Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal face Alvarez blow, Liverpool move on from Mbaye, Enzo Fernandez latest | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has confirmed that he will bench star striker and Arsenal target Julian Alvarez for their LaLiga opener on Wednesday as he remains locked in a transfer dispute over his future. Alvarez is pushing to join Barcelona this summer and reports in Spain seem to confirm that would be his likely destination despite interest from Premier League champions Arsenal. However, Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin saying the club would not even accept €200m for the former Manchester City forward.

Manchester City face a price hike if they are to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea. City are still interested in signing Fernandez despite missing Chelsea’s Friday deadline for offers, but now face paying much more than the £120m the Blues were demanding last week. City, meanwhile, are to sign 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for £85m after selling Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to Barcelona in a deal worth up to £65m.

Elsewhere, Manchester United are set to reject an audacious approach from Galatasaray for their captain Bruno Fernandes. The Turkish club are determined to sign a star this summer and are lining up a comprehensive financial package that would have doubled the 31-year-old midfielder’s salary, but United’s stance is that Fernandes is not for sale.

Liverpool had reportedly agreed terms with Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye but new rumours say they are moving away from the 18-year-old though their interest in teammate Bradely Barcola remains. Both Mbaye, 18, and France international Barcola were left out of PSG’s squad for the French Super Cup on Sunday. The European champions were set to demand £145m for Barcola, who is also wanted by Arsenal, but Liverpool are prepared to play the long-game as they bid to negotiate a price.