With just days remaining before the transfer window slams shut, there’s still a lot of drama to come. The interruption of the World Cup earlier this summer has seen several big clubs delay their biggest moves and that includes Arsenal.
The Gunners looked well ahead of the chasing pack on the opening weekend of the season last time out, but that’s not stopping them from entering the market before the deadline arrives.
For those in north London, La Liga seems to be where it’s at. Reports have claimed that they’re still interested in Julian Alvarez, who has been told a move to Barcelona is off the table no matter what in the coming days.
The Atletico Madrid man was booed by his own supporters against Villarreal, before trudging down the tunnel and into the dressing room on his own at full-time.
Whilst a move to Barcelona remains off the table, this is a toxic situation which may need a resolution before the end of the window – leaving Arsenal to take full advantage.
Alvarez is not the only La Liga star on the Gunners’ radar, though. They’ve also got their sights set on Real Madrid’s Endrick.
The Brazilian has been promised a key role by new manager Jose Mourinho, but is struggling to see how that takes place in the same team as big-money arrival Yan Diomande. Again, this could see Arsenal take full advantage.
Arsenal leading race to sign Real Madrid star Endrick
One way or another, a blockbuster signing could be arriving at the Emirates in the coming days. Football FanCast sources understand that Arsenal are now leading the race to sign Endrick from Real Madrid this summer, with Andrea Berta back in contact with the Spanish giants over a potential deal.
The player’s representatives sought a move earlier this summer, contacting several Premier League clubs including Arsenal, before he was denied an exit by Mourinho. Endrick is not keen to get caught up in a false promise, however, and that has offered Arsenal all the hope they need to re-open their pursuit of the talented 20-year-old.
What’s more, Berta needn’t worry about interest from elsewhere in the Premier League. Whilst Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have all monitored Endrick, it is Arsenal who are most seriously pursuing his signature.
|
League stats 25/26 |
Endrick |
Julian Alvarez |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
1,222 |
1,902 |
|
Goals |
5 |
8 |
|
Assists |
7 |
4 |
|
XG |
6.56 |
7.7 |
|
Shots per 90 |
3.68 |
2.56 |
As Alvarez alternatives go, Endrick would be an excellent pick. The 20-year-old was excellent on loan at Lyon last season was involved in the same number of league goals as his fellow Arsenal target in fewer minutes.
It’s been some rise from the Brazilian and it’s no surprise that comparisons with Ronaldo Nazario have arrived. Endrick, however, has always been keen to forge his own legacy, admitting he wants to be his own Brazilian superstar: “Some things happen and some people talk and say, ‘He’s the new Pelé, the new Ronaldo…’ I want to be Endrick, and what people say doesn’t matter to me.
“Now I have a great responsibility, I will withstand the pressure because I know I can help my family and I also want to encourage other young people.”