Álvarez's Preference for Barcelona as Arsenal Wait

Julian Álvarez has made his preference clear. If Barcelona call, that is the move he wants. If they cannot prise him away from Atlético Madrid, he is ready to listen to Arsenal.

The Atlético forward has held talks with Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta, according to reports in Spain, and has warmed to the idea of leading the line for the Premier League champions should his first choice collapse. Atlético are reluctant to strengthen Barcelona, a stance that has pushed Álvarez to consider the Emirates as a serious alternative.

Arsenal are hunting a headline signing in attack this summer, a statement addition to a title‑winning squad. One avenue has already closed. Juventus have shut down any prospect of Kenan Yildiz moving to north London, refusing to entertain a sale to the English champions.

Liverpool hit brick walls in winger chase

Liverpool’s search for a new wide forward is turning into a slog.

The club sounded out Real Madrid over Endrick, only to be told bluntly that the Brazilian starlet is going nowhere – not on a permanent deal, not even on loan. Madrid view him as untouchable at this stage.

Attention turned back to the Premier League. Liverpool have already seen two bids rejected for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, the latest climbing to £60m and still not enough to tempt the south‑coast club into a sale.

They also admire Bradley Barcola. The problem there is the price. Paris Saint‑Germain value the winger at around £145m, a figure that plants a huge obstacle in front of any serious move from Anfield.

United close on Baleba but left‑back hunt intensifies

Manchester United, under Michael Carrick, have at least one major piece of business lined up. A £70m agreement is in place with Brighton for midfielder Carlos Baleba, a deal that would significantly reshape the centre of their side.

That does not solve everything. Far from it.

A new left back remains high on the agenda, especially after a flat 2-0 defeat away to newly promoted Hull on the opening day. The performance underlined a glaring need for reinforcement on that flank.

Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde has been discussed and there has been contact between the clubs. On paper, he fits the profile: young, quick, already a Spain international at 22. But there is a hard stop. Balde does not want to leave Camp Nou this summer.

So United push on, Arsenal wait on Álvarez, and Liverpool keep knocking on doors that refuse to open. The window is moving, just not always in the direction England’s heavyweights would like.