The closing stages of the summer transfer window have seen significant movement across the Premier League, headlined by a major double departure from Arsenal and a high-profile rejection of a Manchester City bid for Liverpool's Cody Gakpo.
Arsenal’s Forward Exodus to Barcelona and Saudi Arabia
Arsenal have sanctioned the departure of two key attacking players, reshaping Mikel Arteta’s forward line as the window draws to a close. Gabriel Jesus, 29, has finalised his move to Barcelona. The deal is structured at a €10 million fixed fee with an additional €4 million in potential add-ons, alongside a 20 per cent sell-on clause. Writing for FootballTransfers, Fabrizio Romano confirmed the move, noting that the forward travelled to Spain to complete the paperwork.
Simultaneously, Gabriel Martinelli, 25, has departed for the Saudi Pro League, joining Al-Hilal in a deal valued at over €65 million. The exits represent a notable strategic pivot for Arsenal, who have moved quickly to clear significant wages from their books. These departures leave the Gunners with an urgent requirement to rebalance their attacking depth before the deadline passes, following a period where Martinelli had struggled to consistently hold a starting role in Arteta's evolving system.
Liverpool Retain Gakpo as Chelsea Secure Future Asset
Manchester City’s late pursuit of Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has ended in failure. City reportedly lodged an £85 million bid for the 27-year-old, but Liverpool have officially rejected the offer. According to reports corroborated by the Liverpool Echo, the Anfield club opted to retain the Dutch international after failing to identify a viable replacement in the final hours of the window. Gakpo has accepted the decision and remains part of Arne Slot’s squad.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have continued their policy of aggressive early-market acquisitions, securing a pre-agreement for 18-year-old Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor. The transfer is worth £40 million. In an unconventional structure designed to aid the teenager's development, Ahanor will spend the 2026/27 season on loan at Crystal Palace. This move mirrors Chelsea’s broader strategy of locking down high-potential youth talent while utilising the loan market to ensure competitive experience in the Premier League, rather than relying on immediate integration into a bloated first-team squad.
