Julian Alvarez has stayed away from Atletico Madrid training for a second day in a row after the Arsenal transfer target was told that there was “zero per cent chance” of getting his dream move to Barcelona this summer.
The 26-year-old forward is Arsenal’s top target and continue to monitor the situation ahead of potentially making a late move, with Atletico setting a deadline of Friday for the Argentina international’s future to be resolved.
Arsenal receive Julian Alvarez boost as forward misses trainingArsenal target Julian Alvarez missed Atletico Madrid training for the second day in a row after he was told there is a “zero per cent chance” that he gets to join Barcelona this summer.
The 26-year-old forward has made it clear that he would like to join Barcelona, while Arsenal continue to monitor the situation and may move to make a late deal for the Argentina international. He was booed during a substitute appearance in Atletico’s draw with Villarreal on Sunday night and missed a midweek match due to “illness”.
“The members of Atlético de Madrid’s Board of Directors have unanimously expressed their absolute support for the club’s decision to not negotiate the transfer of Julián Alvarez to FC Barcelona,” a statement said on Thursday.
(PA)Jamie Braidwood27 August 2026 17:21
Chelsea set to sign £40m Italian teenager AhanorFabrizio Romano has given Chelsea’s pursuit of Atalanta prospect Honest Ahanor the ‘Here We Go’ treatment, ahead of his imminent £40m transfer.
It’s a huge fee for an 18-year-old, but the Ahanor has already made 41 appearances for the Italian club and has earned two international caps for the senior Italy team.
The left-footed defender can player centre-back or left-back and is widely considered one of the best young talents in Europe. He is likely to be either loaned back to Atalanta or another club to gain more experience.
Honest Ahanor in action for Atalanta (Getty)Lawrence Ostlere27 August 2026 17:17
Ward-Prowse set for Saints homecomingJames Ward-Prowse is set to return to Southampton after three years away from his boyhood club.
Ward-Prowse has been at West Ham since 2023 (Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)Lawrence Ostlere27 August 2026 16:51
City still in business before deadline dayManchester City are not done in the transfer market yet, and it sounds like they will be chasing experience in the final days of the window.
“We need to see if we can add one or two more captains,” Enzo Maresca said today.
Enzo Fernandez remains a top target.
Lawrence Ostlere27 August 2026 16:35
Done deal! Villa sign GoretzkaAston Villa have signed the former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, who was a free agent.
The 31-year-old German will fill the void left by Youri Tielemans, who joined Manchester United earlier this summer.
Lawrence Ostlere27 August 2026 16:26
Swansea sign Canada captainSwansea have signed Stephen Eustaquio from Porto for an undisclosed fee.
The 29-year-old has penned a two-year contract with the option to extend it for one more year.
Eustaquio impressed with Canada at the World Cup, with the co-hosts reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
The vice-captain’s stoppage-time winner saw off South Africa in the last 32 before coming up short against Morocco in the last 16.
Head coach Vitor Matos said: “Stephen is an experienced leader who possesses great technical quality and game understanding. His qualities will complement the options we already have available to us in midfield, and he is an incredible professional.
“He is going to be an important player for us, on and off the pitch, and I am sure our fans are going to enjoy watching him play for Swansea City.”
Jack Rathborn27 August 2026 16:16
Real Madrid sign young full-back NaaseiGhana full-back Oscar Naasei has signed for Real Madrid and will go into their reserve team.
The 21-year-old defender signs from Granada, and is considered a prospect for the future.
Lawrence Ostlere27 August 2026 15:55
Martinelli close to Arsenal exitGabriel Martinelli is closing in on a £50m move to Saudi side Al Hilal, with wages expected to exceed £15m per year.
The winger was left out of Arsenal’s squad for their opening Premier League game against Coventry, prompting Ian Wright to say Martinelli should be treated with more respect.
Asked about Martinelli’s future on Thursday, Mikel Arteta said: “Everybody knows and recognises how much we love Gabi. Whatever the outcome is, it will be because everybody agrees to that.”
Gabriel Martinelli is on his way to Saudi Arabia (PA)Lawrence Ostlere27 August 2026 15:35
DONE DEAL! Tottenham add Omar MarmoushTottenham have sealed their deal for Omar Marmoush, adding a second Manchester City forward after Savio’s arrival earlier this week.
“It feels amazing to be here. I’m so excited to get started with the team and I can’t wait to meet the fans,” Marmoush says, having joined on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy next year.
“Tottenham Hotspur is one of the biggest clubs in England, if not the world, and the project was very attractive to me.”
Harry Latham-Coyle27 August 2026 15:20
Andoni Iraola provides update on Cody Gakpo future as Liverpool close in on Bradley BarcolaLiverpool have agreed a deal in principle to sign France international Barcola for an initial fee of just over £100m, potentially rising to £120m.
Richard Jolly27 August 2026 15:05
