Julian Alvarez Open to Arsenal Move if Barcelona Deal Fails

Julian Alvarez has set his heart on Barcelona – but he is ready to pivot to Arsenal if that move is blocked by Atletico Madrid.

The Atletico forward, whose future has become one of the stories of the summer, has held talks with Mikel Arteta and Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, according to reports in Spain. Those conversations have helped shift his stance: if Atletico refuse to negotiate with Barcelona, Alvarez is now open to leading the line for the Premier League champions.

Arsenal are chasing a headline attacking signing and have turned to Alvarez as other options narrow. Their pursuit comes at a time when Juventus have shut down any prospect of Kenan Yildiz leaving Turin, ruling out a switch to England and forcing the Gunners to look elsewhere for the extra firepower Arteta wants.

Liverpool hit brick walls in winger hunt

At Anfield, the search for a new winger is turning into a slog. Liverpool sounded out Real Madrid over Endrick, only to be told in no uncertain terms that the Brazilian is not available – not for sale, not even on loan.

The response has echoed a familiar theme. Liverpool have already seen two bids rejected for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, the latest worth £60m, as the south-coast club stand firm. The Merseyside side also admire Bradley Barcola, but Paris Saint-Germain have put a staggering £145m valuation on the Frenchman, a figure designed to scare off almost everyone.

United close on Baleba but left-back search intensifies

Manchester United, reshaped under Michael Carrick, do at least have one major deal lined up. They have an agreement in place to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba for £70m, a move aimed at injecting energy and presence into the centre of the pitch.

That does not solve everything. After a bruising 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Hull on the opening day, the need for a new left back has moved up the agenda.

Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde is among the names considered, and there has already been contact between the clubs. But there is a major obstacle: the 22-year-old Spain international has no intention of leaving Camp Nou this summer.

So the market keeps turning. Arsenal wait on Alvarez and Atletico. Liverpool chase a winger who might not exist at a realistic price. United hunt a left back who actually wants to move. The clock is ticking on all three.