Sterling to Manchester United and Isak to Arsenal – eight transfers we want to see this week

The Premier League summer transfer window is closing in. From 11pm on Friday night, clubs will have to wait until January to complete any incoming or outgoing deals – apart from players who are free agents. With the potential for some exciting transfers before the window closes, the Express Sport team name some high-profile transfers we'd like to see before the deadline…

Sam Smith: Alexander Isak or Victor Osimhen to Arsenal

Arsenal are a genuinely elite centre-forward, far from being favourites for the Premier League title. You can't topple Manchester City by sharing goals with your team – you need a determined and prolific number nine who can keep pace with Erling Haaland's numbers. Newcastle's Isak or Napoli's Osimhen would be key signings for the season.

Charlie Malam: Raheem Sterling at Manchester United

It seems easy to forget, after two disappointing seasons at Chelsea, that Sterling was once one of the most dangerous wingers in the country. His goalscoring and assists output under Pep Guardiola was incredible.

Has his star simply faded or is it the chaos at Chelsea that is to blame? A move to Manchester United would show us the truth. He doesn't need to do much to be an improvement on Antony or Jadon Sancho.

Jack McEachen: Nico Williams at Arsenal

Arsenal feel like they are just missing a top-class striker if they are to finally leapfrog Manchester City and win the title. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are outstanding options on the left-hand side, but a big-money move for Spain's Euro 2024 star Nico Williams could well push them over the line in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners have been in talks with Williams this summer and paying his release clause to bring the 22-year-old to the Emirates would seriously boost Mikel Arteta's firepower.

Joe Krishnan: Antonio Silva at Chelsea

Based on a tenuous link dating back to January 2024, I would like to see Chelsea sign Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, a player in a position where they really need to strengthen.

If the rumours of Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah's departures are confirmed, the Blues will be short at the back and defence remains the biggest problem for Enzo Maresca to solve. At 20, Silva has a mature head on his young shoulders and could well be the imposing centre-back they have been missing.

Charlie Parker-Turner: From Levi's to Brighton

It's no secret that Chelsea have too many defenders, so allowing academy graduate Colwill to move on and fulfil his potential elsewhere may be an option for the Blues as they continue to seek 'pure profit' sales.

Brighton were desperate to sign the England international last summer and remain in the market for a left-sided centre-back so the stars can align for Fabian Hurzeler's side.

Fraser Watson: Victor Osimhen to Arsenal

Arsenal have been pushing Manchester City to make a move for him over the last two Premier League seasons, but to no avail. However, the signing of Victor Osimhen from Napoli would really increase the pressure on Pep Guardiola and co.

Just as importantly, it would prevent the Nigeria international from wasting his prime years in Saudi Arabia. For all Mikel Arteta’s resistance, the Gunners are a clinical No.9 away from becoming a serious force in Europe as well as domestically. Osimhen has done it in Serie A, it would be great for the Premier League to see him test his prowess in England.

Amos Murphy: Ivan Toney at Manchester City

There's no guarantee that this won't blow up in everyone's face and turn into a complete disaster, but at least on paper it makes sense. Ivan Toney reportedly wants to leave, Brentford are looking for money and Manchester City need a replacement for Erling Haaland.

Sure, Toney may not get the starring role at the big club he dreamed of, but the trophies he's won and playing for Pep Guardiola will likely make up for that.

Archie Griggs: Aurélien Tchouameni in Liverpool

The Reds could really do with a new midfielder after failing to land Martin Zubimendi. Tchouameni would be a huge upgrade on Wataru Endo and would bring plenty of league experience as well as star quality. Liverpool tried to sign the Frenchman before he joined Real Madrid and were linked with another move earlier this summer.

However, it seems unlikely that the Spanish giants will be willing to let him leave with so little time left in the transfer window. Liverpool could still pursue him, however, with Real Madrid already having Eduardo Camavinga in the wings to replace him.