Transfer Deadline Day Drama: Arsenal Eyeing Alvarez as Late Deals Loom Across Europe

The summer transfer window closes in England, Spain and Italy on Tuesday, leaving clubs with just a few hours to complete deals. Several high-profile players are being linked with moves, most notably Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez. Many others are likely to be pushed through before the deadline.

It seemed inevitable that Julian Alvarez would move to Barcelona before the end of this transfer window. However, Atletico Madrid's unwillingness to sell their star striker to a domestic rival looks to have scuppered what Alvarez described as his "dream" move. As a result, Arsenal have moved to the top of the queue to sign the 26-year-old Argentina international, a club Atletico are willing to do business with. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta knows the player well from their time together at Manchester City and is keen to bring in a frontline striker who comes close to guaranteeing 20-plus goals a season. It will cost the reigning Premier League champions a pretty penny, with Atleti holding out for a €150 million fee.

Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez has been a target for Manchester City all summer, and the two clubs are in talks to finally push the deal over the line. British media report that Chelsea want £120 million for the midfielder, who was left out of Xabi Alonso's squad for the weekend win against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Manchester City are also in talks with Liverpool over winger Cody Gakpo. With Bradley Barcola completing his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain for a deal that could be worth £123 million, Liverpool are now open to letting Gakpo leave Anfield. Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, but City are willing to bid around £85m.

Meanwhile, Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is scheduled to undergo a medical Tuesday morning before signing with Everton on another season-long loan. In another major development, Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is in talks with Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal regarding a €70m move.