Arsenal’s Pursuit of Julian Alvarez
Arsenal may be in a position to sign Julian Alvarez this summer, with reports indicating that Atletico Madrid has shifted its stance and is now open to selling the striker to the Gunners. This development comes as Alvarez has reportedly been in contact with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta. Alvarez is said to be receptive to a move to Arsenal if his preferred transfer to Barcelona does not materialise. His current situation with Atletico Madrid is reportedly becoming strained as he seeks a move away from the club.
Despite Atletico Madrid’s previous assertion that Alvarez was not for sale this summer, recent reports suggest a change in their position. Arsenal is actively seeking to acquire a prominent attacker during the current transfer window. However, their efforts to sign Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz have been unsuccessful, as Juventus has stated that the Turkey international is not available for transfer and intends to keep the 21-year-old for the upcoming season.
Liverpool’s Winger Search Challenges
Liverpool continues to encounter difficulties in their search for a new winger. The club reportedly made inquiries about the availability of Real Madrid forward Endrick, but the Spanish club has made it clear that the Brazilian player is not for sale and is not available for a loan move. This marks another setback for Liverpool in their pursuit of attacking reinforcements.
Furthermore, Liverpool has had two offers for Yankuba Minteh rejected by Brighton, with the latest bid reported to be for £60m. Brighton is reportedly seeking £70m for the winger. Liverpool also has an interest in Bradley Barcola, but Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly looking for a fee of £145m for the player. Barcola has been excluded from PSG’s squad for their match against Rennes, marking his third consecutive absence from the squad, following matches against Aston Villa in the Super Cup and Lens in the French Super Cup.
Manchester United’s Transfer Activities
Manchester United has reportedly reached an agreement to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton for £70m. However, the club’s priority also includes securing a new left-back for Michael Carrick’s squad, particularly after their 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull on Saturday. United had considered Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, and contact between the clubs has occurred. However, the 22-year-old Spain international has expressed a desire to remain at Barcelona this summer and compete for his place in the team.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa is facing uncertainty regarding the future of Ollie Watkins. The club has reportedly rejected four bids from Saudi club Al Hilal for the England international, amidst reports that the 30-year-old is looking to move. Villa manager Unai Emery stated that while Watkins is their player and he does not wish to sell him, the situation could change if a suitable option arises for the player and the club, and if a replacement can be secured. Villa may consider Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson if Watkins departs, following the exits of Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, and Lucas Digne this summer.
In other transfer news, Chelsea is working to reduce the number of centre-backs in their squad before the summer transfer window closes. Manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly interested in working with a maximum of five centre-backs for the upcoming season. Additionally, Rangers could potentially look to sign Lens striker Rayan Fofana as a temporary replacement for Youssef Chermiti.
Celtic is facing an injury blow with Alistair Johnston expected to be sidelined for an extended period, prompting manager Martin O’Neill to explore several right-back options in the final two weeks of the transfer window. Jim Goodwin has confirmed that Will Ferry will miss the Dundee derby, but despite speculation, he is not expected to leave Tannadice at this time.
The transfer market remains active as clubs prepare for the upcoming season, with many deals still in progress as of Friday, 21 August 2026.
Source: independent.co.uk