Julian Alvarez would welcome a move to Arsenal this summer – if his dream move to Barcelona falls through. The Atletico Madrid forward has been in contact with Mikel Arteta and Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, according to reports in Spain, and Alvarez has come round to the idea of joining the Gunners if Atletico refuse to sell to Barcelona. Arsenal want to a sign a marquee attacker this summer, but Juventus have closed the door on forward Kenan Yildiz joining the Premier League champions.
Liverpool, meanwhile, continue to be frustrated in their approach for a new winger. The Reds enquired over the availability of Real Madrid forward Endrick but the Spanish giants have made clear that the Brazilian is not for sale, or even available on loan. Liverpool’s have already seen two offers for Yankuba Minteh, the latest for £60m, rebuffed by Brighton, and want Bradley Barcola. Paris Saint-Germain are looking for £145m but Barcola has been left out their squad for tonight’s trip to Rennes.
In other news, Manchester City have agreed a €100m deal with Lille to buy midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez were part of the Manchester City squad to face Bournemouth, but Tottenham target Savinho is absent ahead of his £85m move. Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez were also absent from Aston Villa’s matchday squad amid rumours of an imminent exit for both.
Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals below
Read MoreTottenham target Omar Marmoush included in Man City squad but Savinho absent
Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez left out of Aston Villa squad amid exit talk
Bradley Barcola left out of another PSG squad amid Liverpool and Arsenal interest
Transfer news - live updates
- Julian Alvarez would welcome Arsenal move as alternative to Barcelona
- Man City agree £85m deal for 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi
- Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez left out of Aston Villa squad amid exit talk
- Liverpool target Bradley Barcola left out of another PSG matchday squad
- Liverpool told Real Madrid's Endrick not for sale after continuing winger search
- Manchester United make contact with Barcelona over left back Alejandro Balde
- Tottenham target Omar Marmoush in Man City squad but Savinho absent
ICYMI: Julian Alvarez would welcome Arsenal move?
00:30 , Jamie BraidwoodJulian Alvarez would welcome a move to Arsenal this summer – if his dream move to Barcelona falls through. That’s according to the Standard, who report that the Argentina international’s stand-off with Atletico Madrid is beginning to turn sour as he continues to push for a move away. Alvarez is not for sale this summer, according to Atletico, who play Villarreal this afternoon.
Alvarez has been in contact with Mikel Arteta and Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, according to reports in Spain. AS report that Alvarez has come round to the idea of joining the Gunners if Atletico refuse to sell to Barcelona and the door to joining the Premier League champions remains open.
Arsenal want to a sign a marquee attacker this summer, but Juventus have closed the door on forward Kenan Yildiz joining the Premier League champions. Luciano Spalletti told reports that the Turkey international is not for sale and Juventus want to keep the 21-year-old for the upcoming season.
Pierre Sage wants Ismaila Sarr to stay at Crystal Palace
23:30 , Will CastleCrystal Palace manager Pierre Sage wants Ismaila Sarr to stay at Crystal Palace amid interest from Galatasaray.
The Turkish giants made an offer for the Senegal winger which was rejected by Palace, who deemed it far below their valutation.
“We don’t want him to leave, he is under contract with us for three years and he will be with us on Monday,” Sage said. “That’s the most important information for me and for you.”
Nightmare debut for Joao Gomes
22:30 , PAJoao Gomes endured a nightmare start to his Aston Villa career as he became the first player to receive a first-half red card on his Premier League debut for a club in more than 14 years.
The Brazil international – a summer signing from Wolves – was sent off in the 40th minute of Villa’s 4-0 hammering at Brighton for kicking out at Georginio Rutter.
Former QPR midfielder Samba Diakite was the last player to suffer a similar fate, having been dismissed for two bookable offences in a 1-0 loss to Fulham in February 2012.
It was a forgettable outing overall for Gomes. The 25-year-old conceded possession on the edge of his own 18-yard box before Jack Hinshelwood scored Brighton’s fourth goal with just 31 minutes played.
Julian Alvarez given hostile reception by Atletico fans
21:30 , Will CastleJulian Alvarez is trying to force his way out of Atletico Madrid, and things have definitely turned sour.
The Argentinian was jeered during the warm-up of today’s LaLiga clash and was then subjected to deafening whistles as he came on as a substitute.
