Alvarez emerges as Arsenal's top target
Arsenal have turned their attention to Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez in a bid to complete a major attacking signing before pre-season gets underway, according to The Independent. The Argentina international had not been the club's first choice, but circumstances have forced a change of direction.
The reason for the pivot is straightforward: Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola is unavailable for transfer, reports The Mirror, shutting the door on what had appeared to be Arsenal's primary pursuit. Alvarez now leads the running as the Gunners seek to bolster their frontline.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are also weighing up whether to press ahead with a move for Bruno Guimaraes after being misled over a reported £50 million fee, according to The Daily Telegraph.
United close in on multiple deals
Manchester United are expected to formally announce the signing of Cristian Orozco once the deal is finalised next week, The Daily Express reports. The club are also closing in on moves for Andrey Santos and goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
United could also benefit financially from Alejandro Garnacho's potential move to Chelsea, with The Mirror reporting that a sell-on clause could deliver a second lucrative windfall — following a similar scenario tied to Mason Greenwood's possible transfer to Fenerbahce.
World Cup: referees, Senegal, and Balogun controversy
Premier League referees Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor have been ruled out of taking charge of the World Cup final, The Daily Express reports.
England face Argentina in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, where manager Thomas Tuchel has pledged to handle his players carefully as they recover from illness and injuries, per The Daily Telegraph. Police in Atlanta are preparing for a complex security operation, mindful of limited segregation inside the 75,000-seat venue, The Times adds.
The decision to waive a suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun was made solely by the chairman of FIFA's disciplinary committee, with none of the 17 other members consulted, according to The Times.
Senegal have dismissed manager Pape Thiaw following their exit from the 2026 World Cup, with Patrick Vieira among the candidates to succeed him, L'Equipe reports. Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka, meanwhile, described Breel Embolo's red card as a
