Analysis on what every Premier League club needs to do in the transfer market before the summer transfer window closes on Monday evening...
Monday 5 October 2020 18:42, UK
Arsenal are interested in Chelsea's Jorginho, Lyon's Houssem Aouar and Atletico Madrid's Thomas Partey, but can the Gunners get deals done for one or even two of the midfielders before the transfer deadline?
Before either deal can happen, Arsenal will need to offload players to generate funds. They also need to comply with a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players over the age of 21 in a 25-man squad. As it stands Arsenal have got 19 of those players, so they need to shift two, that's without any more additions from abroad.
So, who could leave the Emirates Stadium? Lucas Torreira has been continually linked with a move away, with Atletico Madrid thought to be at the front of the queue, while Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi have not been part of Mikel Arteta's plans so far this season. The club could also be open to offers for defenders Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Sead Kolasinac.
A "confident" Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are doing what they can to finalise deals ahead of Monday's deadline.
Speaking in his post-match press conference after the 2-1 win over Sheffield United, Arteta said: "I am confident we know exactly what we want to do. We are trying our best to finalise the deals. Let's see what happens. I cannot comment [on players]. At the moment there is nothing definite.
"I cannot discuss the players we want. We recognise certain positions we are short in numbers and quality.
"I'm really happy with the players that I have, that is my job. Whatever we can add, of course, we will try to do it but we have to be realistic. It's a give and take. Whoever jumps on the boat will be welcomed. We all share the same ambitions, we have a clear direction."
With Ally Samatta gone, Villa only have Keinan Davis as back-up for striker Ollie Watkins, with Wesley out indefinitely following his cruciate injury in January.
Bertrand Traore has played as a striker in parts during his career, but Dean Smith and Villa will be in the market for a striker happy enough to play second fiddle to their record-signing Watkins. Easier said than done.
Elsewhere, Villa had been linked with Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan, but Premier League rules state they cannot take a second loan player from one club following Ross Barkley's arrival from Chelsea.
In terms of exits, Anwar El Ghazi was in the stands for the win at Fulham, while Frederic Guilbert has been linked with a move back to France.
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith on his side's transfer window so far: "It feels like a really good window. It's a lot easier when you only have a handful of signings to do rather than the 13 we had to do last year.
"I believe we've added quality to a more experienced team in the Premier League, having found it tough in the first season.
"I said at the end of last season that I saw an improvement from the majority of our players and now we've added quality to that core of the team. Overall, I'm really pleased with where we're at."
There have been some encouraging signs for Brighton this season - not least in their 3-0 win over Newcastle and unfortunate 3-2 loss to Manchester United - but the 4-2 loss to Everton on Saturday was a reminder of the need for further incomings before the window closes.
The Seagulls have been relatively quiet so far, with Adam Lallana and Joel Veltman the only eye-catching arrivals to date. That duo have added depth in central defence and midfield, but Graham Potter's side looks light on the striker front, with the onus currently on Neal Maupay and Aaron Connolly.
Solly March has filled in at left wing-back, but there is a need for another body in that area of the pitch - Tottenham's Ryan Sessegnon was a target but has agreed to join Hoffenheim - while there may also be room for another central midfielder following Dale Stephens' departure to Burnley.
Brighton are closing in on two young signings from Poland, midfielder Jakub Moder from Lech Poznan and full-back Michal Kurbownik from Legia Warsaw, but both are expected to return to their current clubs on loan.
In terms of outgoings, Brighton will be desperate to keep Tariq Lamptey from joining suitors Bayern Munich, who have expressed an interest in the former Chelsea youngster in recent weeks.
Brighton boss Graham Potter: "I think it wasn't so long back we were talking about football maybe resetting in the middle of the pandemic and that seems to have gone out of the window. Now everybody is asking who you are going to sign. It's just the way the narrative switches.
"We have always tried to be responsible to the club, to the short, medium and long term of the club. We have done, I think, some good business in the last couple of windows to add different players to the group and sometimes you have to let them settle and let them perform and let them grow and take their games to the next level.
"Unfortunately, that's not that interesting, especially when you have got transfer window shows on and stuff like that. People don't want to hear about boring stuff like helping people improve. They want to hear about who you are going to sign and the external solution. Fifteen minutes of fame, Britain's Got Talent, that sort of stuff.
