With the Premier League summer window edging towards its September 1 deadline, several of England's biggest clubs are locked in late scrambles to complete deals, headlined by a fresh twist in Julian Alvarez's future.
The Atletico Madrid forward, who has long set his sights on a move to Barcelona, is reportedly growing frustrated with how his exit has been handled by the Spanish club. According to reports from Spain, Alvarez has held talks with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta, and has softened his stance enough to consider a switch to the Emirates Stadium should the Barcelona route close off. Arsenal are said to be exploring a package that could include sending Viktor Gyokeres the other way to Atletico, along with a fee in the region of £68 million, and are prepared to offer Alvarez a salary of around £21 million per year to lure him back to the Premier League. Despite the speculation, Diego Simeone included Alvarez in his squad for Atletico's LaLiga clash with Villarreal, insisting the striker remains their player.
Arsenal's other attacking pursuit has hit a wall, however, with Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti making clear that Kenan Yildiz is not for sale this summer as the Italian club look to build around the 21-year-old Turkey international.
Elsewhere, Manchester United have wrapped up the signing of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a deal worth an initial £65 million plus £5 million in add-ons, with the Cameroon international - currently out with an ankle injury - having completed his medical and paperwork in Manchester. United's attention has now turned to strengthening at left-back, with Barcelona's Alejandro Balde a target. Contact has taken place between the two clubs, but Balde, who was left out of Barcelona's squad for their LaLiga opener against Elche, is reportedly determined to stay and fight for his place at the Camp Nou.
The defeat suffered by United on the opening weekend of the season, a 2-0 loss away at newly promoted Hull, has added urgency to their business. Captain Bruno Fernandes was critical of his side's approach after the match, saying: "Same mistakes as we did last season, every away game we give too much of the ball to them. In the first 20 minutes, the goalkeeper was the one with the most touches. We needed to press more, be more aggressive, and then again we need to work on set-plays and not concede these type of goals. Against these types of teams, they are waiting for that moment." Former United forward Wayne Rooney questioned the comments on Match of the Day, suggesting it was unusual for Fernandes to highlight recurring issues rather than the progress made under Michael Carrick, who guided the club to third place last season.
Liverpool remain busy in their search for attacking reinforcements. The Reds have been repeatedly rebuffed by Brighton over Yankuba Minteh, with a third bid reportedly being lined up after a £60 million offer was turned down, while talks continue over Paris Saint-Germain duo Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, who have again been left out of PSG's squad, this time for their Ligue 1 opener at Rennes. An enquiry over Real Madrid's Endrick was also given short shrift by the Spanish giants. Tottenham are meanwhile lining up an approach for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola praising the Dutchman's versatility: "Cody is performing really well, has been training very well since first day, understanding everything we need. You can feel it straight away, he is smart, understands the game. He knows what we need from him in his preferred position as a left winger, but I have spoken to him about his minutes as a nine. He's done it before and he can help us there."
Tottenham, who are closing in on the signings of Savinho and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City, endured a difficult start to the season themselves, losing 3-0 to Brentford. Manager Roberto De Zerbi admitted his side were "not a team yet," citing fitness issues with new arrivals Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali.
Manchester City, who are set to receive close to £150 million from Tottenham for Savinho and Marmoush, are closing in on a deal for Palmeiras winger Allan as a replacement, while manager Enzo Maresca continues to search for a long-term successor to Rodri in midfield.
Based on reporting from The Independent and the London Standard.