Arsenal have moved on from their chase of Vinicius Jr after he signed a contract extension with Real Madrid and the Gunners have now reignited their interest in Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez while PSG’s Bradley Barcola is also on their list.
Bruno Guimaraes has completed a medical at Arsenal ahead of his £75m move from Newcastle United. The 28-year-old midfielder is now expected to be announced as a new Gooner imminently. The deal represents a key piece of business of Mikel Arteta ahead of Arsenal’s title defence.
Rodri looks set to leave Manchester City amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid. The World Cup winning captain is into the final year of his contract and favours a move to Barca – though an initial offer of £38m has been rejected.
Liverpool, meanwhile, also want to sign Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain and have lined up his teammate Ibrahim Mbaye in what could be a double swoop for Andoni Iraola’s side. The European champions may be willing to let them go, especially following Maghnes Akliouche signing from Monaco, while the Reds also look to have secured much-needed defender help with ex-Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo set for a loan deal, with an option to buy, at Anfield.
Elsewhere, Manchester United have added to their ranks by bringing in a teenage midfielder and they are exploring their options at left-back with Lewis Hall reportedly now set on a move to Old Trafford, but Newcastle are determined to stop the exodus and insist he is not for sale.
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Why Arsenal had to sign Bruno Guimaraes – and how he fits into Mikel Arteta’s midfield
It’s a significant signing for Arsenal – and perhaps one they had to make. Jamie Braidwood explains:
Manchester City reject first Barcelona bid for Rodri
Barcelona have had a bid for Rodri rejected by Manchester City.
The Spanish champions offered €45m (£38.7m) for Spain’s World Cup-winning captain, which City do not deem a serious price for the Ballon d’Or winner.
No meaningful talks have taken place between the clubs yet with City reluctant to enter negotiations until there is the prospect of a deal near their valuation of the midfielder.
Real Madrid have also shown interest in the midfielder.
Arsenal hold nerve after missing out on Vinicius Jr with three alternative targets
Arsenal intend to hold their nerve and assess alternative options after missing out on Vinicius Jr with the Real Madrid superstar signing a contract extension at the Bernabeu on Thursday.
Mikel Arteta is still eager to bring in a new left winger, though, with three notable options still on the table.
Arsenal made a serious bid to sign Vinicius Jr, with an agreement close on personal terms, but the 26-year-old ultimately opted to commit his future to Madrid in a deal until 2032.
Liverpool on the brink of loan deal for Ronald Araujo
Liverpool are close to agreeing a loan deal for Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo to give them much-needed reinforcements in defence.
The Merseyside club are looking to complete a loan with an option to buy the Uruguay international.
The 27-year-old former Barcelona captain is set to become Andoni Iraola’s second signing at Anfield, after winger Victor Munoz.
Araujo, primarily a central defender but who can also play right-back, will help give Iraola more strength in depth in both positions.
Transfer news
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