Tuesday, Aug. 31 is transfer deadline day (11 p.m. BST / 6 p.m. ET) is the closing date for the summer window for 2021. This means that all major clubs are racing to fill the gaps in their squads, find new teams for fringe player (permanently or on loan), or to figure out the financials to make an expensive late move.
Europe's best teams have already done some major business, with Manchester United landing Jadon Sanchez, Raphael Varane, and now Cristiano Ronaldo.
Tottenham striker Harry Kane will stay for now. This means that the saga is over. But, will PSG forward Kylian Mabappe receive a 180m transfer to Real Madrid before the window closes. What other business must the top clubs do before they have to stick with their squad until January
ESPN's writers and correspondents take you through the possible outcomes of the remaining hours.
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Chelsea
Teams from the Premier League
ARSENAL
Notable Ins: DF Ben White, MF Martin Odegaard, GK Aaron Ramsdale, MF Albert Sambi Lokonga, DF Nuno Tavares
Notable Outs: DF David Luiz, MF Joe Willock, MF Matteo Guendouzi, MF Lucas Torreira
Arsenal has plenty of players for the right offer, including Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland–Niles. However, Arsenal have too many players to move and bring in replacements. The team's poor start and urgent need for reinforcements indicate a chaotic final few days, with the possibility of making mistakes.
Mikel Arteta's financial team faces a major dilemma with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, who are strikers. Lacazette will be out of contract in June 2022. However, there has been no interest. Sources say that the Gunners may be willing to sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to free up funds for reinforcements.
A loan deal would allow Eddie Nketiah to leave the club on loan. Crystal Palace are interested in him, but a deal seems unlikely. Bellerin will need a right-back if he leaves. There has been a link between Max Aarons from Norwich and him. -- Mark Ogden
Play 1:04 Romelu Lukaku is a great match for Chelsea Craig Burley believes that Chelsea adding Romelu from Inter Milan to their roster is a smart move by Thomas Tuchel.
CHELSEA
Notable Ins: FW Romelu Lukaku
Notable Outs: FW Tammy Abraham and DF Fikayo Tomori, FW Olivier Giroud and DF Kurt Zouma
While the European champions have addressed their biggest weakness by signing Romelu Lukaku, a striker from Inter Milan for 115m, they are keen to strengthen their centre-back options. Although Jules Kounde of Sevilla is their preferred choice, the Spanish side want closer to 65m in order to close a deal. They previously indicated that they would be open to 50m plus any add-ons. Although this might make it less likely that a deal is made, Chelsea still have the option to do so after Kurt Zouma left for West Ham for 25m.
Tiemoue Bakoko, a midfielder, is on loan to AC Milan. Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez, a midfielder, may be available as a loan deal. He wants to leave LaLiga's reigning champions. Chelsea still has Ruben LoftusCheek, Ross Barkley, and Danny Drinkwater on their books. They may be open to moving them on, while Callum Hudson-Odoi is being reportedly in discussions with Dortmund about a loan move. James Olley
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LIVERPOOL
Notable Ins: DF Ibrahima Konate
Notable Outs: MF Georginio Wijnaldum MF Harry Wilson, FW Xherdan Shahiri
Jurgen Klopp doesn't have any major gaps in his squad. The priority has been to finalize new contracts for Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold as well as Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Liverpool has lost Georginio Wijldum to PSG this summer. A decision could be made to replace him -- with Brighton's Yves Bissouma being linked to the position -- but for now Klopp will continue to rely on Fabinho and Henderson and Thiago Alcantara to fill the gap.
If you are looking for Divock Origi or Takumi Minamino or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, and Takumi Minemino, all of these players could be available. Aston Villa want Curtis Jones signed on a permanent contract (valued at approximately 15m), which gives Klopp a second decision. Liverpool are unlikely, however, to make any major moves in terms of large arrivals. Liverpool believes their squad is strong enough for competition on all fronts. Therefore, Anfield is most likely to see a quiet closing day. -- Ogden
MANCHESTER CITY
Notable Ins: Jack Grealish
Notable Outs: FW Sergio Aguero and DF Eric Garcia
Pep Guardiola claims he is happy with his team, but after Sergio Aguero's departure to Barcelona, there is clearly room for a striker. City has never hidden their desire to sign Harry Kane. However, England captain Harry Kane has now committed his immediate future and will not be signing for City.
ESPN has been told by sources that Spurs refused to negotiate over Kane. It's also worth noting that City have in the past walked away and waited one year for their strength, as they did with RubenDias in 2020.
