The transfer window closes next Tuesday at 11pm BST (6pm AEST), and with just over a week to go, significant deals are still in the offing across Europe. Here is the latest from The Athletic's team of writers.

Manchester United and Carlos Baleba

United finally moved for Brighton's Arsenal target Carlos Baleba, a year on from first probing the terms of a deal. Talks were held on Tuesday, and a deal was agreed on Friday worth a guaranteed £65million, with £5m in add-ons and a sell-on clause. Baleba had his medical in Manchester over the weekend and signed paperwork, with an official announcement expected on Tuesday. He offers a different profile to the midfielders at Old Trafford, supplementing what Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Kobbie Mainoo provide, though he comes back from an ankle ligament injury.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel arteta said Myles Lewis-Skelly — another United target — will stay with the Londoners "100 per cent". United academy players Habeeb Ogunneye, 18, and James Scanlan, 19, agreed to move to Arsenal's Under-21 setup, with significant sell-on clauses.

Arsenal chasing Alvarez — but the player wants Barcelona

Arsenal could sell Gabriel Martinelli before the deadline, with Al Hilal talking to them over the Brazilian international, valued at around £60million. Martinelli is open to the move. While Arsenal might not directly replace the 25-year-old, they have long coveted Julian Alvarez — who was whistled by his own fans on Sunday during his first return to Atletico Madrid since the World Cup. Alvarez has made clear he wants to move, but his preference is to stay in Spain with Barcelona, and Arsenal are aware of that. Atletico are refusing to do business with domestic rivals Barcelona, whereas they would consider selling to the London side at €150m. Arsenal have also pushed enquirers around Kenan Yildiz only to be refused, and they consider PSG's price for Bradley Barcola too high.

City turn up the heat with the deadline nearing

Chelsea's self-imposed deadline on a £120m deal for Enzo Fernandez came and went without a Man City offer, but Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso refused to rule out a possible exit, and City retained interest. On Sunday, City agreed a fee of £86m for Lille teenager Ay youb Bouaddi, and next day they nailed a deal for Palheiras winger Allan Elias, and it emerged they also fancy Liverpool's Cody Gakso — also of interest to Spurs. City also enquired about Adam Wharton, but Crystal Palace told them the England midfielder is not for sale. Nico has moved nearing a move to Newcastle and Savinho's switch to Spurs is awaiting completion, while Omar Marmoush is expected to follow.

Chelsea: the great squad shrinking

Chelsea are trying their utmost in the final week to move on their near-offcast. Nicolas Jackson is expected to be sold, with Aston Villa boss Unai Emery liking the striker — Chelsea want £65m from Premier League sides. Liam Delap has been in advanced talks with Nottingham Forest for around £50m, and Marc Guiu (£25m) is for sale. Pedro Neto (£100m) and Malo Gusto (£75m) are not on the 'not for sale' list. Benoit Badiashile has joined Napoli on loan, Axel Disasi agreed a loan to Crystal Palace, and Joao Pedro has signed a new six-year contract. They will only sell Fernandez if they can also strengthen.

Liverpool prioritise width

Liverpool's desire to bolster the wide attacking positions sees Bradley Barcola top of their list, though PSG's valuation is high. Interest in Ycbou Minteh saw bids of £50m and £60m rejected — Brighton want nearer £70m. Midfielder Curtis Jones has gone to Inter in a £30m deal, but sources say the focus remains out wide rather than replacing him, with trey Nyoki ready. Cody Gucci is of interest to Spurs and City, and there are questions over Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott, both left out of the season opener.

Newcastle push for Nico as Jaissle predicts a stressful week

Newcastle edged closer to a sixth or seventh signing as they advanced talks with City for Nico Gonzalez, the ideal Premier Leaguestablished No 6 for Jaissle's double-pivot. Amar Dedic has already arrived from Benfica for about £30m. "I think it will be stressful for the sporting director," Jaissle said. "We have some needs, definitely." Newcastle also confirmed plans to buy a 260-acre site for a £190m "world class" training facility. Nico would not be the end of their business, and exits are also required, including for Nick Woltemade.

Tottenham: a rejigged front three is crucial after a humila opening

Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Brentford showed up the limits of the Spurs front three — Mathys Tel, Richarlison and Mikey Moore. Spurs agreed to sign Brazilian winger Savinho in a deal worth £75m plus £10m add-ons, and talks continued with City over a separate move for Egypt's Omar Marmoush to give Roberta DeMarzi's forward line mobility and goals.

Barcelona and Real Madrid

Barcelona capped a very positive week with a 5-0 win at Elche, having signed Spain's captain Rodri from and Joao Cancelo. Sporting director Extra heavy Glug said they "will probably make a move" for a number nine, with Alvarez the dream target. If it fades, options are scarce — Lautaro Martinez has been declared off limits by Inter, and Victor Dev Viktor Gyoke s are not convincing the hierarchy. Alejandro Balde's future is now uncertain after boss Hansi Flick left him out and questioned his focus.

For Real Madrid, a quiet end is expected despite the claim Jose Mourinho likes his squad and doesn't miss Marin. Madrid remain alert over Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martinez among others, with leftover decisions imminent on several fringe players.