Arsenal

Julian Alvarez has skipped two days of training at Atletico Madrid after the club privately informed him they will not negotiate a transfer to Barcelona. With Barcelona ruled out, Arsenal have emerged as the only viable option, and Atletico have indicated a €150m fee for the Argentina international. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to secure the deal this month.

Arsenal will evaluate centre‑back William Saliba’s back problem when he returns from the World Cup, with surgery being one of the options. The injury, which forced him off in France’s semi‑final loss to Spain, could mean a lengthy lay‑off if an operation is required.