London clubs pursue key transfer targets as World Cup concludes

Transfer news LIVE: Alvarez to Arsenal boost, Tzolis; Man Utd eye Kone - London Evening StandardTransfer news LIVE: Alvarez to Arsenal boost, Tzolis; Man Utd eye Kone - London Evening Standard

As the World Cup nears its conclusion, several London clubs are actively pursuing significant transfer targets. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham are among those working on major signings, with the summer transfer window intensifying.

Arsenal are reportedly engaged in fresh discussions regarding Julian Alvarez. Speculation suggests a potential swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres. The club is also expected to make a bid for Christos Tzolis, following an agreement to sell Leandro Trossard to Besiktas. Additionally, Arsenal continues to pursue Morgan Rogers, Bruno Guimaraes, and Andria Bartishvili.

The interest in Alvarez comes as Arsenal looks to secure the Atletico Madrid and Argentina striker before pre-season training commences. Reports indicate that Arsenal‘s focus shifted to Alvarez after Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola became unavailable for transfer. Alvarez, who scored an extra-time winner for Argentina against Switzerland, is said to be open to a move to Arsenal if his preferred transfer to Barcelona does not materialise. New contact between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid has been reported, though the clubs’ valuations of Alvarez currently differ. Arsenal is reportedly hesitant to exceed £90m, while Atletico Madrid seeks over £100m. Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is involved in negotiations with his former club.

Regarding Christos Tzolis, a bid from Arsenal appears imminent. The club is keen to bring the Club Brugge Greek winger back to English football. This move would create a space in their Premier League title-winning squad. Reports suggest Tzolis could be available for around £30m, and this transfer would be in addition to any potential moves for other high-profile forwards like Julian Alvarez.

Chelsea and Manchester United’s Transfer Activities

Chelsea is actively pursuing defensive reinforcements. The club is reportedly making an offer for Alvaro Carreras, amidst ongoing challenges in securing Pep Chavarria. Chelsea has been pushing to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Chavarria to fill the void left by Marc Cucurella‘s departure. However, an agreement on a fee with the Conference League finalists has proven difficult. An initial approach and a subsequent offer of around £21.3m for Carreras were reportedly made to Real Madrid, though this figure is said to be significantly below Madrid‘s asking price of approximately £42.6m.

Manchester United aims to continue its midfield overhaul. The club has already welcomed Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, along with goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Tielemans joined in a £35 million deal, signing a five-year contract after a release clause in his Aston Villa terms was triggered. Manchester United had previously pulled out of a deal for Ederson, who has since been offered a new contract by Atalanta. The club is now heavily linked with Roma’s Manu Kone, who impressed for France at the World Cup.

However, Manchester United could face competition from rivals Liverpool for Kone. Liverpool is also reportedly in the fight for the midfielder, alongside Atletico Madrid, as Roma needs to make player sales. Manchester United is also set to formally announce the signing of Cristian Orozco once his transfer is completed next week.

Liverpool and Tottenham Pursue New Talent

Liverpool has held new discussions with Paris Saint-Germain regarding Bradley Barcola. The France forward has emerged as a key transfer target for the start of the Andoni Iraola era at Anfield. This interest developed after it became clear that RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande favored a move to PSG. Liverpool, who are seeking to replace Mohamed Salah and have already signed Spain winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna, has made fresh contact over a deal for the 23-year-old Barcola. PSG is reportedly eager to offload Barcola, who is keen on a switch to Merseyside. Liverpool is also contending with Manchester United for midfielder Manu Kone.

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 08: Antonio Silva of SL Benfica reacts during the UEFA Champions League match between Real Sociedad and SL Benfica at Reale Arena on November 08, 2023 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 08: Antonio Silva of SL Benfica reacts during the UEFA Champions League match between Real Sociedad and SL Benfica at Reale Arena on November 08, 2023 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) Credit: standard.co.uk

Tottenham has entered the race to sign Neco Williams. The former Liverpool full-back, currently playing at Nottingham Forest, has previously attracted interest from Manchester United and Newcastle. Meanwhile, Bournemouth has reportedly been offered Antonio Silva, the highly-rated Benfica defender, who had previously been linked with Real Madrid and Manchester United. Eduardo Camavinga remains determined to stay at Real Madrid despite ongoing speculation regarding his future, a situation that will be closely monitored during the initial weeks of Jose Mourinho‘s tenure.

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Source: standard.co.uk

Harry Loxley

Harry Loxley

Senior Football Correspondent

Harry Loxley is a Senior Football Correspondent at NewsGB.org. He spent his early career reporting East Midlands football. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Derby and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Derby, he watches non-league and runs a fan podcast. “Good football writing follows the people, not just the points.”

By Harry Loxley

Harry Loxley is a Senior Football Correspondent at NewsGB.org. He spent his early career reporting East Midlands football. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Derby and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Derby, he watches non-league and runs a fan podcast. “Good football writing follows the people, not just the points.”