"We want the easy fix, don't we? We don't want to hear about the other stuff. There's only a few days left and maybe we can get back to talking about coaching and developing players."
It has been a frustratingly quiet summer for Sean Dyche so far, with midfielder Dale Stephens and back-up goalkeeper Will Norris the only senior additions up until now.
The Clarets boss is eager to bring in cover at centre-back, and the need for defensive reinforcements will become even greater if one of James Tarkowski's suitors come in with an offer too good to turn down.
The club are confident of keeping Tarkowski having already rejected a string of bids from West Ham, but they need additions elsewhere, too, regardless of what happens with the 27-year-old.
The club would like to sign a right midfielder having lost Jeff Hendrick to Newcastle during the summer, and they would also like a right-back to provide competition for Phil Bardsley and Matt Lowton.
Sean Dyche on the prospect of any arrivals at Burnley before the transfer deadline: "We're not further down the line with anything of my knowledge.
"There's nothing imminent. Let's wait and see. There's nothing, that I know of, that will be coming into the building.
"It's the reality of working here, we've been down this road before, we'll take the challenge on with whatever numbers we've got and manage the situation to the best of my ability, the same as I've always done."
Chelsea have been the Premier League's biggest spenders so far, with Roman Abramovich overseeing an extensive - and expensive - overhaul.
Frank Lampard's attack has been transformed by the additions of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech, while the club have also brought in goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from Rennes, and strengthened their defence with the signings of Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell.
Despite those defensive additions, Chelsea showed familiar frailties during their recent 3-3 draw with West Brom in the Premier League and could yet seek to bring in another body at centre-back and in defensive midfield. A late move for long-standing target Declan Rice should not be ruled out.
That, however, would depend on outgoings. Lampard has more than 30 first-team players at his disposal currently and he needs to trim that number. Antonio Rudiger could be on his way out and is open to leaving the club on loan, with AC Milan, PSG and Spurs interested, while there are also doubts around the futures of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Emerson, Jorginho and Marcos Alonso, among others.
Tiemoue Bakayoko has also arrived in Napoli ahead of completing a season-long loan move.
The saga surrounding Callum Hudson-Odoi also continues, with Lampard insisting he wants the youngster to stay, but Bayern eager for a deal having seen a loan with a £70m option to buy offer rejected by the Blues.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard on potential outgoings at Stamford Bridge: "With every player in the squad, if it's a loan, you have to consider what's best for the player and the club.
"With those three players I would always take those things into consideration. I have a good relationship with them all and speak honestly with them. It's one we'll approach player by player over the next few days.
"Once the window shuts, every player that is here will be used because there is a long season coming up."
On Hudson-Odoi, Lampard said: "There is no definitive answer but by Monday, we will have one.
"If Bayern have declared an interest then that's one thing but as I've said before, everything that happens by Monday will be things that are firstly good for us as a club because Callum's our player and also what Callum wants will come into consideration, but it has to be right for everybody."
It has been quiet on the Palace front in recent weeks, with Roy Hodgson seemingly satisfied with his lot this summer. But do not rule them out of some activity on Monday.
Reiss Nelson has been linked with a loan move, with Brighton and Burnley also reportedly interested, while a move for Odsonne Edouard is not completely off the cards, though looks unlikely. Christian Benteke seems to be surplus to requirements, but finding him a club may be difficult.
The real success of the window would be reaching 11pm with Wilfried Zaha still at the club, and barring some huge drama, that should be the case.
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson on the prospect of late bids for Zaha: "Well, I have been told and I think Wilf has had it made clear to him that we are not interested in late bids.
"If it was going to happen, it would need to happen in a timeframe which would give us a chance to see what we would want to do with the money.
"So close to the end of the transfer window, I would certainly hope it will not happen now and I want to continue working with him."
Injuries to Jarrad Braithwaite and Mason Holgate had left Everton light on bodies in central defence, but they have now confirmed a £30m deal to sign Ben Godfrey from Norwich.
In terms of exits, squad players will be needed to put pressure on a starting XI that has quickly picked itself this term, but Carlo Ancelotti will be keen to offload those who do not feature in his plans.