At the end of the game, as his team-mates thanked the supporters, he was seen heading straight down the tunnel.
Atlético Madrid fans booing Julián Álvarez at the final whistle. 😬🇦🇷pic.twitter.com/CJ7DeDsQRg
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) August 23, 2026
Unai Emery says it is up to Ollie Watkins to explain his absence from Aston Villa side
20:30 , Will CastleAston Villa manager Unai Emery said it was Ollie Watkins’ responsibility to explain his absence from Sunday’s 4-0 Premier League thrashing at Brighton.
Europa League champions Villa have rejected four bids from the Saudi Pro League club for the striker and a transfer agreement is not currently close.
“This question is for him. I can’t answer. I can answer only with my silence,” said Emery when asked about Watkins’ omission.
Asked if the 30-year-old had refused to play, Emery replied: “I think you can call him, you can call his agent, and he can respond. It’s not my responsibility.”
Emery says it is up to Watkins to explain his absence from Aston Villa side
Omar Marmoush set for Tottenham switch
19:30 , Will CastleTottenham are already on the verge of signing Savio, but it looks like another Manchester City forward will indeed join him through the door!
An agreement has been reached for Spurs to sign Omar Marmoush on an initial loan, which will have a conditional obligation to buy clause at £50m.
He will reportedly have his medical on Monday.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Tottenham reach verbal agreement with Man City to sign Omar Marmoush, here we go!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 23, 2026
Verbal agreement done on initial loan with buy clause to become mandatory under certain conditions at £50m.
Marmoush said yes to #THFC days ago, travel and medical on Monday. ⚪️🇪🇬 pic.twitter.com/yfq0lOUB8N
Ayoubb Bouaddi misses Lille clash
18:30 , Will CastleAyoubb Bouaddi was not part of the Lille side that beat Angers today in Ligue 1, amid his accelerating move to Manchester City.
Trent Alexander-Arnold opens up on Liverpool fan abuse: ‘It hurts, but I understand’
17:30 , Will CastleTrent Alexander-Arnold has spoken candidly on his messy exit from boyhood club Liverpool last summer, admitting that he was hurt by the fan abuse that came his way.
“The booing and disappointment from Liverpool supporters is something I’m absolutely able to shoulder,” he told the Mirror. “I can understand it, in my own way.
“I heard a lot during that period that Liverpool fans didn’t want to be told how to feel or think, and I agree. But I hope one day there’ll be a degree of understanding about the decisions I wanted to make around my own life.
“It hurts because of how much I’ve put into the club over the course of 20 years and the sacrifices I made for the club during that period. So of course it hurts, but I understand the disappointment. I even understand anger expressed through booing.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold opens up on Liverpool fan abuse: ‘It hurts, but I understand’
Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli 'in talks' over Al Hilal move
16:30 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal are in talks with Al Hilal over a deal for winger Gabriel Martinelli, the Athletic’s David Ornstein reports. The Brazilian was not included in Arsenal’s squad for their opening Premier League win against Coventry on Friday and previously turned down a move to Galatasaray.
Andoni Iraola's frustration in Liverpool's search for winger
15:30 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool head coach Andoni Iraola admitted he is short of wingers ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Reds had a new bid of £60m for Yankuba Minteh rejected by Brighton on Friday night and remain far apart in Paris Saint-Germain’s valuations of Bradley Barcola, with the Champions League winners wanting £145m for the France international. They also reportedly enquired about the availability of Real Madrid’s Endrick.
Liverpool have brought in one winger this summer, in Victor Munoz from Osasuna, but are yet to replace Mohamed Salah, while there are no plans to replace Curtis Jones after he was sold to Inter.
“As a manager, it’s an easy one for me,” Iraola said. “I wanted the players from the first day on July 13, I wanted everyone here, all the positions doubled with top-level players. But you understand how the competition works and the market is open when you start the competition, we have to adapt as coaches to this situation.
“I hate these two weeks or 10 days that we have because there is a lot of uncertainty but not (just) in Liverpool but everywhere. You are asking what we need, there are certain situations that for me are clear, especially on the wing because we don’t have enough players specifically to play in those positions.”
Julian Alvarez included in Atletico Madrid squad
14:50 , Will CastleOn a day where various high-profile transfer targets have been notable from their absences from matchday squads, it’s now the turn of Arsenal fans to examine Atletico Madrid’s line-up for any sign of Julian Alvarez...
And as the last name on the bench, there he is. The Argentinian has been pushing for a move away - something which is now turning sour - but an Atleti exit won’t be materialising quite so imminently, it seems.
He may be in line for a hostile reception if he comes on.
¡Los once elegidos para arrancar el partido de hoy! pic.twitter.com/2esdaYEb5x
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) August 23, 2026
Worst 45 minutes in Premier League history?
14:46 , Will CastleDid we say Villa were two down at the Amex?
Make that four, and a man down. Fans are already heading to the exits. Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez won’t be discouraged from doing the same.
Some Villa fans have had enough as they go down to ten men and head for the exit pic.twitter.com/sAZ0t9Ry8J
— Kieran Maguire (@KieranMaguire) August 23, 2026
Aston Villa linked with defender... at perfect time?
14:11 , Will CastleSpeculation is heightening over the possibility of another couple of high-profile exits after Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez were left out of the Aston Villa squad to face Brighton today.
However, in better news for Villa fans, the club are trying to land one of the highest-rated young defenders in Europe.
The Athletic reports that the club have made an approach for 22-year-old Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez.
This looks to be well timed - the Villans are already two down against the Seagulls, with the first being a comical own-goal...
Man City agree deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi
14:04 , Richard JollyManchester City have agreed a €100m deal with Lille to buy midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old is set to become City’s second big-money midfield signing of the summer, and the third most expensive player in their history, as they continue their busy first summer under Enzo Maresca.
Bouaddi will arrive as City step up their overhaul in midfield after the departures of captain Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.
City will pay an initial €95m deal with a potential €5m in add-ons for the Morocco international.
Man City step up midfield rebuild with €100m deal for 18-year-old World Cup star
Tottenham put midfielder Pape Matar Sarr up for sale?
13:30 , Jamie BraidwoodTottenham will listen to offers for midfielder Pape Matar Sarr before the deadline, according to transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
Sarr, who was not involved in the opening day defeat to Brentford due to a hamstring injury, is the subject of interest from Galatasaray.
Tottenham have spent heavily on upgrading their midfield this summer with £180m spent on Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes alone.
Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez left out of Aston Villa squad amid exit talk
13:13 , Will CastleOllie Watkins and Emi Martinez were absent from Aston Villa’s matchday squad named to face Brighton in their Premier League opener amid rumours of an imminent exit for both.
Villa frontman Watkins is wanted by Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, and his omission from the travelling squad to the south coast will only heighten speculation.
Goalkeeper Martinez has also been heavily linked with a departure from Villa Park, as he was last summer, but misses out on the squad due to a lack of match fitness following a recent return from his post-World Cup break.
Manager Unai Emery says he wants to keep Watkins but has already confirmed that bids have been made for the England international.”
Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez left out of Aston Villa squad amid exit talk
Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez included in Man City squad
12:54 , Jamie BraidwoodOmar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez are part of the Manchester City squad to face Bournemouth this afternoon, but Tottenham target Savinho is absent.
Winger Savinho is set to join Spurs in a deal that could reach £85m, while Marmoush is also wanted by Tottenham in a separate deal.
Gonzalez, meanwhile, has been linked with a move to Newcastle United as the Magpies look to add a central midfielder.
Man City XI: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol, Anderson, Lewis, O'Reilly, Foden, Semenyo, Haaland
Subs: Rulli, Marmoush, Kovacic, Cherki, Nico, Grealish, Ait-Nouri, Reis, Nunes
Chelsea's Jamie Gittens stance after Roma approach
12:30 , Jamie BraidwoodChelsea have ruled that Jamie Gittens will stay at the club this season after rejecting an approach from Roma to take the winger on loan, according to TalkSport.
Gittens was a £51m signing from Borussia Dortmund last summer but opportunities could be limited this season, with no European football under Xabi Alonso, and with Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto all competing for places alongside Joao Pedro.
Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk are among the attacking players that Chelsea will try and move on before the deadline, but Gittens, who scored one goal in 27 appearances last term, is set to and fight for his place.
Erling Haaland stuns Man City team-mates with new look for Premier League season
12:07 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester City striker Erling Haaland has stunned Premier League fans by shaving off his iconic long hair before the new season.
The 26-year-old Norway star, whose flowing blond hair has become as central to his Viking image as his record-breaking scoring feats, unveiled a “military-style buzz-cut” before City’s opening game of the season against Bournemouth on Sunday.
