Alvarez open to Arsenal transfer - Sunday's gossip

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reported that Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is open to a move to Arsenal, although he still reportedly prefers Barcelona. The article said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have stayed in contact with the Argentina international this summer, and that his relationship with Atletico is said to be deteriorating. In the piece, Arsenal were described as a possible fallback option if a Barcelona move does not happen.

The same transfer roundup also said Tottenham are confident of completing a deal for Egypt forward Omar Marmoush from Manchester City by the start of next week. Elsewhere, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins was reported to have told the club he wants to leave, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal said to be interested. BBC Sport presented these as part of a wider Sunday gossip column drawing on reports from several outlets.

The roundup included several other names linked with potential moves, among them Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, Chelsea forward Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock and Liverpool target Bradley Barcola. As with all transfer gossip, these claims should be treated as provisional until clubs make official announcements. The broader context is the busy summer transfer window, where clubs across the Premier League and Europe are still shaping squads before the season begins.