Arsenal Transfer News Today: Gunners back in for Alvarez after Barcelona twist

29 Jul 2026 19:02 BST | 4 min read

Suraj Radia | Editor

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FootballTransfers runs through the latest Arsenal transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Bruno Guimaraes, Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez.

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Arsenal still holding out on Vini Jr hope

Arsenal are still optimistic of signing Vinicius Junior despite claims that Real Madrid will not look to sell the winger this summer.

Vini Jr is entering the final 12 months of his contract in Madrid but has yet to come to an agreement over an extension, prompting the Spanish giants to reluctantly consider his sale.

This has led to Arsenal taking interest in a move but reports emerged this week that Real Madrid were planning fresh talks with Vini to reach a breakthrough over a new deal.

However, football.london report that Vinicius’ future remains ‘undecided’ and that it is ‘too soon’ to guarantee his stay in Madrid, with Arsenal ‘aligned’ in trying to secure his signing despite accepting that the player’s desire is to stay with Los Blancos.

Arsenal holding out on Alvarez transfer

Arsenal are remaining patient in the hopes that they can still sign Julian Alvarez this summer as the Atletico Madrid striker’s chances of moving to Barcelona continue to fade.

Alvarez has publicly declared his desire to move to Barcelona but Atletico have no desire to sell their star man to their rivals, making Arsenal a more feasible destination for the forward.

Arsenal have so far opted against making a formal move for Alvarez after being told that the player only wants to join Barcelona but TEAMtalk report that the 26-year-old is ‘keen’ on moving to the Gunners if his dream transfer continues to prove impossible.

Barcelona have reportedly set a deadline of 10 August to try and sign Alvarez otherwise they will move on and Arsenal are prepared to wait for clarity after that date before accelerating towards a deal if they get given the green light to do so.

Guimaraes makes clear stance over Arsenal transfer

Bruno Guimaraes remains keen to join Arsenal but the Newcastle United captain will not force a move by going on strike, according to ESPN Brazil.

Arsenal have made Guimaraes their top target as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Guimaraes has made it clear he would like to leave this summer, however, ESPN Brazil claims Guimaraes will not recreate the saga which surrounded Alexander Isak’s protracted move to Liverpool last summer.

Arsenal are believed to be preparing a formal offer for Guimaraes but Newcastle are expected to reject this as they look to keep hold of their captain, who is due to report for pre-season training from Friday.

Arsenal target gets transfer block

Lille striker Matias Fernandez-Pardo has demanded to a summer transfer amid interest from top clubs around the Premier League and Europe.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are all interested in signing the Belgium international, though they face a major battle.

While Fernandez-Pardo has asked for a summer transfer, Lille have shut down the possibility, setting up a major tug-of-war for the talented frontman before the transfer deadline, L’Equipe reports.

“The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not an issue,” Letang told L’Equipe. “We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him.”