LiveScore Daily: Clubs wheel and deal on frantic deadline day

Gavin Glicksman

LiveScore

Manchester United kicked off deadline day in style by unveiling Antony

Deadline day delivered deals galore as clubs scrambled to make late signings before the summer transfer window slammed shut. Read on to catch up on the biggest moves and reaction from a hectic day.

Reunited and it feels so good

Antony cannot wait to play for Erik ten Hag again after joining Manchester United from Ajax for a reported £85million.

Having struck a deal on Tuesday, United confirmed the Brazilian winger's arrival following the completion of a medical and personal terms being agreed.

The 22-year-old ace, who played under Ten Hag at the Johan Cruyff Arena, said: "This is an incredible moment in my career to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world.

"I’m thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family and all my coaches and team-mates, because I could not have got here without them.

"Playing under Ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development.

"His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester."

In safe hands

Following hot on the heels of Antony, Martin Dubravka moved to Old Trafford on a season-long loan from Newcastle.

United have an option to buy the 33-year-old Slovakia keeper at the end of the campaign.

Auba returns to England

Chelsea left it late to beef up their attacking options by luring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back to the Premier League.

The Blues announced the striker's return to English football nearly 90 minutes after the transfer window closed.

Aubameyang, 33, said: "I’m really happy. It’s an honour to be part of this team and I can’t wait to start.

"I have some unfinished business with the Premier League so it’s good to be back and really exciting."

City slicker

Manchester City strengthened Pep Guardiola's options in defence by signing Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund.

After being handed a five-year deal, the 27-year-old centre-back said: "I am delighted to be here and can’t wait to get started.

"City have been one of the best teams in Europe over the last few seasons.

"They are brilliant to watch, play an exciting brand of football and compete for trophies year in, year out, so coming here feels like the perfect next step in my career."

Reds sign a loan ranger

Arthur Melo vowed to give his all in a Liverpool shirt after joining Jurgen Klopp's side on a season-long loan from Juventus.

The Reds confirmed the 26-year-old midfielder's arrival with just an hour to spare before the transfer window slammed shut.

He will bolster Klopp's options in the middle of the park after Jordan Henderson limped off against Newcastle to join Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the casualty list.

The Brazilian said: "I’m really, really happy to be here wearing this great shirt with this famous badge that represents so much in world football. It’s a dream."

Bellerin leaves Gunners

Hector Bellerin called time on his Arsenal career to return to Barcelona on a free.

The Gunners will benefit from a substantial sell-on clause should Bellerin, who has signed a one-year deal with the Catalan giants, leave the Camp Nou.

Maitland-Niles departs

Ainsley Maitland-Niles followed Bellerin out the Emirates exit door, joining Southampton on a season-long loan.

The versatile Englishman, 25, can operate as a full-back and in midfield.

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said: "Ainsley is at a good point in his career, with a lot of experience already, but he is also still a player with potential and he is someone who can definitely help us.

"I think he fits well with us and can develop his game even further during his time here.

"He can also play in different positions, which is always a good thing, and I am pleased to welcome him as part of our squad."

Milan swoop for Dest

Sergino Dest traded Barcelona for a season-long loan at AC Milan.

The Serie A champions have an option to buy the 21-year-old right-back at the end of the campaign.

Raring to go

Leander Dendoncker could not hide his delight following his switch from Wolves to Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.

The midfielder, 27, said: "I’m very excited to have signed for Villa. It’s a new challenge for me.

"I can feel that this a big club, you can just feel it.

"I obviously know the players from playing against them and I know it’s a very good team with good players.

"I’ll give my best to try and help the team as much as I can. It’s a big stadium with good fans and I’m really excited to get started."

Italian job part II

Ethan Ampadu left Chelsea for a second season-long loan in Serie A — this time with Spezia.

The Wales international, 21, spent last term with Venezia but was unable to help them avoid relegation from Italy's top flight.

No deal

Dynamo Moscow revealed they received an offer from Chelsea for Arsen Zakharyan — but the 19-year-old midfielder missed out on a move to Stamford Bridge.

A statement from the Russian club said: "On August 25, Dynamo received an offer from Chelsea regarding the transfer of midfielder Arsen Zakharyan.

"The interest of one of the strongest clubs in the world to a graduate of our academy is a high assessment of the quality of training of young football players of Dynamo and Arsen's playing progress.

"For several days, there were substantive negotiations between Dynamo and Chelsea, in which our club took a constructive position.

