Arsenal may now have the upper hand in the race to sign Julian Alvarez, according to Spanish outlet AS, as speculation surrounding the striker’s future continues to fly.
The former Manchester City ace has been the subject of interest from Barcelona for much of the year, a saga that became very public when Atletico Madrid hit out at their rivals on social media over reports in the media.
While the Blaugrana appeared most likely to sign the Argentina international, there was a twist in store as their rivals Real Madrid made a €150 million (£129.4 million) offer that was rejected.
That interest was made public with an official statement from Los Blancos, as their city rivals Atletico hit out on social media once again over the move.
While the war of words has continued, Arsenal appear to be lurking in the background for a potential deal, and could now have the advantage.
Julian Alvarez Transfer Latest
Arsenal’s interest in Alvarez is no surprise, but it perhaps hasn’t been quite as advanced as that of Barcelona and, more recently, Real Madrid.
The Gunners have played more of a waiting game, which may now work in their favour, as AS reports that they remain the only club in the mix with both the money and the interest to seal a deal.
As it stands, Barcelona have no interest in budging from their highest offer of €100 million (£86.2 million), with focus potentially shifting to Chelsea star Joao Pedro as the next target.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, are set to move on from their pursuit of Alvarez after the latest offer, with the report from AS seemingly placing Arsenal as the most likely candidates to now sign the 26-year-old.
That said, it stresses that a move won’t be easy, underlined by how ruthlessly Atletico Madrid have turned down recent offers for the star.
The Spanish club have repeatedly pointed towards a €500 million (£431.3 million) release clause as the only option for an exit, though GiveMeSport understands that certain Champions League clubs can trigger a move for around €150 million (£129.4 million), but with taxes on top.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal would be willing to sanction such a deal, but the report from AS suggests that the funds and interest are certainly present to get a move over the line.
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Is Alvarez Worth €150 Million?
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If Arsenal make a move for Alvarez at the price listed in his release clause, then it’s a deal that could see the club match, and perhaps exceed, the most expensive signing in Premier League history – which was Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer for an initial £125 million rising to £130 million.
While it would appear as though the Gunners may have the funds and want to continue building after securing the Premier League title last season, there are doubts over the value of such a move.
As Isak’s move has proven, even the most certain of moves don’t always work out as intended or expected, with the large transfer fee not always guaranteeing quality will translate.
Alvarez does have Premier League experience as well as versatility, though, and is capable of playing as a striker or in the wide left channel if required, making him an attractive option.
Arsenal are in the market for some new options, but face a race against time to beat a rival to one target’s signature.
The ex-City star scored an impressive 20 goals and bagged nine assists across all competitions last season, many of which came during the Champions League campaign.
He may add plenty, but there is a risk with such a transfer fee. The question is whether Arsenal feel it is the time to make such a risk to potentially add that missing piece up front, or if they want to keep building safely without having the same potential ceiling.
Everton have been ordered to pay an English club a staggering £40 million after The Toffees lost a legal battle over PSR issues this week, with the Premier League continuing to haunt them.
Wednesday afternoon’s ruling is an unprecedented legal punishment, just three years after the Merseysiders were handed a 10-point deduction by the Premier League in 2023 after falling foul of regulations in the 2021-22 season.
The punishment was then reduced to six points on appeal at the start of 2024. However, the knock-on effect has continued well beyond then, with the ‘what ifs’ of Sean Dyche’s team of that time now having been taken to court by one club it affected more than the Toffees themselves.
Burnley argued, as per The Sun, that if the points’ deduction happened in 2022 – the year they were relegated – Everton would have gone down instead, leading to further retrospective punishment this week.
Everton finished 16th in the 2021-22 season after picking up 39 points – leaving them just points clear of 18th-placed Burnley. The Clarets believe they missed out on millions as a result of going down a division and the case has now gone in their favour.
