The summer transfer window is edging towards a dramatic conclusion as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham push for more signings ahead of the deadline. Arsenal are still in pursuit of Julian Alvarez and have held talks over Victor Osimhen, while the Gunners are stepping up their move for Ezri Konsa amid shock links to Jarell Quansah and Jack Hinshelwood. Arsenal are also said to be keen on Christian Kofane as Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus head for the exit.
Alvarez saga continues
Arsenal appear to remain in pursuit of Julian Alvarez. The Argentina striker has been the Gunners’ top attacking transfer target all summer, despite failed attempts to pull off a blockbuster deal for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. Atletico Madrid have made it crystal clear that they do not wish to sell Alvarez amid strong interest from Arsenal and Barcelona, but the saga looks far from over as things stand.
ESPN in Argentina report that Mikel Arteta has made another attempt to convince the ex-Manchester City forward to move to north London, only to be told that he is still targeting a switch to the Camp Nou.
Rodri to join Barcelona
Rodri is set to sign for Barcelona from Manchester City. That is according to The Athletic and David Ornstein, who reported that the La Liga champions would pay €76.5million to the Premier League side for the midfielder, with a €60m fixed fee and over €11m in very achievable bonuses. Rodri is thought to have signed a four-year deal at the Nou Camp.
Other moves and rumours
The Athletic report that Emi Martinez will not join Juventus from Aston Villa, as had been first thought. The Argentine looked set to move to Italy with Villa due to land Zion Suzuki from Parma as their new No1, but the sides did not agree on the €10million fee that the Premier League outfit were demanding. Juve are now believed to have turned to Guglielmo Vicario, who is surplus to requirements at Tottenham.
Nottingham Forest have entered the race for Chelsea striker Liam Delap, who wants to remain in the Premier League, talkSPORT reports. Chelsea are prepared to sell the 23-year-old this summer and have placed a £40million price tag on him. Newcastle United and Everton are also interested, but neither club has submitted a concrete offer.
Manchester United are tracking Brighton midfielder Jack Hinshelwood as they consider adding a third midfielder, Teamtalk claims. Arsenal are also keen on the 21-year-old and currently lead the race, with Brighton setting an asking price. Hinshelwood can operate in midfield or at right-back, offering versatility for Michael Carrick's squad.
Joao Cancelo is set to make his loan at Barcelona permanent. Fabrizio Romano reports that the Al Hilal defender, who spent the last campaign back at the Nou Camp, will rejoin Hansi Flick’s side.
Coventry are set to sign Sidiki Cherif from Fenerbahce. Sky Sports reports that a £20.5million deal has been struck for the Guinean forward.
Leeds are set to send Sebastiaan Bornauw on loan to Hamburg. The Belgian defender is set to move to Germany with an option to buy at around £4million, according to Sky Sports. Nico Elvedi is nearing a move to Elland Road from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen seemed to suggest he is open to joining Arsenal this summer, while the Turkish club has set a clear stance over his sale. The striker, 27, only joined Galatasaray on a permanent basis from Napoli last summer, having spent the previous season on loan in Istanbul. He has won a league title in three consecutive seasons, helping Napoli win the Scudetto in 2023 before earning back-to-back Turkish Super Lig honours.
Arsenal trio Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri were all left out of Mikel Arteta’s squad for the Community Shield amid ongoing doubts over their respective futures at the club. All three players were omitted from the 20-man group named by Arteta for Sunday’s annual season curtain-raiser between the Premier League champions and FA Cup holders, taking place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
