Arsenal continue Alvarez pursuit - Friday's gossip

What the report says

BBC Sport Football’s latest gossip roundup says Arsenal are still trying to sign Julian Alvarez, with the report adding that the Argentina forward is understood to want to leave Atletico Madrid. The item presents the move as one of several transfer stories circulating on Friday, rather than a confirmed deal, and does not say Arsenal have made a formal bid or reached an agreement.

The roundup also says Manchester City are looking at Everton attacker Iliman Ndiaye, with Everton said to value the Senegal international at about £80m. In another reported pursuit, Aston Villa have made direct contact regarding AC Milan winger Rafael Leao as they compete with Galatasaray for his signature. These claims are attributed in the article to transfer reporters or other media outlets, and BBC Sport is relaying the rumours rather than independently confirming them.

Other names in the digest include Nottingham Forest’s reported offer for Crystal Palace wing-back Daniel Munoz, Napoli’s interest in Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade, and Chelsea forward Marc Guiu’s potential move to Napoli. The roundup also mentions Manchester United, Hull City, Leeds and Fiorentina among the clubs linked with possible ins and outs. As with BBC Sport’s regular gossip column, the main significance is the volume of summer transfer activity and the way Premier League and European clubs are positioning themselves ahead of potential negotiations.