Arsenal and Liverpool Face Challenges in Summer Transfer Market

Julian Alvarez has put Arsenal on alert – but only if Barcelona cannot make his dream move happen.

The Atletico Madrid forward, according to reports in Spain, has held talks with Mikel Arteta and Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and is now open to joining the Premier League champions if Atletico block a sale to Barcelona. His priority remains a switch to Camp Nou, yet the door to north London is no longer closed.

Arsenal are scouring the market for a marquee attacker this summer and had explored a deal for Juventus talent Kenan Yildiz. That route has been shut down, with the Italian club making it clear the forward will not be leaving for the Emirates.

So the gaze turns back to Alvarez. If Barcelona cannot find a way, Arsenal are ready to step in.

Liverpool hit brick walls in wide forward hunt

Liverpool’s search for a new winger is turning into a grind.

The club sounded out Real Madrid over Endrick, testing the waters on a possible deal. The response from Madrid was blunt: the Brazilian is not for sale and not even being considered for a loan.

That setback followed a failed push for Yankuba Minteh. Liverpool have already seen two bids rejected by Brighton, the latest worth £60m, with the south coast club standing firm.

The next name on the list is Bradley Barcola. Liverpool want him. Paris Saint-Germain, though, have put a huge price on his head, valuing the winger at around £145m. At that figure, talks barely get off the ground.

For now, Liverpool are chasing shadows out wide, with every door either bolted shut or guarded by a staggering asking price.

Manchester United close on Baleba but left-back issue lingers

Manchester United, at least, have one major deal lined up.

A £70m agreement is in place with Brighton for midfielder Carlos Baleba as the club backs Michael Carrick after a flat start to the season. United opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Hull on Saturday, a result that sharpened the need for reinforcements.

Midfield is being addressed. Left-back is not.

Finding cover and competition on that flank remains a priority for Carrick and the recruitment team. Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde has been discussed, and there has been contact between the two clubs over a possible move.

The problem is the player. At 22 and already a Spain international, Balde does not want to leave Barcelona this summer.

United can spend big on Baleba. They can make calls about Balde. But until someone says yes at left-back, that side of Carrick’s defence will stay under the microscope.