Transfer News LIVE: Alvarez Misses Training, Chelsea’s Enzo Decision & Liverpool Medical

Unai Emery Confirms Ollie Watkins Exit and Nicolas Jackson Arrival

According to PA, Unai Emery admitted he shed a tear during his farewell with Ollie Watkins ahead of the forward’s £50m move to Al Hilal. Watkins missed Aston Villa’s 4-0 defeat to Brighton on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, a situation that left Emery seething at the time. However, Emery revealed on Friday that Watkins apologized after the match.

“Last week, we didn’t get a deal to finish playing the match against Brighton but he told us after the match that he was sorry and he told us he made a mistake and was wrong,” Emery said, as reported by PA. Villa have agreed to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea as a replacement for the England international.

Chelsea Toughens Enzo Fernandez Stance Amid Manchester City Interest

Chelsea want a higher price than £120m for Enzo Fernandez amid ongoing interest from Manchester City, according to Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney. Writing on 28 August 2026, Delaney noted that while Chelsea were previously open to business at the £120m mark, that valuation has shifted due to rising summer market comparisons, such as the £116m fee City paid Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson.

Manager Xabi Alonso stated that he wants players with a “desire to play” after leaving Fernandez out of the squad for Thursday’s win over Luton. According to PA, Alonso dismissed Argentine reports that Fernandez asked not to be involved, explaining that they mutually decided it was better for him to sit out.

Transfer Alternatives: Camara, Rashford, and Endrick

Should Chelsea sell Fernandez to Manchester City, multiple sources indicate the club is looking at Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara in a potential £55m deal, according to Miguel Delaney. Alternatives such as Bournemouth’s Alex Scott are considered unrealistic this summer due to firm resistance from his club.

Meanwhile, TalkSport reports that Arsenal have held talks with Real Madrid over a move for 20-year-old attacker Endrick. Real Madrid’s stance is that Endrick is not for sale, with new boss Jose Mourinho stating he wants the player to stay. Delaney also reports that Arsenal could turn to Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford on a temporary deal if they fail to secure Julian Alvarez.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fee for Ollie Watkins’ transfer to Al Hilal?

Ollie Watkins is set to join Al Hilal in a £50m deal, according to PA reports from 28 August 2026.

Why was Enzo Fernandez left out of Chelsea’s squad against Luton?

Manager Xabi Alonso stated that they mutually decided it was better for Fernandez not to be part of the squad, emphasizing the need for players with a strong energy and desire to play.

Who has Brentford signed from West Ham?

Brentford signed Senegal international defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on a five-year contract, according to Harry Latham-Coyle.