“This beautiful long hair, time to let it go,” Haaland said on his YouTube channel. “I was thinking of doing it after the World Cup but I was so busy so I didn’t do it. The season starts now so it’s time to get a fresh start.”
Haaland revealed that he had previously received advice from Sweden forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, another prolific long-haired striker, to follow the example of the Bible’s Samson. “He said: ‘never cut your hair because the strength is in the hair,’” Haaland said.
Haaland’s YouTube video included stunned reactions from his girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen, as well as former manager Pep Guardiola, Oasis frontman and City fan Noel Gallagher, City team-mate Jack Grealish, and former PSG and Milan striker Ibrahimovic.
“You look about 10 years old,” Grealish replied. “What the f--- did you do?” Ibrahimovic said. “No way,” Guardiola laughed, before adding “you are lucky you have hair”.
Haaland will unveil his new look when City face Bournemouth at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon. Haaland said he hoped he scores a header in the first game of the season and vowed to celebrate by rubbing his newly-shaved head.
Erling Haaland stuns Man City team-mates with new look for Premier League season
Crystal Palace in chaos as Jean-Philippe Mateta argues contract invalid
11:30 , Jamie BraidwoodJean-Philippe Mateta has called in Fifa as he attempts to argue that his Crystal Palace contract is invalid, according to the BBC.
The striker, who started the 2-0 defeat at Everton on Saturday, has entered the final 12 months of his deal but is reportedly arguing that a 12-month extension, triggered by Palace in 2024, should be void.
It Fifa rule out Mateta’s side, it would make the striker a free agent this summer. The France international previously pushed to join AC Milan in January but the move fell through due to a knee issue.
Ismaila Sarr missed the defeat at Everton amid reports that Galatasaray are pushing to sign the winger before next week’s deadline.
New Palace boss Pierre Sage said: “He was injured, he has a pain in his groin and (we) took the decision yesterday to let him have treatment. He will be back on Monday with us. For the moment we don't want him to leave, he is under contract with us three years and he will be with us on Monday.”
Liverpool target Bradley Barcola left out of PSG squad
11:14 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool target Bradley Barcola has once again been left out of Paris Saint-Germain’s matchday squad. The French champions play Rennes away from home to begin their Ligue 1 defence but Barcola, or Ibrahima Mbaye, are not included. PSG have signed three attackers this summer in Ferran Torres, Mika Godts and Maghnes Akliouche and while they are also present in the 21-man squad, both Barcola and Mbaye miss out.
Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola said Cody Gakpo can offer a lot to Liverpool this season, both as a winger and as striker, amid reports that Tottenham will submit a bid for the Netherlands international.
"Cody is performing really well, has been training very well since first day, understanding everything we need,” Iraola said. “You can feel it straight away, he is smart, understands the game.
“He knows what we need from him in his preferred position as a left winger, but I have spoken to him about his minutes as a 9. He's done it before and he can help us there."
Roberto De Zerbi says Tottenham ‘not a team’ and names three struggling players
10:30 , Jamie BraidwoodTottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi said his new-look side are “not a team yet” as he named three players who are yet to return to full fitness after the summer.
Despite a transfer window of big spending, with the signing of Savinho set to take Tottenham past the £300m mark, Spurs were humbled 3-0 by Brentford in a dismal opening day defeat.
“For many reasons I think we are not a team yet”, De Zerbi said. We are not at the right point in physical condition “But no excuse. When you are building a new project I don’t want time, but we have to pass through these problems.
“I believe in my players, my club and myself. I think we are working well but we are late for the start of the Premier League. It’s a step we have to improve quickly. We could fight stronger than we did today and we lost too many duels. The target is to become a team. To find the spirit, the soul, is a process.”
De Zerbi handed debuts to five of Tottenham’s six summer recruits, but said “Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali are not in the best physical condition”.
De Zerbi added: “We knew that before the game. We have to improve on that and many other things, like organisation and pressing.
“We can improve quickly but first, we have to understand this game better. I know their physical condition and new players but we have to put something more. We had to fight more. Players know I have a lot of confidence in them and we hope to improve quickly.”
‘Strange’ Bruno Fernandes criticism highlights recurring Man United ‘mistakes’
10:00 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United captain Bruno Fernandes lamented his side making the “same mistakes as we did last season in every away game” following their shock 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull to begin the new Premier League campaign.
