With the summer transfer window edging toward its close, several Premier League clubs are scrambling to complete deals, with Julian Alvarez's future dominating headlines once again.
Arsenal remain determined to land the Atletico Madrid forward before Tuesday's 11pm deadline, but the deal hinges on receiving a clear green light from the player's camp. Alvarez, who has stayed away from Atletico training, has made no secret of his preference for a move to Barcelona rather than a return to England, complicating Arsenal's efforts despite their willingness to pay a substantial fee reportedly worth £115million.
Adding another layer to the saga, Atletico Madrid CEO Gil Marin issued a pointed statement addressing Alvarez's situation and firmly ruling out any possibility of the striker joining Barcelona. "Julian is going through a very difficult situation on both a professional and personal level," Marin said. "He's really bad off because there have been people who deceived and confused him. If he wants to leave, a solution will be found, but it will never be to Barcelona. The lies, the lack of transparency, and the lack of professionalism from Barca disgust us."
Spanish reports also suggest that visa restrictions in the United Kingdom, which limit how long Alvarez's parents and extended family can stay with him, have been a factor complicating his potential move to England, an issue that would not arise if he stayed in Spain.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also parting ways with Gabriel Martinelli, who is poised to join Al Hilal, while the north London club continue to bring in young talent, with James Scanlon, Habeeb Ogunneye and Igor Tyjon all set to arrive.
At Chelsea, the futures of two players are under scrutiny. Enzo Fernandez remains a target for Manchester City, who are expected to submit a formal bid for the Argentine midfielder. Chelsea, however, are now demanding in excess of £120million for their key playmaker, a rise from a previous £120million deadline that City failed to meet. The Blues would also look to reinvest by pursuing Bournemouth's Alex Scott as a potential replacement, though Cherries boss stated confidently that Scott will not be leaving. "I'm not just confident, I'm sure. Not just quite sure, I am sure," he said, before adding, "He played a top season, but I think even Alex knows what he learned from this club, what he got from this club. We show we know what we get from him, so we support him to play another brilliant season. He's keen to play another brilliant season. He's still young enough to take big steps because, to be honest, I see no ceiling in his capabilities."
Fernandez's absence from Chelsea's Carabao Cup squad against Luton raised eyebrows, though manager Xabi Alonso clarified that the decision to leave him out was made jointly with the club after initially suggesting he would feature.
Elsewhere, Chelsea have progressed in their pursuit of Atalanta teenager Honest Ahanor, agreeing a £40million deal that will see the young defender undergo a medical in west London before potentially being loaned out for further experience this season.
Liverpool have also been active, agreeing terms with Paris Saint-Germain for winger Bradley Barcola while also showing interest in Ismaila Sarr, a pursuit that could push Cody Gakpo toward a move to Tottenham.
Further down the Premier League, Crystal Palace are considering a £22million bid from Nottingham Forest for right-back Daniel Munoz, while also finalizing a loan agreement with Club Brugge for defender Joel Ordonez, worth £24million plus add-ons.
In Italy, Napoli have opened talks with Newcastle over a move for striker Nick Woltemade and are also monitoring Chelsea's Marc Guiu as a potential target.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.