Yannick Bolasie has trained hard since returning from his loan spell at Sporting Lisbon but his failure to make a matchday squad in the early Carabao Cup rounds indicates his future lies elsewhere, and the same applies to midfielder Muhamed Besic.
Southampton have expressed an interest in signing Tom Davies on loan with an option to buy, and Moise Kean has joined PSG on a season-long loan, but with Fabian Delph's fitness needing to be constantly managed and Jean-Philippe Gbamin still on the road to recovery from a serious Achilles injury, Ancelotti will be mindful of leaving himself short of options in midfield.
Another player with an uncertain future is Theo Walcott. The winger was back in the Everton squad for Saturday's win over Brighton but his former club Southampton are in talks over the possibility of signing him on loan.
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti hinted that there could be more business before the end of the transfer window after his side continued their perfect start to the campaign with a 4-2 win over Brighton.
When asked about potential incomings and outgoings, the Italian said: "Really as I said I'm not focused on this. I think that our technical director is working on this.
"And so there are players that want to leave, to find another opportunity outside the club, I think we have no problem to let them go. You will see, you will see. Maybe something can come. Some new signings are coming."
Fulham's first season back in the Premier League is only four games old but there are already worrying signs from Craven Cottage. Scott Parker's side have lost their first four, and sporting director Tony Khan irritated the manager by apologising for the side's performance against Aston Villa on Twitter immediately after the game last Monday.
Khan referenced Fulham's struggle to sign centre-backs in his tweets, mentioning four deals which have collapsed over the course of the summer, the latest being for Sassuolo's Marlon Santos, who failed a medical after an agreement had been reached with the Italian club.
The need for defensive reinforcements is more obvious, and the talks continue between Fulham and Barcelona over the signing of central defender Jean-Clair Todibo, while Juan Foyth was also a target before joining Villarreal.
Their recent performances suggest there is a need for strengthening in all areas - not just defence. The final day of the window could be pivotal to their survival hopes.
Fulham boss Scott Parker admitted his focus has been on matters on the pitch, rather than getting involved in transfer dealings at this late stage of the window.
"To be honest, I'm not too sure," Parker said following the Wolves defeat on Sunday. "It's got to this part where as manager, and I'm not sure about others, but earlier on in the window you're much more involved. In the last 10 days or a week it's not been the case.
"Why? Because I don't want to waste energy on ifs and buts and I know how hard deals are to get done. We're in the market and we're hoping to get some players in to help us.
"But if that's not the case then this group of players will come out fighting every single week and will improve."
Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds have already made their presence felt in the Premier League following a summer in which they have signed a string of players, including Spain international striker Rodrigo and highly-rated defenders Robin Koch and Diego Llorente.
But there are still areas in need of improvement. Bielsa has identified a lack of creativity from midfield as one issue. Leeds were hoping to strike a deal for Bayern Munich's Michael Cuisance, but the move collapsed when the 21-year-old failed his medical, leaving the Whites to look elsewhere.
Leeds completed deals for Helder Costa and Jack Harrison earlier in the window, but they are still light on bodies in the wide areas. The club have asked about the availability of Manchester United's Daniel James, although the Wales international is expected to snub a loan move in order to fight for his place at Old Trafford. Leeds are, however, now in advanced talks over a deal to sign Rennes winger Raphinha.
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa on signings having versatility: "I prefer to have a smaller squad. I prefer the amount to be sufficient rather than an excessive squad.
"This of course is risky. When a squad is small if there are players who can play in more than one position it's an advantage and a necessity."
Having already signed Timothy Castagne from Atalanta and Cengiz Under on loan from Roma, Leicester have now clinched a £30m deal for the Saint Etienne centre-back Wesley Fofana. The highly-rated 19-year-old, who was also wanted by West Ham, will provide competition for first-choice pairing Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu.
The deal for Fofana is likely to end their interest in Burnley's James Tarkowski, and the Foxes are unlikely to bring in any more players before the deadline.
In terms of outgoings, Adrien Silva, a £22.5m signing from Sporting Lisbon in 2017, has spent the last two seasons on loan at Monaco and has now signed for Sampdoria in a permanent deal.
Leicester's start - three wins from four - will encourage Brendan Rodgers that he already has a squad capable of challenging for another European finish in place, but Sunday's 3-0 loss to West Ham was worrying.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers on the club's summer business and any further potential signings: "I'm absolutely thrilled with what we've done. Lee and his team have been exceptional with the work they've done.
"Quality was going to be important. I had an idea of what I wanted numerically, but quality was more important. The signings will definitely improve us."
"There's one or two other positions we'd like to have strengthened in. I wouldn't anticipate any more deals coming in, but you never know. If we don't bring anyone else, it's still a terrific squad."
What do you get the team that seemingly has everything after Liverpool once again quietly went about their business this summer without attracting much attention?
In have come Kostas Tsimikas, to provide much-needed cover for Andy Robertson at left back, Thiago Alcantara to add a touch of stardust to a sometimes workmanlike midfield and Diogo Jota for some serious competition in attack for the first time under Jurgen Klopp.
However, early-season injuries to both Joe Gomez and Joel Matip exposed a lack of depth at the heart of the champions' defence - especially with Dejan Lovren having left Anfield - and Gomez's error-strewn performance in the extraordinary 7-2 loss to Aston Villa did not inspire confidence.
Liverpool have reportedly been monitoring Sevilla's Diego Carlos and Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly in the position this summer, although moves for either appear unlikely with Klopp recently confirming the club "will not even try if nothing more serious happens" to sign another centre-back before the transfer window closes.
But you do feel Liverpool could be one injury away from a crisis at the back.
In terms of outgoings, meanwhile, Rhian Brewster has signed for Sheffield United and Xherdan Shaqiri could also be set for a departure.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on more potential outgoings: "How many do I expect to leave? No number. Transfer windows from a media or supporter point of view is about who you bring in, but the squad is the most important thing in a football club. It's giving the boys a feeling they are needed and at the right place. We have to find solutions for players' personal situations...sometimes a loan, sometimes they buy him.
"I can work easily with 24 or 25 players over a long season, no problem, but if a player doesn't feel comfortable, then we have to talk. That's what's going on in the moment."
Another transfer window, another big-money centre-back signing for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola will be hoping Ruben Dias provides a solution to their long-standing defensive issues following his £65m arrival from Benfica, with Eric Garcia set to sign for Barcelona.
The Portugal international follows Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres to the Etihad Stadium this summer, with Leroy Sane, David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi among those to have headed through the exit door.
Dias and Ake will have their work cut out to solve Manchester City's defensive frailties, if the 5-2 loss to Leicester is anything to go by, but there may be another defensive recruit to come.
It will depend on Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is being linked with a move away from the club. If that move comes to fruition, then City will sign a new left-back. Ajax's Nicolas Tagliafico is believed to be among their targets and would provide fresh competition for Benjamin Mendy and Joao Cancelo.
Pep Guardiola on if there will be any more business before Monday's deadline: "I think it will be over.
"I don't know - maybe someone will want to leave. So, we will see what happens until the end."
With no apparent resolution in sight, the Jadon Sancho saga looks set to dominate two transfer windows for Manchester United without yielding a signing.
While their search for a new forward continues with Edinson Cavani in talks over a free transfer, Porto have accepted a bid for Alex Telles from United, with the Brazilian left-back now set to undergo a medical ahead of a move to Old Trafford.
Remarkably, securing an exciting attacking addition is now less of a priority following the club's start to the 2020/21 season, which has drawn the need for defensive reinforcements into sharp focus.
It is clear Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has limited faith in the defenders he has in reserve behind Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, and despite being in the early stages of the season, his preferred centre-back pairing are already crying out for cover.
It is the kind of recruitment project Manchester United need time to complete, but after a summer of indecision it is a precious commodity they simply have not got.
Following the 6-1 defeat to Spurs, Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was unsurprisingly asked about any potential reinforcements before the window shuts.
He said: "We defend as a team, we defend from the front and as a group. Whoever we are linked with, it doesn't mean it's true. We're linked with players all day long.
"We need as a group and team to get performances as they were after the restart. We were a very good defensive team then and didn't concede lots of goals. That is something I have to look at."
When pushed on the difficulties of getting deals done before the deadline, Solskjaer once again took aim at his current squad's efforts.
