Transfer deadline day: Five players to keep an eye on before the window slams shut

A failed move for Julian Alvarez could put Arsenal in the mix for Everton's Iliman Ndiaye 

Everton are eager to bring Jack Grealish back to Merseyside. Pic: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

A dramatic final 24 hours of the summer transfer window is anticipated with several Premier League clubs eager to finalise big-money moves.

These are five players to keep an eye on before the 11pm deadline on Tuesday.

Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid) 

The future of the former Manchester City forward has been a topic of debate all summer, but with his previously anticipated final destination of Barcelona no longer plausible, could Arsenal swoop in at the last-minute? With seemingly only two options, stay and rebuild relationships at Atletico or start a fresh challenge in London, the clock is ticking for Alvarez but Mikel Arteta’s men have a chance.

Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) 

Any failed pursuit of Alvarez could put Arsenal in the mix for the Senegal winger, who has been one of the biggest headline makers this weekend after Tottenham reached an agreement in principle for the 26-year-old on Sunday. However, Manchester City have reportedly pivoted back to the versatile Everton man after they failed in their bid to sign Cody Gakpo from Liverpool. Where will £60million-rated Ndiaye end up?

Jack Grealish (Manchester City) 

Grealish could help determine where Ndiaye ends up with Everton eager to bring the England international back to Merseyside after a successful first half of the 2025-26 campaign. Sunderland are also interested in Grealish, but if City can strike a deal for Ndiaye, Grealish heading in the opposite direction would suit all parties involved. Or will the 30-year-old try to resurrect his career at Etihad Stadium under new head coach Enzo Maresca?

Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) 

Another player City are reportedly looking to land for Maresca is his old midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was left out of the Chelsea squad by Xabi Alonso for Sunday’s 4-3 win over Brighton and has already been booed by his own fans this season. It would take an enormous transfer fee to bring the World Cup winner to Manchester, but with Fernandez seemingly eager to leave, the west London club might not have a choice but to lower their demands.

Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) 

The Crystal Palace winger is another player who looks like he wants a move away having deleted all reference to his current club on Instagram at the weekend. Sarr had initially been on the radar of Galatasaray while Liverpool are interested in the Senegal winger. Will Sarr get a move away or remain at Selhurst Park?