Julian Alvarez's Barcelona Dream and Arsenal's Backup Plan
Julian Alvarez has set his heart on Barcelona. If that door slams shut, though, he is prepared to walk through one painted red and white in north London.
The Atletico Madrid forward is understood to have held talks with Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta, with the Premier League champions positioning themselves as the alternative if Atletico refuse to sell to Barcelona. Alvarez, initially focused on forcing a move to Camp Nou, is now open to joining Arsenal should his preferred switch collapse.
Arsenal want a headline signing in attack this summer and have been testing the market at the very top end. Their pursuit of Kenan Yildiz has already hit a wall, with Juventus making it clear the young forward will not be leaving Turin for the Premier League.
Liverpool hit brick walls in wide-forward hunt
Liverpool’s search for a new winger is turning into a grind.
The club sounded out Real Madrid over Endrick, only to be told bluntly that the Brazilian starlet is not available — not for sale, not even on loan. That route is closed.
Attention turned to Yankuba Minteh, but Brighton have stood firm. Liverpool have already seen two bids rejected, the latest around £60m, with Brighton refusing to soften their stance.
The next name on the list is Bradley Barcola. The problem is the price. Paris Saint-Germain are demanding around £145m, a figure that underlines how expensive it has become to shop at the top of the market and leaves Liverpool facing a brutal choice: pay up or walk away.
Manchester United close on Baleba but left-back issue lingers
Manchester United, at least, have one major deal lined up.
A £70m agreement is in place with Brighton for midfielder Carlos Baleba as the club moves to reshape Michael Carrick’s squad after a dismal start to the season. The 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Hull on the opening day has sharpened the focus on recruitment, and full-back remains a glaring concern.
A new left back is still a priority. Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde has been discussed and there has been contact between the clubs, but the 22-year-old Spain international has no intention of leaving this summer. For United, that means the search goes on, with the clock ticking and the margins for error shrinking fast.