"However, due to a number of technical reasons beyond our control, it is not possible to transfer the player.

"Nevertheless, our club remains open to proposals that will suit Dynamo and the player. At the moment, the parties have decided Arsen will continue to play for Dynamo."

Guess who's back?

Idrissa Gueye was all smiles as he rejoined Everton from Paris Saint-Germain for an undisclosed fee.

The Senegal international, who played for the Toffees for three years before heading to the French capital in 2019, said: "There is no better feeling than coming back home.

"I am very happy to be here at Everton again, to help and to work hard. I’ll give my soul to this team.

"Coming back here was important to me because I feel like I’m in my home. I’ve followed the team every week and watched how they play.

"For me, there is no better place than Everton, so that’s why I chose to come back here.

The midfielder, 32, has been handed a two-year deal at Goodison Park.

After securing Gueye's return, the Toffees signed James Garner from Manchester United for a reported £15m fee.

Garner, 21, who came through United's academy, spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest as they earned promotion to the Premier League.

Balotelli moves on

Mario Balotelli changed clubs once again, signing a two-year deal with FC Sion.

The 32-year-old former Inter Milan, Manchester City, AC Milan and Liverpool striker joined the Swiss side after leaving Adana Demirspor in Turkey.

Cottage industry

Paris Saint-Germain left-back Layvin Kurzawa appreciated the warm welcome he received following his season-long switch to Fulham.

The Frenchman, 29, said: "I feel very, very happy to be here. It’s a family here, everyone is very cool.

"I’ve watched every Fulham game this season and I can’t wait to play with this team."

Kurzawa will link up with former Chelsea and Arsenal ace Willian at Craven Cottage, who has signed a one-year deal with the Londoners.

The versatile attacking midfielder, 34, was a free agent after leaving Corinthians in his native Brazil last month.

He said: "Fulham is a special club, a club that wants to improve, that wants to fight for something bigger, so I’m here to help. I cant wait to get started."

The Cottagers also snapped up striker Carlos Vinicius from Benfica for an undisclosed fee.

After agreeing a three-year deal, Vinicius said: "I’m really happy to be here. I think it’s a big club with good people, so I’m really, really happy."

With the window firmly shut, Fulham confirmed a loan deal for Leeds attacker Daniel James had been completed before the deadline.

But one player who will not be at the Cottage for the rest of the campaign is keeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

The 30-year-old Argentine has joined Girona on a season-long loan.

Happy Hornet

Everton abandoned their bid to sign Watford forward Joao Pedro.

The Hornets were reluctant to sell and the 20-year-old Brazilian took to social media to express his desire to remain at Vicarage Road.

He said: "I’m very happy here. I love being at Watford and I want to do more with them.

"I spoke to the board yesterday and I am fully committed to the club and looking forward to a successful season. Let’s go Hornets."

Forest sign Boly

Nottingham Forest made Wolves defender Willy Boly their 19th summer signing.

The Ivory Coast international, 31, has been handed a two-year deal at the City Ground.

Foxes swoop

Leicester signed defender Wout Faes from Reims on a five-year-deal, subject to international clearance.

The Belgium international, 24, made 37 appearances for the Ligue 1 side last term on his way to winning the club’s 2021-22 Player of the Season award.

Faes said: "It’s an amazing feeling. This is the dream step in my career and I’m very happy to be here.

"I’m progressing year after year and I hope to continue doing the same here. All the facilities and knowledge is here to help me to get even better.

"I will have to work hard but I will give 100 per cent to help the team."

Cherries sweet on Stephens

Southampton defender Jack Stephens put local rivalry to one side to seal a loan switch to Bournemouth.

The centre-back, 28, has made 151 first-team appearances for the Saints since joining the club’s academy from Plymouth in 2011.

Watford bid farewell to Rose

Left-back Danny Rose is a free agent after his Watford contract was terminated by mutual consent.

The former England international, 32, signed a two-year deal with the Hornets in 2021 but left Vicarage Road having made just nine appearances for the club.

Romeu moves on

Oriol Romeu traded Southampton for Spanish side Girona.

The midfielder, 30, made 256 appearances and scored eight goals for the Saints following his arrival from Chelsea in 2015.

Rovers pounce

Blackburn snapped up Stuttgart defender Clinton Mola on a season-long loan, with the option to make the switch permanent.

Director of football Gregg Broughton said: "A versatile defender who can play centrally in a two or a three, on the left in a four or a five, and also in midfield, Clinton gives us great options."