Barcola deal agreed, Enzo to Man City latest

The Premier League transfer window is rapidly approaching its conclusion and some of the biggest deals of the summer are beginning to take shape.

Liverpool have reportedly made a major breakthrough in their pursuit of Bradley Barcola, reaching an agreement in principle with Paris Saint-Germain for the French star.

Elsewhere, Manchester City are said to be growing increasingly confident of landing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, while the Blues themselves have allegedly agreed a deal to sign World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Meanwhile, the Julian Alvarez saga has taken another twist, with Atletico Madrid slamming the door shut on a move to Barcelona and potentially further opening the door for Arsenal.

Here’s the latest Premier League transfer news and rumours as deadline day draws closer.

Liverpool agree £120m (A$226.8m) deal for Bradley Barcola

Liverpool have made a major breakthrough in their pursuit of Bradley Barcola, reaching an agreement in principle with Paris Saint-Germain.

According to Sky Sports, the Reds have agreed a package worth £120 million (A$226.8m) for the France international, although the deal is yet to be completely finalised.

The final details are still being discussed between the two clubs, but the £120 million (A$226.8m) fee is now understood to be fixed.

It marks a significant breakthrough after Liverpool and PSG had been some way apart on their valuations throughout the summer.

Sky Sports reports PSG had previously been demanding around £145 million (A$274.1m) for Barcola, who has emerged as Liverpool’s priority target to bolster their attack.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield throughout the window and now appears on course to become one of the most expensive players in Premier League history.

Barcola’s arrival would also represent Liverpool’s major move to fill the void left by Mohamed Salah following his departure this summer.

The deal isn’t done just yet, but Liverpool have taken a massive step towards landing their man.

Enzo Fernandez tells Chelsea he wants Man City move

Manchester City are growing increasingly confident of landing Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez before the window shuts.

According to talkSPORT, Fernandez has told Chelsea he wants to join City, with sources close to the player believing the deal has reached its final stages.

Talks between the two clubs are now said to be advanced as City attempt to pull off another blockbuster deal in the final days of the window.

There was another intriguing development overnight with Fernandez was left out of Chelsea’s squad entirely for their Carabao Cup win over Luton Town as speculation surrounding his future continues to intensify.

The midfielder was also left out of the starting XI for Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham, coming off the bench for the final 25 minutes.

Chelsea had previously set interested clubs an August 14 deadline to meet their £120 million (A$226.8m) asking price, which passed without City submitting an offer.

However, that hasn’t ended their pursuit. City boss Enzo Maresca is said to be driving the move, having previously worked with Fernandez during his time at Stamford Bridge.

The pair won both the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup together before Maresca departed Chelsea.

City have already made significant changes to their midfield this summer and are also adding Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi, but Fernandez could now become the headline addition.

Chelsea, meanwhile, may already be preparing for life without him.

talkSPORT reports the Blues have identified Roma’s Manu Kone, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga as potential replacements.

Chelsea agree bargain Emi Martinez deal

While one Argentine could be heading out of Stamford Bridge, another is reportedly on his way in.

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez; according to Sky Sports, the Blues have struck an agreement worth £7.5 million (A$14.2m) for the World Cup winner.

Martinez has been out to find a new club after falling down the pecking order at Villa Park following the arrival of Japan international Zion Suzuki.

Villa signed Suzuki from Parma for nearly £30 million (A$56.7m), according to Sky Sports, relegating Martinez to second choice.

The 33-year-old had also attracted interest from Juventus, before the Italian giants instead moved for Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

That opened the door for Chelsea.

His arrival will raise immediate questions over the futures of Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders.

Sanchez had been expected to begin the season as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper but came under renewed scrutiny following his error against Fulham.

Penders, meanwhile, started the Carabao Cup clash against Luton after returning from his loan spell with Strasbourg.

Chelsea aren’t playing European football this season, meaning carrying three potential first-choice goalkeepers would appear unlikely.

Either way, picking up a two-time Yashin Trophy winner and World Cup champion for £7.5 million (A$14.2m) represents a fascinating piece of business.

Arsenal handed clear run at Julian Alvarez

The Julian Alvarez saga has taken another dramatic turn, with Barcelona’s hopes of signing the Atletico Madrid star seemingly over.

Atletico have categorically ruled out negotiating with their La Liga rivals over the Argentina international.

According to Sky Sports, Atletico have told Alvarez they will not enter negotiations with Barcelona and there is “zero consideration” of selling him to the Catalan giants.

The decision comes after Barcelona president Joan Laporta publicly reiterated his club’s desire to sign the former Manchester City star.

Atletico insist their stance isn’t about money, but rather Barcelona’s conduct during their pursuit of the player.

That leaves Alvarez with a significant decision to make.

Sky Sports reports the 26-year-old effectively has two options before the deadline: remain at Atletico Madrid or consider a move to Arsenal.

Alvarez had been hoping to join Barcelona, but is now considering a switch to the Premier League champions.

Arsenal themselves reportedly believe their chances of completing the deal remain slim, meaning there is still plenty of work to be done before the window closes.

Alvarez missed Atletico training on Wednesday and Thursday, although the club attributed his absence to illness rather than the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future.

Sky Sports reports Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has remained in contact with his former Atletico Madrid employers in recent days.

The Gunners would also reportedly be prepared to break the £105 million (A$198.5m) club-record fee they paid for Declan Rice to get a deal done.

The major stumbling block remains Alvarez himself.

His preference has been a move to Barcelona rather than a return to England, but with Atletico refusing to negotiate with the Spanish champions, Arsenal may have been handed their biggest opportunity yet.

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