Julian Alvarez did not return to Atletico Madrid training for a second consecutive day as the club pressed the Argentina international to resolve his future before a Friday deadline, with the forward told there was "zero per cent chance" of joining Barcelona this summer.
The 26-year-old has emerged as Arsenal's top target and the Gunners are understood to be monitoring the situation with a possible late approach still on the table. Atletico have been clear they want the situation settled quickly.
High-value moves and shifting targets
In Paris and Liverpool, another significant development has reportedly been agreed: Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have settled terms for Bradley Barcola, with a fee of £100 million plus £20 million in add-ons, after PSG lowered their price for the forward.
- Arsenal remain interested in Alvarez while Atletico awaits a decision ahead of Friday.
- Liverpool reportedly secure Barcola for a total potential package of £120m.
- Chelsea have agreed a deal worth £7.5m to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Liverpool's transfer strategy has seen other names linked to the club as they continue to refine their squad for the season. The Reds are still pursuing Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace having apparently moved on from Brighton's Yankuba Minteh.
Uncertainty over Cody Gakpo and Chelsea's midfield manoeuvres
Wider squad uncertainty persists elsewhere: Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was unwilling to guarantee that forward Cody Gakpo will remain at the club, amid reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
Chelsea's recruitment has continued apace in goal after a series of errors by Robert Sanchez. The club have agreed a £7.5m fee to sign Argentina international Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa and he is reported to be set for a two-year contract with an option for a further 12 months. Martinez's arrival is expected to increase competition for the goalkeeping position alongside younger options at Chelsea.
"zero per cent chance"
Midfield movement could also be on the cards at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Fernandez was absent from Chelsea's squad for their Carabao Cup fixture against Luton, and Manchester City are said to be preparing to reignite interest in the midfielder before the window closes. If Chelsea decide to sell Fernandez they are reported to have an eye on Bournemouth's Alex Scott as a potential replacement.
What this means for clubs and the market
The late-stage activity underlines the fluid nature of this transfer window. Atletico's insistence on a quick resolution for Alvarez could force Arsenal into a hurried decision or prompt negotiations between the Spanish club and other suitors. Liverpool's outlay on Barcola, if completed as reported, represents a major investment in attacking options and signals readiness to spend heavily to strengthen their forward line.
| Transfer | Reported fee |
|---|---|
| Bradley Barcola (PSG to Liverpool) | £100m + £20m add-ons |
| Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa to Chelsea) | £7.5m |
Clubs on all sides must now juggle sporting priorities, financial constraints and player wishes as the window moves towards its conclusion. For supporters, the closing days promise more twists: established starters may be unsettled, potential signings could alter team shapes, and deadlines loom large.
Further developments are likely before the deadline; clubs involved will be under pressure to conclude deals swiftly or risk losing bargaining power. For Alvarez, a second day out of training signals personal frustration and a situation that Atletico appear determined to resolve on their timetable.
