Arsenal are hoping to secure the signing of Julian Alvarez to cap off a productive summer of incomings and boost their forward line as they look to defend their Premier League title. Alvarez is said to be open to the move having initially favoured a switch to Barcelona and he is the Gunners’ priority signing after their enquiries over Kenan Yildiz where shut down by Juventus.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are targeting a new winger with the need for more attacking options evidenced by their dramatic 2-2 draw with Newcastle on Sunday. They continue to pursue PSG’s Bradley Barcola who was left out of the squad for their game against Rennes while the Reds have seen two bids for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh turned down. This is perhaps a move closest to happening with Minteh having reportedly agreed personal terms. Real Madrid’s Endrick is also of interest.
Elsewhere, Manchester City have agreed a €100m deal with Lille to buy midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi while Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez were part of the squad to face Bournemouth despite interest from Spurs and Newcastle respectively. Interestingly both Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez were also absent from Aston Villa’s matchday squad amid rumours that both players could be preparing for imminent exits.
Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals below
Early contender for signing of the season?
While most focussed on Spurs being Spurs, Mamadou Sangare proved exactly why Brentford spent the big bucks on him in Saturday’s curtain-raiser at the Gtech.
An absolutely scintillating performance, picking up two assists as he dazzled the Bees fans.
Club-record signing for a reason, it looks like – could he be this season’s breakout superstar?
Newcastle closing in on move for Gonzalez
Sky Sports News says that Newcastle are making progress in their talks for Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez.
City value the midfielder at £50m and there is optimism that a deal could be arranged between all parties.
Gonzalez was named in City’s squad for the win over Bournemouth but remained an unused substitute with Marc Guehi and Rico Lewis taking turns in midfield instead.
Aston Villa collapse against Brighton after summer of upheaval
There were empty seats in the Villa end after they went into half-time down to 10 men as Unai Emery’s side started the season in calamitous fashion.
Nkunku heading back to Leipzig
Sky Sports News says that Christopher Nkunku is closing in on a move back to RB Leipzig.
A verbal agreement has been reached between AC Milan and Leipzig over a loan fee of £3.4m with an option to buy for £24m.
Nkunku has been offered to a number of clubs including Newcastle in the Premier League.
He played for Leipzig for four seasons from 2019 to 2023.
Arsenal given Julian Alvarez hope in push to sign Atletico Madrid forward before transfer deadline
The Argentina forward had been thought to prefer a switch to Barcelona, but tension between the Spanish clubs could alter things ahead of next week’s deadline.
Endrick to remain at Real Madrid
Liverpool’s stagnating quest for a new winger saw them turn to Real Madrid’s Endrick and enquire of the possibility of a deal.
However, the Brazilian winger prefers to remain in Madrid and fight for his place in Jose Mourinho’s squad.
That has been his view all summer with Endrick also rejecting a loan move to Aston Villa explored a loan move, and a potential transfer to Roma.
That door looks firmly shut here for Liverpool.
Tottenham reach verbal agreement for Marmoush
Tottenham are closing in on the double signing of Savinho and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City.
Savinho’s deal has already been agreed by the clubs and Fabrizio Romano now reports that Tottenham have secured a verbal agreement over Marmoush’s transfer too.
That deal is for an initial loan move with an obligation to buy for £50m if certain conditions are met.
Romano also adds that Marmoush will travel to London and undergo a medical today.
Unai Emery plays coy over Ollie Watkins’ future
Unai Emery was especially guarded when asked questions over Ollie Watkins’ future at Aston Villa.
Watkins did not travel to the Amex amid transfer interest from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. Watkins is reportedly keen on the move to Saudi Arabia though Villa do not want to sell him.
When asked if Watkins’ absence on Sunday was due to physical or transfer-related reasons, Emery replied: “Ask him. I only can answer it by silence.”
Enzo Maresca provides update on Jack Grealish
Manchester City pulled off a remarkable win against Bournemouth oon Sunday, scoring twice inside the final 10 minutes of play to come from behind to win 2-1.
Jack Grealish played a role having come on as a second half substitute but there are still questions over whether he has a place at City in the long term.
Man City boss, Enzo Maresca, provided a quick update on Grealish’s situation saying: “Jack (Grealish), again, until the day he isn’t here, it’s my duty to try and coach Jack and to try to get the best from him.
“It’s one more week to go (until the transfer window closes) and we’ll see what happens, not only with Jack, but with more players.”
Villa eyeing surprise Watkins replacement?
Ollie Watkins could be nearing a move to Saudi Arabia as Al-Hilal hope to bring in the Aston Villa forward.
He did not feature for Villa during their woeful 4-0 defeat to Brighton on Sunday and Unai Emery may be considering keeping the striker after such a performance.
But, should he leave then Villa will need a replacement.
One of the names on the rumour list is Joshua Zirkzee who faces an uncertain future at Manchester United.
Zirkzee is well down the pecking order at Old Trafford and there is a willingness to let him leave – for the right price.
United would probably prefer a permanent deal with Juventus and Napoli alreaduy registering their interest in Zirkzee.
The likelihood though is that he goes out on loan with an option or obligation to buy. Would that tempt Villa to move for him?
