Real Madrid have made the first move for Julian Alvarez, handing Arsenal fresh clarity on the Atletico Madrid striker’s future as the summer transfer window edges closer to opening. The Gunners are one of several clubs monitoring the Argentina international, with Barcelona also keen, while Real Madrid are now believed to be considering a bid – a development that prompted the major update from the Spanish capital.
At Old Trafford, meanwhile, Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is reportedly being targeted by Manchester United as they prepare for a busy window. Exits are also a priority for the club, with Bayern Munich seemingly in the race to sign Marcus Rashford. The forward’s dream return to Barcelona is understood to be complicated by the Catalan club’s focus on Alvarez – a chase that now involves Real Madrid too.
“Real Madrid make first move for Julian Alvarez, while Cristian Romero is linked to Manchester United and Raul Jimenez returns to Wolves.”
Atletico, facing the potential loss of Alvarez, are themselves looking at reinforcements, with Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella on their radar. Barcelona are also interested in the left-back, setting up a potential battle between the two Spanish giants.
Further south in London, Crystal Palace have placed a £100million price tag on midfielder Adam Wharton, attracting interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. The valuation reflects the 21-year-old’s growing reputation after a standout season.
In the Championship, Wolves are set to welcome back a familiar face. Raul Jimenez has ‘agreed’ to return to Molineux on a two-year deal with an option of a further 12 months. The Mexico international, 35, first moved to Wolves in 2018 and scored 57 goals in 166 appearances before being let go in 2023. He spent three seasons at Fulham, netting 31 times in 115 matches, before being released at the end of his contract this summer. Now a free agent, Jimenez has undergone a medical in Mexico and is expected to sign a deal running until 2028, as Wolves prepare for life in the Championship.