Alvarez open to Arsenal move if Barcelona deal collapses, as Liverpool are rebuffed by Real Madrid over Endrick

Julian Alvarez is open to joining Arsenal this summer if his preferred move to Barcelona does not materialise, according to reports in Spain. The Atletico Madrid forward has been in contact with Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta, with AS reporting that Alvarez has come round to the idea of moving to north London should Atletico refuse to sanction a sale to Barcelona.

Atletico have insisted Alvarez is not for sale this summer, but the Argentina international’s stand-off with the club is reportedly turning sour as he continues to push for an exit. Arsenal are actively seeking a marquee attacking signing, though one avenue has already closed: Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed that 21-year-old Turkey international Kenan Yildiz will not be leaving the Italian club this season.

Liverpool’s search for a new winger is proving equally difficult. The Reds made an enquiry over Real Madrid forward Endrick, only to be told by the Spanish club that the Brazilian is not available. Liverpool have also had two bids for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh rejected — the most recent worth £60m — and face a steep asking price for their other primary target, Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, with PSG valuing the French winger at £145m.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have a deal in place to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba for £70m, but manager Michael Carrick is also prioritising a new left back following a 2-0 opening-day defeat at newly promoted Hull City on Saturday. Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde has been considered and there has been contact between the clubs, but the 22-year-old Spain international is understood to have no desire to leave this summer.