Arsenal
Transfer Developments at the Emirates
Tracking the Gunners’ transfer activity with just over a week remaining before the market shuts
Welcome to our Arsenal transfer coverage on Friday, August 21.
With only 11 days remaining for Arsenal’s recruitment team to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad, the club begins its Premier League title defence tonight against Coventry City. While Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis, Illan Meslier, and Piero Hincapie have all arrived on permanent deals, the north London side harbour ambitions of winning the Champions League.
The club were unable to secure Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and have instead been credited with interest in Bradley Barcola and Julian Alvarez as potential alternatives. Atletico Madrid have already rejected Barcelona’s advances for the Argentine striker this summer, establishing a substantial valuation for the player.
Spanish media reports suggest Atletico would only sanction Alvarez’s departure if they secured a replacement first, with Viktor Gyokeres identified as a possible incoming player.
Juventus attacker Kenan Yildiz is another player believed to be on Arsenal’s radar long-term, though no formal approach has been submitted for the Turkey international as things stand.
All transfer updates can be tracked in our coverage below.
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The Independent reports that Arsenal are considering a move for Juventus starlet Kenan Yildiz, though the Italian club would seek a fee exceeding £60m for the 21-year-old.
It is suggested that Arsenal might include Gabriel Martinelli in any proposal for Yildiz, with the Brazilian’s long-term prospects at the Emirates appearing limited.
The forward has already spurned interest from Galatasaray, making clear his reluctance to join a club outside the leading five European leagues.
Arsenal’s attention has turned to fortifying the left flank of their attack, having reached an agreement to acquire Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.
The same Mundo Deportivo report indicates Atletico would consider a player-plus-cash arrangement for Julian Alvarez involving Viktor Gyokeres moving in the opposite direction.
Diego Simeone requires a replacement before entertaining any sale of the Argentinian.
However, Alvarez appears unwilling to return to English football, complicating potential negotiations.
Spanish reports claim Julian Alvarez has communicated to Arsenal his preference for Barcelona over a switch to the London club this summer.
Atletico have already rebuffed an approach from their La Liga rivals, with the player openly expressing his wish to join the reigning Spanish champions.
Mundo Deportivo states Atletico have no inclination to sell Alvarez to Barcelona, favouring a transfer to Arsenal should they be compelled to part with the player.
Julian Alvarez has featured in Arsenal transfer speculation for some time(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Welcome to our live transfer blog! Throughout the day we will provide you with updates on the latest Arsenal news and rumours from across the footballing world.
Remember to revisit us regularly for the newest developments.
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