August 23rd
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The summer transfer window has officially opened and now that the World Cup has come and gone, clubs are working away on major deals. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer stories
Arsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julián Alvarez. The Argentina international, 26, has been blocked from leaving for Barcelona and only wanted to join the LaLiga giants. However, Diario AS report the Gunners’ sporting director Andrea Berta has received encouragement that Alvarez may now be interested in joining them.
Ollie Watkins has reportedly told Aston Villa he wants to leave the club amid interest from Al-Hilal. The 30-year-old was left out of the squad to face Brighton on Sunday and now looks set to depart. The Saudi Pro League side are also sizing up a move for Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, while Chelsea winger Pedro Neto remains a target.
Meanwhile, Villa are reportedly keen on signing Club Brugge defender Joel Ordóñez. The Ecuadorian, 22, has been linked with several Premier League clubs, but Villa are prepared to move for the centre-back after losing Ezri Konsa to Arsenal.
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