Julian Alvarez has stayed away from Atletico Madrid training for a second day in a row after the Arsenal transfer target was told that there was “zero per cent chance” of getting his dream move to Barcelona this summer.
The 26-year-old forward is Arsenal’s top target and the Gunners continue to monitor the situation ahead of potentially making a late move, with Atletico setting a deadline of Friday for the Argentina international’s future to be resolved.
Liverpool have agreed a £100m fee, with £20m in add-ons, with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Bradley Barcola after the French club lowered their demands for the forward. The Reds still want to sign Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace but Andoni Iraola refused to guarantee that Cody Gakpo will stay, with the Dutchman has attracting interest from Tottenham and Manchester City.
Elsewhere, Manchester City could yet reignite a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, making him potentially the biggest transfer of the summer. Chelsea are also in talks to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and could turn back to Bournemouth’s Alex Scott if they sell Fernandez.
Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals below:
Man United offered Chelsea defender
Tosin Adarabioyo has been offered to Manchester United as a squad player, reports Ben Jacobs.
The Chelsea centre-back is down the pecking order under Xabi Alonso and could bring his experience to Old Trafford under Michael Carrick.
Adarabioyo joined the Blues on a free transfer from Fulham, meaning BlueCo could make another profit trading a player.
Enzo Fernandez made Chelsea request over Carabao Cup involvement
Enzo Fernandez is out of Chelsea’s squad to face Luton in the Carabao Cup.
César Luis Merlo reports that Fernandez requested to be omitted from the squad, despite Xabi Alonso stating that he was available on Wednesday.
Man City have been targeting Fernandez as a final midfielder for Enzo Maresca’s revamped side since succeeding Pep Guardiola.
Marseille keen on Arsenal goalkeeper
Illan Meslier could be heading for the exit at Arsenal just weeks after signing for the Gunners.
The third-choice goalkeeper, behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga, joined after the expiry of his contract at Leeds United.
But now Foot Mercato reports Marseille could target the shot-stopper after losing Geronimo Rulli this summer.
Meslier could displace Jeffrey De Lange and gain valuable first-team football.
Fiorentina pushing to sign Man United forward Zirkzee ahead of Juventus
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee looks to be heading back to Serie A, reports Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio.
Zirkzee could be a replacement for Moise Kean, who is set to join Como, with Fiorentina eyeing up Zirkzee and thought to have tabled a season-long loan for €5m (£4.3m) with an option to buy.
Juventus are also thought to be interested, with Zirkzee falling down the pecking order behind Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo as centre forward options under Michael Carrick.
Napoli enquire about Woltemade
Napoli have enquired about signing Nick Woltemade from Newcastle United, with a loan mooted, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. It is up to Newcastle whether they sanction the move…
Manchester City consider Everton winger as replacement for departed duo
Manchester City are contemplating a move for Iliman Ndiaye to add to their forward options – with Jack Grealish perhaps going the other way to Everton.
Liverpool continue pursuit of Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace with Cody Gakpo’s future in doubt
Liverpool are still pursuing Ismaila Sarr, despite seeing an initial offer of around £50m rejected by Crystal Palace.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola wants to bring in three more players before the end of the transfer window, including two who can operate in wide positions. One of those will be France winger Bradley Barcola, after PSG accepted an offer of £100m plus £20m in potential add-ons for the 23-year-old.
And while Liverpool have moved on from Yankuba Minteh following Brighton’s resistance, The Independent understands the club are not yet discouraged from a deal to bring in Sarr.
Arsenal receive Julian Alvarez boost as forward misses training
Arsenal target Julian Alvarez missed Atletico Madrid training for the second day in a row after he was told there is a “zero per cent chance” that he gets to join Barcelona this summer.
The 26-year-old forward has made it clear that he would like to join Barcelona, while Arsenal continue to monitor the situation and may move to make a late deal for the Argentina international. He was booed during a substitute appearance in Atletico’s draw with Villarreal on Sunday night and missed a midweek match due to “illness”.
“The members of Atlético de Madrid’s Board of Directors have unanimously expressed their absolute support for the club’s decision to not negotiate the transfer of Julián Alvarez to FC Barcelona,” a statement said on Thursday.
Chelsea set to sign £40m Italian teenager Ahanor
Fabrizio Romano has given Chelsea’s pursuit of Atalanta prospect Honest Ahanor the ‘Here We Go’ treatment, ahead of his imminent £40m transfer.
It’s a huge fee for an 18-year-old, but the Ahanor has already made 41 appearances for the Italian club and has earned two international caps for the senior Italy team.
The left-footed defender can player centre-back or left-back and is widely considered one of the best young talents in Europe. He is likely to be either loaned back to Atalanta or another club to gain more experience.