"We'll probably update you or know by tomorrow night," he added. "But that isn't the battle getting players in. The battle is here and getting the best out of ones who are here. Today was the worst you can get from these players. I can't say anything more about that."
In an ideal world, Newcastle would be looking at a goalscoring midfielder before the deadline shuts, or some centre-back cover for Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez.
Juventus' Daniele Rugani and Rob Holding were linked, but in truth, it is unlikely Steve Bruce's side will do big business before the clock hits 11pm on Monday evening.
If Callum Wilson gets injured, Bruce will also have to rely on Andy Carroll (no goal since January 2019), Dwight Gayle (out for 12 weeks) and Joelinton (£20m per Premier League goal so far).
It is a long shot, but a quality striker would be ideal; Arkadiusz Milik has been linked.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce on what to expect from his side before the transfer deadline: "I don't expect to be that busy.
"If something becomes available, I will act. We went to work early to avoid the hectic scramble. However, if a good player becomes available on loan then we will look at it."
Chris Wilder was after a new striker at the start of the summer transfer window and the Blades boss' search is finally over after Rhian Brewster completed a permanent move to Sheffield United from Liverpool in a deal worth up to £23.5m.
Wilder frequently rotated his forwards in an otherwise settled side last season but Lys Mousset and Oli McBurnie were top scorers - with just six goals each. Mousset is likely to be sidelined for a while with a toe injury and while McBurnie's link play, work rate and aerial presence are valued, Wilder wanted a mobile finisher with the ability to craft opportunities for himself, as well as apply the final touch to the Blades' low-quantity, high-quality chances. Brewster fits that bill.
Wilder has already bolstered his defence with Ethan Ampadu, Jayden Bogle and Max Lowe but has been rocked by the news a knee injury looks to have ended Jack O'Connell's season before it really started. Cover is needed for the left-sided centre-back who plays such a crucial role in attack as well as defence - Wilder is unlikely to want to rely on Jack Robinson's form and fitness over a full season - but money and time are tight.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder on Brewster's arrival: "We're always trying to bring better players into the group.
"I looked at last season and we have to improve in that area, we have to be more clinical and bring in more competition at the top of the pitch.
"We can't just go with two right the way through. We've had to work hard to identify players, but the players don't need a 'boost'."
Southampton had been one of the quietest Premier League sides in the transfer window so far, with Kyle Walker-Peters - who was on loan at St Mary's last season - and Mohammed Salisu the only signings initially, before they completed the capture of Brest midfielder Ibrahima Diallo on Sunday.
They may still need further reinforcement in that area, however. The club sold Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Tottenham earlier this summer, while Mario Lemina and Harrison Reed have also departed. Saints were eager to sign Ibrahim Sangare from Toulouse, but the 22-year-old opted for PSV Eindhoven instead. They have also been linked with loan moves for Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Liverpool's Marko Grujic.
Elsewhere, Southampton have made an enquiry to Manchester United over a potential deal for defender Brandon Williams, and have entered talks with Everton over a loan deal for their former winger Theo Walcott.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl on trying to get deals for targets over the line: "We have our limits, the club says to me we have this limit and we cannot spend more money than this, and this is the way we have to work.
"We have to wait, then when there is nobody else on the page and the player is really convinced about coming to us, then we have a chance to get him. But there is most of the time only a small slot where we are able to get these players, then we must be quick, but it is not surprising.
"The interesting thing is we are always on the right players, because then we see they are somewhere else, so we have chosen the right ones, but in the end, we do not get them. This is the problem we have. Sometimes it is a little bit frustrating, but on the other side, we have alternatives and must still fight for getting players in and hopefully in the end we get some."
Tottenham are not expected to make any further signings in this transfer window after Carlos Vinicius, who has joined the club on a season-long from Benfica.
Talks over a deal for defender Milan Skriniar have not developed into a formal bid. The clubs remain well apart in their valuation of the player.
There is no panic if Jose Mourinho's side fail to get a centre-back before Monday's deadline. They see Ben Davies as adequate cover for Eric Dier, Japhet Tanganga, Toby Alderweireld and Davidson Sanchez
The priority now for Spurs is to offload players although they have rejected a second loan bid from PSG for Dele Alli.
