Arsenal face a demanding valuation of close to €150m from Atletico Madrid if they hope to secure forward Julian Alvarez, according to reporting by The Athletic. The Spanish club will not sell him to Barcelona, but the Premier League champions will not move until they have spoken to Alvarez’s camp, while Manchester United close in on a £70m deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Julian Alvarez Valuation and Transfer Stance
According to The Athletic, Atletico Madrid have set a price tag approaching €150m for Julian Alvarez. The Spanish club’s refusal to sell to Barcelona provides a strategic opening for Arsenal. However, Fabrizio Romano reports that talks between Arsenal and Atletico took place on Friday to try and get a deal done. Arsenal want to confirm the player’s willingness to move back to the Premier League before engaging in formal negotiations with Atletico.
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Alvarez faced a hostile reception during his return to the pitch for Atletico against Villarreal, where he was met with deafening jeers from aggrieved fans amid ongoing speculation regarding his desire to leave the club. While talks between Arsenal and Atletico took place, a deal doesn’t look as though it is near as the transfer window approaches its deadline.
Did you know? Julian Alvarez was greeted by a chorus of hostile jeers from Atletico Madrid fans during his return to the pitch against Villarreal, highlighting the strained relationship between the player and the club’s supporters.
Manchester United Close in on Carlos Baleba
Manchester United are preparing to announce the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton in a deal worth £70m (£65m + £5m add ons), according to reports. The midfielder completed a medical with United at the weekend following United’s opening 2-0 defeat to Hull City. Baleba is set to bolster Michael Carrick’s midfield rebuilding project alongside Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans at Old Trafford.
In related squad management news at Old Trafford, young midfielder Jacob Devaney has departed on a temporary deal, joining Scottish side Hibernian on a season-long loan that includes an option for a permanent transfer.
Premier League Midfield Shuffles and Notable Moves
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Manchester City secured a €100m deal for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, a move manager Enzo Maresca addressed in the context of replacing Rodri. Maresca noted that while high-profile departures have historically prompted successful squad transitions at the club, securing immediate replacements remains a priority.
Meanwhile, Brentford supporters are already praising Mamadou Sangare after an eye-catching performance in the opening fixture against Tottenham, where the midfielder contributed two assists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Atletico Madrid want for Julian Alvarez?
According to The Athletic, Atletico Madrid value Julian Alvarez at close to €150m.
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Are Manchester United signing Carlos Baleba?
Yes, Manchester United have agreed a £70m deal (£65m + £5m add ons) with Brighton for Carlos Baleba, who underwent a medical over the weekend.
Will Atletico Madrid sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona?
No, the Spanish club will not sell Alvarez to Barcelona, according to reports.
Where is Jacob Devaney playing this season?
The young Manchester United midfielder has joined Hibernian on a season-long loan with an option for a permanent transfer.
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