Arsenal Transfer News Today: Surprise signing as Mikel Arteta sent 'all or nothing' message

26 Aug 2026 20:32 BST | 4 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

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All the latest Arsenal transfer news in one place, including updates on Joao Ananias, Julian Alvarez and Gabriel Jesus.

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Ananias opportunity

Arsenal are among the clubs interested in Santos defender Joao Ananias, as per ESPN.

The 19-year-old centre-back is being courted by various European suitors, including Atletico Madrid, Brentford and Besiktas, with the latter having reportedly already indicated that they will make a formal offer. Talks with Benfica over a deal collapsed in June.

Santos are willing to sell the teenager as they want to raise funds amid their ongoing financial crisis. As he is highly rated internally, the Brazilian outfit will not entertain offers below €7 million.

Alvarez drama escalates

Barcelona are going all-in on Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez despite the low odds of success, according to Sky Germany.

All possible financial means have been made available by president Joan Laporta, who publicly reiterated on Wednesday that he intends to bring Alvarez to Barcelona. This prompted a response from Atleti, saying that there is a "0% chance" that the Argentine will be sold to the Catalans.

It is "Alvarez or nothing" for Barcelona. They will not consider any other strikers unless a major market opportunity arises. The LaLiga champions' refusal to give up on the 26-year-old could spell bad news for Arsenal.

The Gunners also want to sign Alvarez, but the player is refusing to entertain a return to England. In fact, reports in Spain claim that he isn't even answering the calls from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

If Barcelona will try to sign the striker until the very end of the window, then there is little to suggest that Alvarez will change his stance on a move to Arsenal. If he were to open the door to a transfer to North London, Arsenal would do whatever is necessary to sign him.

Napoli still in Jesus talks

Napoli remain interested in Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, but the deal hinges on a sale, Corriere dello Sport understands.

The Serie A giants need to complete a major outgoing before they bring in a new striker, with Noa Lang one of the main candidates to depart. Galatasaray are making a renewed push for the Dutchman.

It is stated that Arsenal would sell Jesus for less than €20m. Some reports in Italy have suggested that there is already an agreement between clubs but not yet with the striker on personal terms. As a result, Napoli are also considering Chelsea outcast Marc Guiu.

Paixao interest

Arsenal are interested in Marseille winger Igor Paixao, TEAMtalk claims.

The Brazilian is one of the options being considered as a possible replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, who is closing in on a move to Al-Hilal. However, Sunderland are already actively pursuing the signing of Paixao.

The Black Cats have yet to agree a deal with Marseille, who would prefer to keep the winger, but personal terms are not an issue. The fact that they are also chasing a deal for Man City star Jack Grealish may yet give Arsenal a chance to swoop for Paixao, though.