Julian Alvarez missed a third straight day of training and will not be in the Atletico Madrid squad for the weekend trip to Sevilla. Friday is the deadline for bids from Barcelona and Arsenal. Atletico’s chief executive said the club will never sell Alvarez to Barcelona, but he did not close the door on a move elsewhere before the window shuts. The 26 year old remains Arsenal’s main attacking target and the Gunners are still tracking the situation in case a late offer makes sense.
Arsenal watch Alvarez as Atletico draw a line with Barcelona
The Argentina forward is therefore unavailable this weekend while his future stays unresolved. Atletico have drawn a hard line with Barcelona. Another destination has not been ruled out. Arsenal continue to wait and measure whether a late approach is possible before the deadline.
Liverpool advance on Barcola and still want more width
Liverpool have agreed a £100m fee plus £20m in add ons with Paris Saint Germain for Bradley Barcola after the French club eased their asking price. A medical with the Reds is part of that process. Even so, Liverpool still want another winger. Interest has shifted toward Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace after the club moved on from Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh. At the same time Andoni Iraola would not guarantee that Cody Gakpo stays. The Dutchman has drawn attention from Tottenham and Manchester City.
Chelsea settle on Martinez as City stay in the Enzo talks
Manchester City remain in conversations over Enzo Fernandez. Chelsea, meanwhile, have agreed a £7.5m deal for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after costly mistakes from Robert Sanchez in the 3 to 2 win at Fulham on Monday. If Fernandez leaves, Chelsea could go back for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. Fernandez was left out of Xabi Alonso’s squad for the Carabao Cup meeting with Luton on Thursday.
