Arsenal continues to be active in the transfer market, with several potential incoming and outgoing moves being discussed. Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez has returned to Atletico Madrid for pre-season medicals amidst ongoing transfer speculation.
Arsenal’s Transfer Activities
The Gunners recently introduced new signing Bruno Guimaraes to supporters before their Emirates Cup defeat to Borussia Dortmund. Guimaraes’ arrival marks the fourth permanent addition this summer, following Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis, and Piero Hincapie. Manager Mikel Arteta has emphasised the club’s focus on securing the right players in a challenging market.
Reports indicate that Juventus star Kenan Yildiz has emerged as a potential target. Additionally, PSG star Bradley Barcola and Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez have been linked with a move to the Emirates. However, Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, who was also a target, has signed a new deal to extend his stay at the Bernabeu.
In terms of potential departures, Arsenal has reportedly set an asking price of at least €90million for Martin Zubimendi, though the club plans to keep the midfielder in their squad. There is also speculation surrounding Gabriel Jesus’s future, with Napoli reportedly interested in him as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who is expected to move to Fenerbahce. Jesus’s agent, Giovanni Branchini, has confirmed interest from up to four Italian clubs, but the player prefers to remain in Europe’s top five leagues.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Future and Other Developments
Young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly, 19, reportedly wishes to remain at Arsenal and compete for a first-team spot, despite attracting interest from other clubs. He has been involved in pre-season preparations. One report suggests that Chelsea has been offered the opportunity to sign Lewis-Skelly following Bruno Guimaraes’s arrival. Betting odds place Manchester United as favourites to sign him, followed by Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Former Arsenal player Lee Dixon has expressed support for a potential swap deal involving Lewis-Skelly and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. Dixon believes Rashford could benefit from Arteta’s guidance and would be a good addition to the squad.
In other news, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has reportedly rejected a move to Arsenal, opting instead to join Atletico Madrid. Unai Emery has confirmed that Ezri Konsa will miss Aston Villa’s UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG due to his involvement with England in the World Cup third-place playoff.
Julian Alvarez Returns to Atletico Madrid
Julian Alvarez reported for pre-season medical examinations at the Vithas Madrid Arturo Soria University Hospital on Monday morning. He was joined by World Cup winners Alex Baena and Marcos Llorente. The trio underwent various fitness evaluations after their post-tournament holidays.
Despite intense transfer speculation throughout the summer, Atletico Madrid maintains a firm stance against selling Alvarez, especially to a direct rival like Barcelona. Coach Diego Simeone stated that the club has no intention of sanctioning a sale. Atletico officials are reportedly resistant to a move to Barcelona, preferring to keep the player in Madrid or consider interest from Arsenal and PSG. Alvarez is due to rejoin the Atletico squad in two days following Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain.
Other players, including goalkeeper Juan Musso, have also joined Atletico’s training. The squad will work in different groups and intensities to ensure all players reach peak condition. Atletico’s La Liga campaign is set to begin on August 19 against Malaga at the Metropolitano, preceded by a friendly against Marseille on Friday.
Source: football.london
