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 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 and still want to sign Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace. But Andoni Iraola refused to guarantee that Cody Gakpo will stay at Liverpool, with the Dutchman has attracted 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:
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.
Ward-Prowse set for Saints homecoming
James Ward-Prowse is set to return to Southampton after three years away from his boyhood club.
City still in business before deadline day
Manchester City are not done in the transfer market yet, and it sounds like they will be chasing experience in the final days of the window.
“We need to see if we can add one or two more captains,” Enzo Maresca said today.
Enzo Fernandez remains a top target.
Done deal! Villa sign Goretzka
Aston Villa have signed the former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, who was a free agent.
The 31-year-old German will fill the void left by Youri Tielemans, who joined Manchester United earlier this summer.
Swansea sign Canada captain
Swansea have signed Stephen Eustaquio from Porto for an undisclosed fee.
The 29-year-old has penned a two-year contract with the option to extend it for one more year.
Eustaquio impressed with Canada at the World Cup, with the co-hosts reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
The vice-captain’s stoppage-time winner saw off South Africa in the last 32 before coming up short against Morocco in the last 16.
Head coach Vitor Matos said: “Stephen is an experienced leader who possesses great technical quality and game understanding. His qualities will complement the options we already have available to us in midfield, and he is an incredible professional.
“He is going to be an important player for us, on and off the pitch, and I am sure our fans are going to enjoy watching him play for Swansea City.”
Real Madrid sign young full-back Naasei
Ghana full-back Oscar Naasei has signed for Real Madrid and will go into their reserve team.
The 21-year-old defender signs from Granada, and is considered a prospect for the future.
Martinelli close to Arsenal exit
Gabriel Martinelli is closing in on a £50m move to Saudi side Al Hilal, with wages expected to exceed £15m per year.
The winger was left out of Arsenal’s squad for their opening Premier League game against Coventry, prompting Ian Wright to say Martinelli should be treated with more respect.
Asked about Martinelli’s future on Thursday, Mikel Arteta said: “Everybody knows and recognises how much we love Gabi. Whatever the outcome is, it will be because everybody agrees to that.”
DONE DEAL! Tottenham add Omar Marmoush
Tottenham have sealed their deal for Omar Marmoush, adding a second Manchester City forward after Savio’s arrival earlier this week.
“It feels amazing to be here. I’m so excited to get started with the team and I can’t wait to meet the fans,” Marmoush says, having joined on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy next year.
“Tottenham Hotspur is one of the biggest clubs in England, if not the world, and the project was very attractive to me.”