Newcastle United are hoping to strengthen their forward ranks this summer, and have quickly sounded out a new option, as Sportsboom reports that contact has been made for an Arsenal star.
While it’s unclear exactly what Eddie Howe‘s options will look like coming into next season, what is clear is that a refresh of the squad is desperately needed after such a disappointing Premier League campaign last time out.
According to the report from Sportsboom, Newcastle are showing interest in Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus heading into the summer transfer window.
It’s claimed that the club have made contact to ask about the availability of the Brazilian forward, who is entering the final year of his deal at the Emirates Stadium.
The report adds that Howe is keen to add an experienced option to his forward line to help get Newcastle back towards the top of the Premier League table once again, with hopes of returning to European competition.
The 29-year-old has been quoted as being paid £265,000-a-week at Arsenal on his current contract, a figure that has proved to be a stumbling block for several sides who have been linked in the past.
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will formalise such a move with an offer for the versatile forward, though there may be reservations over a switch.
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Doubts Over Gabriel Jesus Transfer
Any team eyeing a move for Gabriel Jesus this summer is likely to have the same reservations as the rest, mainly surrounding the Brazilian’s fitness.
The 29-year-old has been plagued with injury issues in recent seasons, the latest of which was an Anterior Cruciate Ligament issue that saw the star out of action for nearly a year.
In that time since, Jesus hasn’t looked quite the same player, missing that creative spark that seemed to make him such a threat earlier in his career.
While a full pre-season could help him regain that, it would be a risk for a club such as Newcastle to throw a lot at trying to get a deal over the line for the forward.
The Magpies need a streamlined and efficient squad, considering the lack of European football, and adding a potentially injury-prone forward who will turn 30 next April provides a clear risk, especially if a long-term contract is on the table.
Any move for Jesus would have to be on Newcastle’s terms, otherwise it should be one that they avoid.
Manchester United believe they have identified the next Declan Rice, and they may be able to sign him for £25million less than what the Arsenal midfielder was signed for.
Michael Carrick is looking to build on the success of last season that saw United finish in the top three and without much of a sweat. Such a high finish has been a rarity for the Old Trafford club over recent years, but fans are still going to want to see more progress come next season.
Carrick will likely be expected to lead the Red Devils into the title conversation, even if the title itself is likely to be a big ask, and silverware will also be close to the top of the wishlist, given United have not won a trophy since 2023.
But given how players like Rodri, Rice and Casemiro have highlighted the importance of having a world-beating holding midfielder over recent years, it has become one of the most expensive positions to invest in.
Not only that, but there are few truly elite options available, with the likes of Rodri, Rice, Vitinha and Moises Caicedo firmly unavailable. Proven world-class players at the position are rarely made available, and so it becomes a case of trying to identify players who have the potential to become what those proven talents are.
Man Utd identify the next Declan Rice
As United search for their Casemiro replacement, they have reportedly identified the ideal option in West Ham star Mateus Fernandes. With the Hammers having been relegated, United feel as though they can get a deal done for Fernandes, who, according to Sky Sports, club chiefs feel was one of the best young players in the Premier League this season.
The report adds that United feel as though Fernandes could be the next Rice, and not just because he is an emerging West Ham talent. Fernandes was clearly West Ham’s best player, albeit during a difficult season, and he proved he could handle a Premier League midfield despite being just 21 years of age.
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The youngster was in the conversation for the Portugal World Cup squad, but he was beaten out by Mallorca’s Samu Costa, who is also being linked with a big move this summer. Costa will be the alternative to Vitinha, who is quickly succeeding Rodri as the best player in the world in his position.
West Ham signed Fernandes from Southampton in 2025 for a fee of £38million, and they are said to be asking for at least £80million to do business this summer. That’s £25million less than Arsenal paid for Rice, and transfers have only increased in cost since then. Still, United may feel they can work the Hammers down a little, given the London club are Championship-bound, and indeed the fact Fernandes is likely to demand an exit this summer.