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City is unlikely to sign a striker before the deadline, despite Kane's absence. While options will be explored, City doesn't normally panic and time is running out. They won the league with a similar team and reached the Champions League final with it -- Aguero is gone; Grealish has been brought in -- and they are ready to do it again. Rob Dawson
Play 2:15 How Man United made a remarkable Ronaldo return Alexis Nunes and Mark Ogden react to the announcement that Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Juventus.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Notable Ins: FW Jadon Sancho, DF Raphael Varane, FW Cristiano Ronaldo
Notable Outs: DF Axel Tuanzebe; MF Andreas Pereira; FW Facundo Pistri
Manchester United spent their summer budget to buy Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Raphael Varane. Ed Woodward, executive vice-chairman of the club, had to look for funds elsewhere to ensure they could secure a deal with Cristiano Ronaldo. It is unlikely that they will sign any further signings before the deadline, but United would never turn down an opportunity. Look at Ronaldo.
Man United's convincing of Ronaldo to return
Dan James could move to Leeds United, either on loan or permanently. Brighton is also interested. There are always opportunities for someone to bid for Jesse Lingard or Diogo Dalot, but it seems likely that both will remain at Old Trafford. Amad Diallo was originally set to transfer on loan to Feyenoord but an injury to his thigh during training has meant that he will stay to complete his rehabilitation. -- Dawson
TOTTENHAM
Notable Ins: MF Bryan Gil, DF Cristian Romero, GK Pierluigi Gollini, MF Pape Matar Sarr
Notable Outs: DF Toby Alderweireld (FW Erik Lamela), MF Moussa Sissoko
Kane, who revealed that he would be staying at Tottenham despite Manchester City's interest in him, ended the longest-running summer transfer saga. Spurs wanted England's captain in 150m, but City refused to make an offer.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is synonymous with last-minute activity. The club also retains an interest in Wolves' winger Adama Trore. They are still exploring options for right-back and centre-back positions with links to Emerson, Barcelona's winger -- Spurs rejected one offer this weekend from Emerson -- and Bologna's Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Barcelona's Ilaix moriba is the midfielder -- although RB Leipzig are favorites to sign the 18 year-old -- Lyon's Houssem Auar and Cagliari’s Nahitan Naandez are possible options, as the club is open to letting Tanguy Nedombele or Serge Aurier go.
Spurs have already signed a deal with Pape Matar Sharr but have loaned him back to Metz for the remainder of the season. Olley
play 2:06 Harry Kane managed the transfer windows 'awfully' Craig Burley, Shaka Hislop and their thoughts about Harry Kane's announcement he will stay at Spurs this season.
European teams
ATLETICO MADRID
Notable Ins: MF Rodrigo de Paul, MF Benjamin Lecomte, FW Matheus Cunha
Notable Outs: FW Vitolo Machin, GK Ivo Grbic
Atletico's precarious financial situation and the strong team that won LaLiga, ahead of Real Madrid or Barcelona, meant this was not going to be a busy window for them. Rodrigo de Paul already appears to be a smart addition that will bring much-needed creativity.
It was necessary to find a forward to increase depth in the front. Hertha Berlin's Matheus cunha, a 30m arrival, is that piece of business. It will be fascinating to see how Cunha adapts at Atletico. Simeone's track record of molding talented creative players to his demanding system and style is mixed to be honest.
Saul Niguez, a midfielder, could leave. He has attracted interest from Chelsea and Man United in the Premier League but has not received any offers. Nehuen Perez, who is currently on loan to Udinese, has left and Santiago Arias has joined Granada. Lille's Zeki Cilik has been mentioned as his replacement. Alex Kirkland
BARCELONA
Notable Ins FW Memphis Depay FW Sergio Aguero DF Eric Garcia DF Emerson Royal
Notable Outs: FW Lionel Messi, DF Junior Firpo, FW Konrad de la Fuente
Barca still wants to sign a new midfielder and another attacker. They also need a backup for Jordi Alba, the left-back, and possibly a centre-back. However, the financial reality is that signings for more players this summer are difficult if not impossible.
Sources tell ESPN that Ronald Koeman would prioritize the arrival of another forward if money suddenly appears. Koeman feels that more work is needed to replace Lionel Messi's 30 goals last season, despite adding Memphis Depay (who has been out for two months) and Sergio Aguero to the squad.
Barca must reduce the wage bill on their final day, since Messi's departure hasn't solved all their financial problems. Miralem Pjanic is the big earner they expect to lose. He has received offers to go to Italy but Samuel Umtiti refused to accept any of the offers this summer to his dismay. He will remain as the club's sixth-choice centre-back.
Alex Collado, a youngster, will be allowed to go. President Joan Laporta admitted that they are open to offers for many of their players. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that any significant transfer fees will be paid at this point in the window due to a lackluster interest in Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele. Ilaix Moriba will likely join RB Leipzig for approximately 20m. Tottenham may also return with a better bid for right-back Emerson Royal, after their initial offer was rejected. Sam Marsden
BAYERN MUNICH
Notable Ins: DF Dayot Upamecano, DF Omar Richards, MF Marcel Sabitzer
Notable Outs: DF David Alaba, DF Jerome Boateng, MF Javi Martinez
Bayern needs to improve their midfield and centre-back positions. They need Lucas Hernandez back to full fitness to partner Upamecano. However, they don't have the time to add another player before the window closes. Borussia Monchengladbach's Matthias Ginter could be a viable option.