The French club are stepping up their interest in the England midfielder before Monday's deadline, however, Spurs sources are adamant he is going nowhere and expect him to fight for his place.
Meanwhile, Juan Foyth has been loaned to Villarreal, while Ryan Sessegnon has agreed to join Hoffenheim on loan. Serge Aurier and Danny Rose have also been linked with moves away from north London, but the former did his Spurs prospects no harm with a goal and assist in the 6-1 win over Manchester United.
Jose Mourinho spoke about Alli's professionalism despite speculation linking him with a move away from Spurs after the 6-1 win at Manchester United: "He never stopped showing [his quality]. I always said that. I never had a problem with him. He is very polite, a great kid and always behaving well and training well.
"Sometimes I want different things from him on the pitch. That's about his qualities as a player and not another thing. He's a fantastic player as everybody knows.
"He was on the bench because he is in a team, in a squad that is very difficult to play in. The squad is very, very good."
The Baggies have already recruited a string of players, completing permanent deals for former loanees Matheus Pereira, Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson, but there is likely to be more movement on Monday.
A striker addition could be key. Robinson scored twice against Chelsea in the 3-3 draw, but Charlie Austin has been linked with a move to Derby County and West Brom's other options do not inspire great confidence.
A loan deal could be the likeliest outcome, but a permanent signing should not be ruled out. West Brom have held talks with Leicester over Islam Slimani and they have also been linked with a move for Huddersfield's Karlan Grant. Loan moves for Watford's Andre Gray and Troy Deeney have also been mooted.
Slaven Bilic was pretty honest about West Brom's need for new arrivals after their 2-0 defeat to Southampton on Sunday left them with one point from their first four games.
"My message is the same as it was after the game against Leicester, after Everton, after Chelsea," he told reporters. "We need, need, need help."
A central defender is what West Ham want but so far, they have been frustrated in their efforts.
James Tarkowski looks out of reach for the Hammers after having had three bids turned down by Burnley, who are not willing to budge from their current valuation of the England defender. West Ham also had a £33m bid rejected by Saint Etienne for Wesley Fofana, who has now joined Leicester, and a £20m bid for Marseille centre back Duje Caleta-Car.
The Hammers will now divert their focus to other centre-back targets, but they suffered a further setback when Juventus' Daniele Rugani, another target, chose to join Rennes.
West Ham have at least signed right-back Vladimir Coufal from Slavia Prague, but they remain eager to bring in a striker before the deadline as well as a centre-back.
In terms of departures, they will be hoping they can keep hold of Declan Rice with Chelsea reportedly interested in the midfielder, and West Ham have told Celtic they will not entertain a loan deal for Robert Snodgrass unless there is a significant fee involved.
West Ham assistant manager Alan Irvine: "We will continue to look at players until the window closes.
"We need pure numbers in terms of players that can fill in different roles, we'd like to continue to strengthen the squad."
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo had suggested that the club would always be willing to react if the right opportunity presented itself in the market after the singing of Nelson Semedo from Barcelona and so it proved as they sealed a move for wing-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from French side Angers on Sunday.
A strong central defender would further improve Wolves but they are not alone in that respect. More strength in midfield would be welcome too if Leander Dendoncker is required at the back. Could Nuno also be tempted by another forward to relieve the burden on Raul Jimenez?
Crucially for Wolves, Jimenez is staying, signing a new contract on Saturday, while reports of a transfer away for Adama Traore do not appear to be coming to fruition. Expect outgoings but it is more likely to be the low-key exit of Ryan Bennett than a bigger name.
Ait-Nouri's arrival has had repercussions for Ruben Vinagre, with the wing-back departing Wolves in a deal with Olympiakos having been left out of the squad for the win over Fulham.
Asked if there would be any more ins or outs at Molineux beyond that before Monday's transfer deadline, Wolves boss Nuno appeared more concerned about late moves for his players.
"Anything can happen," Nuno said. "It is not about who is coming in it is about who is going out. That is what worries me the most."
The summer transfer window may have closed across Europe, but that's not the end of this year's transfer business. A domestic-only window for trades between the Premier League and EFL then runs from October 5 and closes on Friday October 16 at 5pm. Follow all the news and analysis on Sky Sports News and across Sky Sports' digital platforms.
