Arsenal have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez after Barcelona sporting director Deco confirmed the Catalan club's interest in the striker is over. The Gunners tried to sign the Atletico Madrid forward during the summer window but could not complete a deal, with Alvarez keen on a move to Barcelona. Deco, speaking at the Portugal Football Summit, said Barcelona have moved on from Alvarez and are looking at other options.
Arsenal handed major Julian Alvarez boost
Arsenal look to have been handed a huge new boost over Julian Alvarez. The Gunners tried to pull off a blockbuster deal for Atletico Madrid's wantaway Argentine striker during the final weeks of a busy summer transfer window, but ultimately could not get it over the line.
Alvarez was very public in his desire to complete a dream move to LaLiga rivals Barcelona, but it seems that a switch to the Camp Nou is no longer an option for the ex-Manchester City star moving forward.
"The idea has always been to bring in a forward with good movement and the ability to link up with others, and Julian (Alvarez) was one such player," Barcelona's sporting director Deco told the Portugal Football Summit this week. "It hasn't been possible; we made an offer... the club has always said they wouldn't sell him, so we have to look for other solutions. Julian is in the past; we have to look ahead, and we're happy. I hope he's doing well too, that he's helping his club."
Manchester United sign Man City wonderkid
Manchester United have raided Manchester City for highly rated midfielder Karim Cassim — just weeks after seeing two of their own academy players move to Arsenal. The 17-year-old has crossed the Manchester divide after leaving City's academy, with United completing the move after it was approved by the Premier League.
Cassim is regarded as one of the exciting young prospects in City's system and was part of their FA Youth Cup-winning side last season. The midfielder will now continue his development at Carrington as United look to add another potential first-team player to their academy ranks. His arrival comes after United lost James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye to Arsenal earlier this summer.
Chelsea still in for Scott and eye Man City defender
Alex Scott remains on Chelsea's radar ahead of the January transfer window. Scott, who rejected a new contract offer from Bournemouth in the summer, has been a long time target for Chelsea and was subject of a bid worth £64million in July. While that offer was knocked back, it has not deterred the Blues. According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea have been holding internal discussions over central midfield targets for the January transfer window.
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are 'keeping a close eye on' Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov ahead of the winter transfer window. The report claims despite Khusanov recently signing a new Man City contract, it remains to be seen if he will continue to be a regular starter under new head coach Enzo Maresca.
Garner makes Man Utd admission and Carrick job pressure
England midfielder James Garner says he is "more than happy that I left" Manchester United to join Everton. Garner's bright start to the season with Everton has seen him recalled to the England squad for the first time since his debut call-up in March.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has, this week, seen his odds of becoming the first managerial casualty of the season slashed by betting sites. According to Italian publication Calciomercato, former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is currently in 'pole position' to take the United job if Carrick is sacked in the coming months. The report also states there has been initial contact to assess Conte's availability. Conte has been out of work since leaving Napoli at the end of last season.
Manchester United have decided against making a move for Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in January. After a midfield overhaul in the summer, the expectation is for United to do the same in defence in future transfer windows. Calvert-Lewin has emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils, but Football Insider are reporting there is nothing in the links with the recently-recalled England international.
Ngumoha contract latest and other news
The Athletic have reported that Rio Ngumoha's future is something for incoming Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward to address. As the young winger turned 18 last month, it means Liverpool need to get him committed to a long-term contract beyond the maximum three-year first pro deal he signed last September. While Ngumoha's current deal expires in 2028, the aforementioned report states discussions with his representatives are ongoing.
Barnet boss Dean Brennan has opened the door for Dele Alli to train with the League Two leaders, insisting he would be "mad not to take him" if the former England midfielder wants a route back into football. Dele, 30, has been using Barnet's training facilities to maintain his fitness as he searches for his next club after leaving Como last year. Brennan revealed the doors are open for Dele to train with his squad and offered the midfielder the chance to use Barnet as a platform to rebuild his career.
Emily Fox has signed a new Arsenal contract. Fox said: "I'm so happy to be extending my stay here. This has felt like home since the moment I joined, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to continue to represent this club and compete for titles. To be a part of Arsenal is to be a part of something bigger, and I feel like I'm in the best place to keep pushing for more."
