Arsenal are reportedly pushing to secure a deal for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez before the pre-season period commences. The 26-year-old Argentina international is a key target for the Gunners, who are keen to finalise his transfer.
Alvarez recently scored an extra-time winner for Argentina in their 3-1 victory over Switzerland. While he is open to a move to Arsenal, his preference had been to remain in Spain, potentially with Barcelona or Real Madrid. However, Atletico Madrid are reportedly unwilling to sell him to either of their rivals.
Reports suggest that Arsenal‘s pursuit of Alvarez has intensified due to Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola being unavailable for transfer. Arsenal had previously considered Barcola as an option, but PSG reportedly intends to keep the player.
Transfer Market Activity
The deal for Alvarez could involve complex negotiations, with Arsenal‘s sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly negotiating with his former club, Atletico Madrid. There have been discussions regarding the transfer fee, with Atletico Madrid reportedly seeking a figure exceeding £100m, while Arsenal are aiming to stay below £90m.
In other transfer news, Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is expected to leave the club this summer. Barcelona are reportedly interested in the 28-year-old Argentina defender.
Liverpool have reportedly made fresh contact with Paris Saint-Germain concerning a potential summer move for France forward Bradley Barcola, who is 23 years old. Meanwhile, Liverpool have also dismissed a new approach for midfielder Curtis Jones, with Inter Milan‘s improved bid falling short of their asking price for the 25-year-old England international.
Arsenal are also looking to sell Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus, with AC Milan among the clubs reportedly interested in signing the 29-year-old. Another potential move involves Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, 28, who might be included in a deal to bring Julian Alvarez to Arsenal.
Barcelona are set to resume their pursuit of Julian Alvarez after the World Cup and could offer one of their players as part of a deal. The club also intends to offer Spain forward Ferran Torres, 26, a new contract, but plans to wait until September due to financial regulations, despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
Sunderland are reportedly close to completing the signing of Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier, 34, following his departure from Lille. Everton have reportedly stepped up their interest in Genoa‘s Brooke Norton-Cuffy, 22, an England Under-21 defender, with recent talks taking place.
The agents of Crysencio Summerville, a 24-year-old Netherlands forward, have met with Roma regarding a potential move from West Ham. Additionally, USA goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, 22, is currently on trial with Strasbourg, with a view to a transfer from Chelsea.
World Cup Impact and Other Developments
The World Cup has influenced several transfer discussions, causing delays in some high-profile deals. For instance, Arsenal‘s hope of securing Morgan Rogers has been slowed by the tournament.
In other football news, Manchester United are expected to formally announce the signing of Cristian Orozco next week, and are also reportedly close to finalising moves for Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow. Manchester United could also receive a sell-on windfall from Alejandro Garnacho‘s potential departure to Chelsea, following Mason Greenwood‘s possible switch to Fenerbahce.
Pep Guardiola, formerly of Manchester City, is reportedly on the shortlist to become the new Italy manager, after Paulo Maldini was appointed as the country’s technical head. Kurt Zouma has completed a transfer to Palm City FC in the United Arab Emirates.
Southampton have offered a permanent position to Will Salt. Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has acknowledged he might lose players this summer and is prepared for interest in a key individual. O’Neill is also set to discuss with Callum McGregor whether the Celtic captain wishes to remain at the club.
Derek McInnes acknowledges that Rangers will need to move players on as he aims to build a team capable of winning titles. Brendon McCullum has been dismissed as England‘s Test coach, with Andy Flower being considered as a leading candidate to replace him.
Thomas Tuchel has indicated he will be lenient with his England players as they recover from illness and injuries ahead of their World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday. Premier League referees Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor have been ruled out of officiating the World Cup final.
The decision to waive a ban for USA striker Folarin Balogun was reportedly made solely by the chairman of FIFA‘s disciplinary committee. Police in Atlanta are aware of the historical context of England‘s World Cup semi-final on Wednesday and are preparing for a complex operation with limited segregation in the 75,000-seat stadium. Senegal have sacked manager Pape Thiaw following their exit from the 2026 World Cup, with Patrick Vieira a contender to replace him. Switzerland star Granit Xhaka described Breel Embolo‘s red card as a “painful” decision.
Source: bbc.com