The summer transfer window is entering its final week, with Premier League clubs pushing to complete deals. Arsenal's top priority remains Julian Alvarez, and Atletico Madrid have reportedly set a Friday deadline to end the saga. Gabriel Martinelli is set to complete his move to Al Hilal, while James Scanlon, Habeeb Ogunneye and Igor Tyjon will all become Arsenal players.
Liverpool close in on Barcola
Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Bradley Barcola. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain now believe a breakthrough is imminent following the latest round of negotiations. The Times report that Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal after holding crunch talks with PSG, with all parties expecting the deal to be completed before the deadline. Confidence is growing for a £115million transfer.
The Reds have also added Ismaila Sarr to their shortlist, while Chelsea are set to raise over £100m by selling strikers Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap. Emi Martinez has been offered to the Blues, and Honest Ahanor has agreed to a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Other deals in motion
Brentford are closing in on El Hadji Malick Diouf from West Ham. A deal is close to being finalised after the Bees agreed to pay a fee that could, including add-ons, be worth £40million, with around £36m paid up front. The Senegalese left wing-back has been given permission to undergo a medical, and a five-year contract has been agreed.
Ollie Watkins is set to join Al Hilal in a deal worth just over €60m (£51.4m), including add-ons, with Nicolas Jackson set to replace him at Aston Villa for £65m all-in. Aston Villa are also in talks to sign Rafael Leao, feeling they are the player's preferred destination as he looks to leave AC Milan.
Alvarez's future and more
Julian Alvarez's future could be decided within this week, amid reports of an ultimatum. The Atletico Madrid striker has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Barcelona this summer, going as far as to request a transfer while on World Cup duty with Argentina. “The best thing for everyone is a transfer,” Alvarez said in an interview with ESPN Argentina. “And I want to fulfil my dream.” Contact between the player's representatives and Arsenal has taken place recently, and the Premier League champions will only make a move should they get encouragement.
Tottenham are set to announce the signing of Omar Marmoush and still hold an interest in Neco Williams. Man United want a left-back amid links to Lewis Hall, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Alejandro Balde. Man City are reportedly showing interest in signing Illiman Ndiaye from Everton, while Alvaro Morata is 'on the verge' of joining Leganes on loan from Como. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler issued an update on Minteh amid Liverpool links, saying: “He's a Brighton player. He needs to commit to this club.”
