Arsenal’s summer plans could take a sharp turn if the reported Viktor Gyokeres swap deal moves forward. At the same time, Real Madrid are being linked with a bid for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, adding another high-profile twist to the market.
The Gunners are said to have reached an agreement with Atlético Madrid to sign Julián Alvarez in a deal that would cost $58 million (€50 million, £43 million) plus Gyokeres in exchange. If completed, it would be one of the boldest striker moves in this rumor cycle.
Arsenal’s striking reshuffle
Arsenal’s reported pursuit of Alvarez stands out because it involves both a major cash outlay and a player swap. That combination underlines how aggressively the club may be looking to strengthen up front.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Manchester United have reportedly dropped out of the race for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali because of the full cost of the deal. Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur remain in the chase, according to The Telegraph.
There are also signs of wider competition for midfield talent. Brighton are trying to secure a new contract for Yasin Ayari after a strong season attracted interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham.
Madrid eye another major name
Real Madrid have been linked with Bruno Fernandes after José Mourinho was said to have requested the Manchester United captain’s signing. Fichajes reports that Fernandes has a release clause of around $67 million (€58 million, £50 million).
Madrid’s interest does not stop there. Florentino Pérez is also said to remain focused on Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise and has already made contact in an effort to push a deal forward.
Another Madrid storyline involves squad movement at the other end of the pitch. The club are hoping to sell left back Álvaro Carreras for at least $29 million (€25 million), with Fran García mentioned as the alternative sale if no buyer is found.
Other Premier League moves taking shape
Chelsea have approached Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye as they look for alternatives to Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. Villa, meanwhile, have opened talks with the representatives of Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
Tottenham’s name appears repeatedly across the latest reports. Roberto De Zerbi has urged Spurs to move for Köln winger Saïd El Mala, who is also a target for Brighton, while the club are also part of the wider midfield and winger market chatter.
Juventus midfielder Khéphren Thuram has reportedly turned down an approach from Al Ahli as he waits for an offer from Liverpool or Manchester United. Sticking with Juventus, striker Loïs Openda is free to leave and Everton are exploring an initial loan with a view to a permanent deal.
Jérémy Doku has also been linked with interest from several clubs across Europe, but La Dernière Heure says the Manchester City winger has rejected those approaches in favor of a new contract at the Etihad. Atalanta right back Marco Palestra, by contrast, has already turned down Chelsea after raising concerns about the project at Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona are watching the future as well, with scouts having observed Côte d’Ivoire midfielder Christ Inao Oulai at the World Cup. Chelsea, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in the 20-year-old, who is valued at $58 million (€50 million, £43 million) by Trabzonspor.
