With the transfer window edging toward its final days, several Premier League clubs are scrambling to complete business, with Julian Alvarez's future dominating the headlines amid interest from both Arsenal and Barcelona.
The Argentine forward was again absent from Atletico Madrid training this week, with reports in Spain attributing his absence to a stomach illness rather than a deliberate standoff. Alvarez has made his desire to leave the Spanish club clear, reportedly declaring his intentions as far back as the World Cup. Reports suggest Atletico want the situation resolved quickly, effectively giving the 26-year-old until the end of the week to decide his next step. While his stated preference has long been a move to Barcelona, Arsenal have continued working on a deal, aware that Atletico are reluctant to sell to a domestic rival. The Gunners could sweeten any offer by including forwards such as Viktor Gyokeres or Gabriel Jesus, both of whom are said to interest Atletico boss Diego Simeone.
Arsenal have also been busy elsewhere, with Gabriel Martinelli's departure expected to be confirmed and a trio of young players — Igor Tyjon, Habeeb Ogunneye and James Scanlon — set to join after completing medicals. Scanlon, a 19-year-old departing Manchester United, is reportedly signing on a free transfer with a 40 percent sell-on clause included for his former club. Arsenal remain in the conversation for other attacking targets, including Kenan Yildiz and Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
Across Manchester, Manchester City have completed the signing of teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal reported to be worth around £85.6 million, with the Morocco international - a breakout performer at this summer's World Cup - putting pen to paper on a five-year contract. City are also believed to be turning their attention to a potential move for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, with strong links between the Argentine and City boss, who previously managed him. Chelsea are said to be holding out for a fee in excess of £120 million.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have confirmed the arrival of Carlos Baleba from Brighton in a deal worth £70 million, completing what the club considers a significant midfield overhaul following the earlier additions of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow. United captain Bruno Fernandes welcomed the signing, saying: