Transfer Rumours: Chelsea in Alvarez talks as Premier League battle begins

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 8 Feb 2026 12:16 CST
  • 6 min read
Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid, Transfer Rumours
© IMAGO

The transfer window is no longer open, however multiple top European clubs have already initiated talks over summer deals.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 8 February, including the latest updates on Julian Alvarez and Leon Goretzka.

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Julian Alvarez to Chelsea latest

Chelsea are reportedly advancing on a deal for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.

Alvarez appears to be the Blues’ preferred target and reports in Spain suggest they are willing to “break the bank” in order to sign the former Manchester City forward.

ESPN Argentina now report that Chelsea are quietly advancing on a deal for Alvarez, with conversations ongoing with his representatives over a potential summer transfer.

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Current ETV
Player image Julián Alvarez
Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid logo

Atlético Madrid

Julián Alvarez
Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Atlético Madrid

€117.5M

ETV Range

€105.7M - €129.2M

Leon Goretzka to Arsenal?

Arsenal are reportedly the frontrunners in the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka amid competition from several elite clubs across Europe.

Goretzka will be a free agent in July and Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle United have all been contacted by his camp, although the Gunners are understood to be leading the race for his signature, as per TEAMtalk.

AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Olympique Marseille are also reportedly keeping close tabs on Goretzka’s situation, while two unnamed clubs in the Saudi Pro League have also registered their interest in the Bayern star.

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Man Utd want Eder Militao

Manchester United have reportedly made a ‘formal offer’ for the first summer signing, with a Real Madrid star being lined up to bolster their squad with a proven, elite-level international.

United could find themselves playing Champions League football next season after four successive wins under Michael Carrick which has seen the club elevate into the top five of the Premier League.

With United seemingly thriving in a back four after the sacking of Ruben Amorim, the club are already looking at ways to improve the team in the summer and Fichajes report that Real Madrid’s Eder Militao is being eyed as an option.

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Eder Militao, Real Madrid
© IMAGO - Eder Militao, Real Madrid

Arsenal chase new winger

The agent of Ajax winger Mika Godts insists that it is "logical" that big clubs are chasing his client amid reports that Arsenal have enquired about his services.

The 20-year-old is currently hitting the headlines in the Netherlands and Belgium as he is performing exceptionally well at Ajax in what has been yet another difficult season for the Amsterdam outfit.

As a result, he has attracted interest from several top European clubs and departure is on the horizon, his agent Niels De Jonck has admitted to Belgian outlet Sporza.

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Anthony Gordon eyed by Man Utd

Manchester United could take advantage of Newcastle’s poor form by making a summer move for Anthony Gordon as the Red Devils look to continue their resurgence with some big money signings.

With the future of Sandro Tonali already uncertain, the Magpies could face a further exodus of star players including Gordon after transfer reporter Ben Jacobs revealed that United ‘really like’ the England international.

"Manchester United really like Antony Gordon as well as a potential option, especially knowing that the player actually relishes the chance to have more game time through the centre as a number 9,” Jacobs told The United Stand.

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Anthony Gordon, Newcastle
© IMAGO - Anthony Gordon, Newcastle

Transfer Rumour Round-Up

MLS side Chicago Fire have submitted a two-year contract offer to Robert Lewandowski as they look to sign the Barcelona striker. (Nicolo Schira)

Arsenal and PSG are both keeping tabs on the development of Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi. (Media Foot)

Barcelona are interested in signing Man Utd defender Lisandro Martinez, who could be available for €55m. (CaughtOffside)

Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay has rejected a contract proposal from Saudi Arabia. (AreaNapoli)

Man Utd are eyeing a move for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli as they search for a replacement for Casemiro. (Calciomercato)

Tottenham aren’t expected to sign Randal Kolo Muani on a permanent deal when his loan deal from PSG expires this summer. (TEAMtalk)

Newcastle must qualify for the Champions League if they want to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer. (Football Insider)

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