They've at least addressed a similar need for midfielders with Marcel Sabitzer, RB Leipzig. They expect Corentin tolisso will leave before the deadline. Sabitzer, an Austrian international who was so successful under Julian Nagelsmann at Leipzig as Bayern's manager, will be a solid third option along with Joshua Kimmich or Leon Goretzka. Rumours of Gladbach's Jonas Hofmann leaving have reportedly fallen apart and will not happen now.
Bayern must make a decision about Robert Lewandowski's contract, even though it will not be resolved by deadline. The contract expires in two year's time, but recent reports about Robert Lewandowski from Poland requesting "a new challenge" may prompt Bayern to extend or sell the current contract. PSG has been testing the waters for the striker in recent days, but Bayern have not sold. Talks with Lewandowski's agent Pini Zahavi could begin during the season to keep him at Bayern for a while longer. -- Julien Laurens
play 2:28 Could Erling Hailand leave Borussia Dortmund Craig Burley and Steve Nicol discuss Erling's decision to move from Borussia Dortmund after expressing frustration with the team.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Notable Ins: GK Gregor Kobel, FW Donyell Malen
Notable Outs: FW Jadon Sancho and MF Thomas Delaney
It is clear that Dortmund needs a defense after watching them play this season under Marco Rose. Axel Witsel is the Belgian international midfielder, who has been deputising at the rear. The club is trying to improve the position. Marin Pongracic (Wolfsburg centre-back) will likely sign a loan deal that includes an option to purchase, while Diogo Dalot, right-back, could also join on loan from Manchester United.
Dortmund needs a wide player to replace Sancho, despite having many wingers. Dortmund likes Chelsea's Callum Hudson Odoi, and a loan move could happen before Tuesday night. Thomas Delaney's transfer from Sevilla to Sevilla means that the club will also require a central midfielder. Eduardo Camavinga is one of the targets but time is against Dortmund to make a deal.
Except for something extraordinary from PSG (and it's possible, but don't rule out that in this transfer window), Erling Haaland will remain for one more season before moving on to 75m next year. The club will not decide if it is necessary to re-adjust its squad or plan for further moves until January. -- Laurens
Play 0:59 Leboeuf asks Mbappe to remain with PSG Frank Leboeuf hopes Kylian Mbappe will stay with Paris Saint-Germain so that he can play alongside Lionel Messi.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Notable Ins: FW Lionel Messi, DF Achraf Hakimi, DF Sergio Ramos, GK Gianluigi Donnarumma, MF Georginio Wijnaldum
Notable Outs: DF Mitchell Bakker
PSG has enjoyed a remarkable window, but will that change if Kylian Mabappe leaves? PSG refused to accept 180m despite the fact that the 22-year old star could leave free of charge in 12 months. Real Madrid is still in negotiations and working hard to close a deal before the window closes. Sources tell ESPN that PSG will likely target Bayern's Lewandowski or Dortmund's Erling Haialand or Everton’s Richarlison if Mbappe moves.
Camavinga, a highly rated Rennes midfielder and who still has one year on his contract and would make a great bargain at $30m, is keen to join the club. Leonardo, the sporting director and manager of Rennes, likes him a lot. However, he would only move if PSG makes space for him in the squad.
PSG's greatest need right now is to reduce their squad. They had intended to raise around 180m through player exits before the summer, but are far from that amount, and have yet to find clubs to sign fringe players such as Layvin Kurzawa, Thilo Kehrer, and Pablo Sarabia. -- Laurens
REAL MADRID
Notable Ins: DF David Alaba
Notable Outs: DF Sergio Ramos, DF Raphael Varane, MF Martin Odegaard
Since the summer 2019, Real Madrid has not paid a transfer fee for their first-team squad. Real Madrid has not paid a transfer fee to add to their first-team squad since the summer of 2019. Part of this has been about adapting to the new financial realities brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic.
Madrid has been able to offer Mbappe a 180m deal due to financial prudence, including the money from Varane's exits and Odegaard's this summer. However, it is unclear why Madrid won't wait until next summer to offer him a 180m contract. Negotiations appear to have stopped following the weekend's discussions.
Casemiro and Thibaut Courtois, Thibaut Courois, Thibaut Valverde, Federico Valverde Luka Modric, Dani Carvajal Lucas Vazquez, Federico Valverde, LukaModric, Federico Valverde and Nacho Fernandez all have signed new contracts. However, there will be only one new contract this summer, if any. It's Mbappe, or nothing. -- Kirkland
