Arsenal are ready to make a late move for Julian Alvarez, but the proposed transfer from Atletico Madrid depends on the Argentina forward deciding whether he wants to join the Gunners, remain in Spain or continue waiting for Barcelona.
The development was reported by Fabrizio Romano in an update on the final stages of the summer transfer window, which closes on Tuesday night. With the deadline approaching, Arsenal are understood to be prepared to negotiate with Atletico Madrid and are hoping Alvarez will give the move his approval.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has publicly reaffirmed the club’s interest in Alvarez, saying: “We are waiting for Alvarez, we are still interested in him, we still want Alvarez.”
Atletico have responded firmly, insisting there is no prospect of selling the player to Barcelona. The Madrid club said: “The possibility of us selling the player to Barcelona is 0%; we are the victims.”
Atletico have therefore kept the door closed to Barcelona, both publicly and privately. Alvarez must now decide whether to wait for a possible move to the Catalan club until the transfer deadline, stay at Atletico for another season or consider Arsenal’s proposal.
Arsenal believe the deal is financially possible. Gabriel Martinelli is expected to join Al-Hilal after the completion of Ollie Watkins’ move to the Saudi Pro League club. Watkins’ transfer was described as an exclusive update, with Martinelli’s move expected to follow within hours or days.
The agreement between Arsenal and Al-Hilal for Martinelli is said to be essentially complete, although the final approval needed for the transfer to be confirmed is still awaited. The Brazilian’s departure would provide Arsenal with additional funds to invest in new signings.
That means the main obstacle in the Alvarez negotiations is not the transfer fee or the structure of a potential agreement with Atletico. Instead, Arsenal are waiting for the player to decide whether he wants to move to London.
Arsenal met Atletico director Mateu Alemany in London last Friday and remain willing to do business with the Spanish club. Romano said the Gunners should not be underestimated in the closing days of the window and that the final decision rests with Alvarez.
There are several possible outcomes. Alvarez could choose to wait for Barcelona, remain at Atletico this summer and reconsider his future next year, or accept Arsenal’s late approach.
Liverpool continue work on Barcola deal
Liverpool are also working to complete a major attacking signing, with talks for Bradley Barcola continuing at an advanced level.
The Premier League club have been in contact over the Paris Saint-Germain forward for several months, despite earlier reports that Barcola was considered untouchable and unavailable for transfer. Liverpool remain involved, negotiations are progressing and Barcola is waiting to see whether the move can be completed.
The deal has now moved beyond discussions between sporting directors Luis Campos and Richard Hughes. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Liverpool’s Fenway Sports Group and the club’s new joint investors are all involved in the negotiations.
Romano expects the next major update on the Barcola transfer to be a “Here we go” announcement, although the agreement has not yet been completed. The deal could reach a decisive stage at any time before the deadline.
Villa close on Jackson as Chelsea raise funds
Aston Villa are finalising the remaining details of Nicolas Jackson’s transfer from Chelsea. The clubs have reached a full agreement over a fee of £65m, with only minor contractual matters involving the player’s agent still to be settled.
Jackson has largely agreed personal terms and is expected to become an Aston Villa player once the final paperwork is completed. Confirmation could arrive within the next few hours.
Chelsea have already sold Enzo Fernandez to Nottingham Forest and, with Jackson’s move to Villa, are set to receive more than £100m from the two deals.
Marc Guiu could also leave Chelsea permanently, with Napoli actively pursuing the Spanish forward. Negotiations are at an advanced stage, although the clubs remain apart in their valuations.
Chelsea are asking for £25m, while Napoli have offered £15m. Guiu wants to move to Napoli and talks are continuing. If the transfer is completed, Chelsea could receive more than £115m to £120m from the sales of the three forwards.
