Arsenal have made a strong start to their 2026/27 season, claiming a 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield before following it up with an identical win against Coventry City in the league. These results showcased a squad that has already received substantial investment this summer, with approximately £200million invested in five new signings: Piero Hincapie, Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa. Despite the transfer window drawing to a close with less than a week left, sporting director Andrea Berta is still pursuing a high-profile forward acquisition, and links to Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez continue to dominate discussion. Several players, among them Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli and Fabio Vieira, could still leave before the September 1 cutoff date.
Atletico Madrid are seeking €150m (£128.3m) from Arsenal for Alvarez, with the north London club having tracked the Argentina striker throughout the summer. Manager Mikel Arteta has identified him as a key target. As Arsenal’s search for a top-quality number nine continues and alternative pursuits such as Vinicius Junior have not progressed, speculation regarding Alvarez has grown. Atletico Madrid have maintained throughout the summer that their star player is not available for transfer. However, circumstances may differ for Arsenal, given that the Spanish club are specifically opposed to selling to domestic rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona. Alvarez’s desire to move to the Catalan side has emerged as a significant hurdle in Arsenal’s pursuit. Real Madrid announced at the start of the summer that their £128m offer for Alvarez had been delayed, though sources at Atletico indicated they did not view the proposal as genuine. Arsenal are yet to make an official bid but have shown willingness to support Arteta this summer. Alvarez faced jeers from his own fans during Atletico’s draw with Villarreal on Sunday, with a club official appearing to prevent him from approaching the supporters at full-time. He appeared dejected as he walked alone down the tunnel to audible booing.
Manchester United are interested in signing Myles Lewis-Skelly. Reports suggest Arsenal would be prepared to sell the teenager if a club meets their valuation, which exceeds £50m. The 19-year-old, who came through the club’s academy, reclaimed his place in the starting lineup towards the end of last season after speculation about his future had grown, having fallen down Arteta’s left-back pecking order. Lewis-Skelly was one of Arsenal’s standout performers during pre-season and has started both of their opening two competitive fixtures this campaign, impressing in both victories. After Arsenal stunned supporters earlier this month by making the promising youngster available to rivals including Chelsea and Manchester United, alongside his eye-catching goal celebration, Arteta last week sought to end concerns about his departure. When asked whether he was confident Lewis-Skelly would remain at the club, the manager replied with certainty. However, in what could prove to be a significant turnaround just days later, reports indicate that United still believe Arsenal could be persuaded to part with the midfielder, whom the Old Trafford club intend to use as a left-back. Lewis-Skelly has not publicly addressed the transfer speculation this summer but last year, when signing a new contract, he expressed his ambition to build a legacy in north London.