The Gunners have maintained an interest in Alvarez throughout the summer and are reportedly prepared to make their move during the final week of the window if they receive encouragement that a deal can be done. He was then absent from training on Wednesday, although the club attributed that to illness rather than his transfer situation. Whether Arsenal can actually convince Atletico to sell is another matter. But with Barcelona seemingly out of the race, the door may have just opened slightly wider for Mikel Arteta’s side. Manchester City weigh up £120m (A$227m) Enzo Fernandez move Manchester City could be preparing one final blockbuster move before the window shuts. City are considering making an offer for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez despite missing a deadline previously imposed by the Blues to get a deal done. Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica for £107 million (A$203m) in January 2023 and has since established himself as a key figure at Stamford Bridge. The interesting element is the man now sitting in the City dugout. Enzo Maresca worked with Fernandez during his time at Chelsea and remains interested in reuniting with the World Cup winner at the Etihad. City have already completely reshaped their midfield this summer following the departures of Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders and Bernardo Silva, while Nico Gonzalez is also closing in on a move to Newcastle. Fernandez could be the final piece. Whether Chelsea are willing to sell one of their biggest names to a direct Premier League rival this late in the window remains the major question.