There was plenty of optimism around United before kick off after Michael Carrick led them to third place in the Premier League last season but they were brought back to earth as first-half goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy gave Hull a deserved win on their return to the top-flight.
"Same mistakes as we did last season, every away game we give too much of the ball to them,” Fernandes told TNT Sports. "In the first 20 minutes, the goalkeeper was the one with the most touches. We needed to press more, be more aggressive, and then again we need to work on set-plays and not concede these type of goals. Against these types of teams, they are waiting for that moment.”
Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, questioned why United were making the same mistakes in away fixtures.
“It’s a strange quote from Bruno,” Rooney said on Match of the Day. “I think for Manchester United now to build on what they did last season, since Michael went in they finished third in the Premier League and got Champions League football, to build on that you have to become a team who teams are scared of playing against.”
Where are Man City in midfield search?
09:30 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester City’s midfield rebuild is not yet complete, Enzo Maresca has said, with Enzo Fernandez and Adam Wharton both linked with the club in recent days. City are poised to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi but the departure of Rodri has still left Maresca short.
"I'll try to find a new Rodri - it is what it is,” Maresca said on Friday. “Rodri, before he arrived here, he didn't win the Ballon d'Or, he didn't win the Champions League, he didn't win the Club World Cup. Then he joined the club and then after he achieved many important things.”
It would take around £120m for City to sign Fernandez while it would also take a huge fee to convince Palace to sell Wharton at this stage of the window. But City are set to sell Savinho and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham in a double swoop that could reach around £150m. They are in talks over signing Brazilian winger Allan from Palmeiras. The 22-year-old has a release clause of £85m.
City kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Bournemouth at 2pm this afternoon.
Will Ollie Watkins join Aston Villa exodus?
09:00 , Jamie BraidwoodAston Villa begin their Premier League campaign at Brighton this afternoon but will Ollie Watkins be part of their squad?
Aston Villa have turned down four bids for the England international from Saudi club Al Hilal amid reports that the 30-year-old wants to move away.
Unai Emery said on Friday: "We have an issue with him, it is clear. We had offers for him but he is our player. I don't want to sell him but it can change if it is a good option for him, the club and I can replace him in the squad.”
Villa could turn to Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson if Watkins follows Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne in leaving this summer.
Man Utd target Alejandro Balde wants to fight for Barcelona place
08:30 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United target Alejandro Balde wants to remain at Barcelona this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo in Spain. Signing a left back remains a priority for United this summer, following the 2-0 opening day defeat at newly promoted Hull yesterday, and there has even been contact between the clubs. But the 22-year-old Spain international Balde wants to remain at this boyhood club and fight for his place in the team this season.
Liverpool continue to be frustrated in search for a winger
08:22 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool continue to be frustrated in their approach for a new winger. The Reds reportedly enquired over the availability of Real Madrid forward Endrick in the past few days, but the Spanish giants have made clear that the Brazilian is not for sale, or available to join on loan.
Liverpool’s have already seen two offers for Yankuba Minteh, the latest for £60m, rebuffed by Brighton, and want Bradley Barcola, but Paris Saint-Germain are looking for £145m.
Barcola, however, has been left out of PSG’s squad to play Rennes on Sunday evening. It’s the third game in a row where the France international has been left out of the PSG squad, following the Super Cup against Aston Villa and the French Super Cup against Lens.
Today's top story: Alvarez would welcome Arsenal move?
08:17 , Jamie BraidwoodJulian Alvarez would welcome a move to Arsenal this summer – if his dream move to Barcelona falls through. That’s according to the Standard, who report that the Argentina international’s stand-off with Atletico Madrid is beginning to turn sour as he continues to push for a move away. Alvarez is not for sale this summer, according to Atletico, who play Villarreal this afternoon.
Alvarez has been in contact with Mikel Arteta and Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, according to reports in Spain. AS report that Alvarez has come round to the idea of joining the Gunners if Atletico refuse to sell to Barcelona and the door to joining the Premier League champions remains open.
Arsenal want to a sign a marquee attacker this summer, but Juventus have closed the door on forward Kenan Yildiz joining the Premier League champions. Luciano Spalletti told reports that the Turkey international is not for sale and Juventus want to keep the 21-year-old for the upcoming season.
