The final week of the summer transfer window is upon us and Transfer Deadline Day on Friday could be one of the busier days in recent history.
The final day of August in the market is often turbulent for clubs across Europe and farther afield, but as the window closes a day early this year, what could we see over the line before it slams shut?
Here are three we at BestofBets will be keeping an eye on.
Victor Osimhen to Chelsea
Perhaps the biggest rolling saga this summer has been the future of Victor Osimhen and Chelsea remain well in the hunt for the Napoli striker.
Only one week ago, Paris Saint-Germain looked nailed-on to fill the Kylian Mbappe void with Osimhen, but since then, interest has faded significantly.
Victor Osimhen’s agent is denying any interest in moving to Saudi Arabia after reports yesterday.
Napoli hoping to sell him to spend on Lukaku, McTominay and Gilmour. Chelsea interested in a potential loan or swap deal. https://t.co/lSea7vQa87
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) August 26, 2024
Saudi interest then threatened to play a twist card in the mix, but with the Nigerian set to snub any offers from the Middle East, Chelsea now look the most likely destination.
Time is quite clearly ticking for the Blues to make a late move, and despite being flush with attacking options, owner Todd Boehly sees Osimhen as the marquee signing to take Chelsea on that extra step.
Latest reports now have the forward holding out for the west Londoners to make a late dash for his signature, but for now Osimhen waits on tenterhooks in the Naples departure lounge.
Watch this space.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Newcastle
As Everton begin the season once more propping up the table, could Dominic Calvert-Lewin finally fly the Goodison Park nest before Friday?
For the 27-year-old Sheffield native, the last eight terms on Merseyside have, largely, been a hugely frustrating time.
Just 54 goals in that time have seen long spells of injury absence, but it should be remembered that he is still three years short of 30.
Indeed, Calvert-Lewin’s time to leave could suit all parties.
The Toffees remain in financial disarray and the club need to sell to balance the books and prevent further league fines and points deductions this term.
Newcastle of course, already have a enough ammunition at number 9 themselves, but after Alexander Isak drew blanks in his first games this term, could the Magpies look to strengthen?
If Callum Wilson does departs, the likelihood of that happening by Friday is far from an impossibility.
Ademola Lookman to Arsenal
Of the three deals this week, this carries by far the longest price, but there still remains hope it could be concluded.
Like with the Osimhen deal, PSG are a major factor at hand, but like with that potential transfer, the French champions have cooled any interest, leaving the door open.
Lookman, 26, a Charlton youth product has made his name largely away from English shores, with two separate spells at Leipzig, but his two seasons in Italy with Atalanta have caught the eye most.
For Arsenal, the Gunners looks in fine fettle on all fronts this term – particularly in defence – but with injury concerns over Gabriel Jesus and with Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson likely to leave this week, Lookman could fit the bill.
A possible role for a false nine alternative to Kai Havertz – but more likely on the left wing – the lesser showings of Gabriel Martinelli to start the term could also provoke a move.
Lookman has had spells at both Fulham and Leicester since his youth days, but the Nigerian international is a more mature and simply a better quality player than before.
The man who scored an historic hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final – the only game Bayer Leverkusen lost last term – Arsenal could be a tantalising proposition for Lookman, and the club themselves.
This one could run until right until the deadline.
Transfer Deadline Day is Friday.
