Arsenal’s busy transfer window looks set to continue as they move on from their disappointment in not signing Vinicius Jr. They are hunting alternatives in the forward line with Julian Alvarez and Bradley Barcola on their list but defensive reinforcements may yet come in the form of Cristian Romero. The Tottenham captain is rumoured to leave Spurs this summer and is eyeing up a switch to their closest rivals.
Meanwhile, 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 – who are considering a second bid after an initial offer of £38m was rejected.
Elswhere, Liverpool, also hold an interest in 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. That comes after the Reds secured much-needed defender help with ex-Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo set for a loan deal with an option to buy.
Finally, Man Utd are still searching for a left-back with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall seemingly off the table they instead turned their interest on the likes of Antonee Robinson, Jorge Salinas and Joaquin Seys.
Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals with our live blog below
Arsenal to challenge Liverpool for Barcola
The second of Arsenal’s Vinicius alternatives seems to be PSG’s Bradley Barcola.
Liverpool have held a long-standing interest in the winger but Arsneal have joined the race for his signature says TEAMtalk.
The Gunners were prepared to spend heavily to sign Vini Jr so have funds available though whether they are willing to come close to PSG’s £130m valuation is yet to be determined.
Arsenal’s Vinicius alternatives
Arsenal failed to convince Vinicius Jr to move to the Premier League but are moving on and have a couple of alternate options in mind.
The first is Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
Reports claim that Alvarez has already agreed personal terms with the Gunners but Atletico boss Diego Simeone seemed less sure.
He explained that the Spanish club have plans to keep improving Alvarez’s talents which would lean towards him sticking around for a while.
“The situation is very clear,” Simeone told reporters.
“The club took a decision which Miguel Angel explained well. We are very happy with Julian.
“From the sporting side of things, we will help him keep growing and improving so that he can give us what he has given us over these two years at the club so far, which was a mountain of things.”
Cristian Romero eyes up shock Arsenal move
Tottenham captain Cristian Romero wants to the leave the club this summer and has his sights set on Arsenal though it is unclear whether the Gunners have the same desire for a switch.
Arsenal are aware of Romero’s preference and reportedly made an approach to Spurs last Thursday.
“He has two more years on his contract with Tottenham and a very high release clause,” Victor Romero, Cristian’s father said.
“The English club isn’t going to let him go for free; it’s between $50-70m [£37.8m-£53m]. For me, they’ll want to recover what they invested.”
Romero has has interest from Atletico and Inter Milan with Tottenham preferring to do a deal with either of the European clubs.
Good morning!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of all the latest transfer news and gossip.
The start of the Premier League season is quickly approaching and teams are trying to finalise their squad ahead of the new campaign.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd all look to be busy shoring up the needed reinforcements but how will they each fare once the action begins in a couple of weeks’ time?
We’ll have all the latest news throughout the day so stick with us…
Marcus Rashford to be given new shirt number
Marcus Rashford will be given the No 14 shirt number by Manchester United as a statement of intent to include him in next season’s plans, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Mikel Arteta says Bruno Guimaraes can take Arsenal to ‘next level’
“I’m delighted to have him,” Mikel Arteta said after Arsenal’s pre-season loss to Borussia Dortmund, where Bruno Guimaraes was unveiled to the fans.
“We see very clearly – especially the energy that he brought immediately to the training ground – the hunger, the desire to come here and create a big history at the club. And that’s the ambition that we need.
“We want to go to the next level and are very, very much convinced that we’re going to need players with such a personality, desire and character to push everybody inside the organisation to go even higher.”
Six goals in two games: How much of a concern is Arsenal’s defence?
Arsenal suffered a second consecutive pre-season defeat ahead of the start of their Premier League title defence as clinical Borussia Dortmund won the Emirates Cup with a 3-2 victory in north London.
New signing Bruno Guimaraes was unveiled to the Arsenal fans before kick-off and there was a party atmosphere as the Gunners returned to the Emirates for the first time since lifting the Premier League title in May.
Julian Alvarez not for sale
Diego Simeone has confirmed Atletico Madrid’s stance on Julian Alvarez amid interest from Arsenal: he is not for sale.
“The situation is very clear,” the Argentine told a press conference.
“The club took a decision which Miguel Angel explained well. We are very happy with Julian.
“From the sporting side of things, we will help him keep growing and improving so that he can give us what he has given us over these two years at the club so far, which was a mountain of things.”
Arsenal outgoings – could Zubimendi be on the move?
With Arsenal splashing £75m on Bruno Guimaraes, Mikel Arteta may be required to sanction some sales.
That has led Mundo Deportivo to report that Martin Zubimendi, who only joined Arsenal last year, could leave the club, but only if a potential suitor matches their £77m asking price.
Meanwhile, West Ham are exploring a move for Reiss Nelson who has entered the final year of his contract, as per Sky Sports.
