TRANSFER RUMOURS: Arsenal handed major Alvarez update as opening bid prepared

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 12 February, including the latest updates on Julian Alvarez and Bruno Guimaraes.

Arsenal handed Julian Alvarez boost

Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez in recent weeks, but he is reportedly not one of the club’s current transfer targets.

A number of elite European clubs have been touted as possible destinations for Alvarez, with Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain considered to be four of the teams closely monitoring his situation in Spain.

However, The Daily Mail now report that Alvarez is not currently on Chelsea’s transfer radar, despite multiple reports suggesting otherwise.

As a result, Arsenal are likely to only face competition from Barcelona for Alvarez’s signature this summer.

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Chelsea prepare Bruno Guimaraes offer

Chelsea have identified Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes as a key transfer target for the upcoming summer window.

That is according to Spanish publication Fichajes, who claim that Chelsea are willing to submit an opening offer worth €75 million for the Newcastle captain, who has less than two-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract at St James’ Park.

It’s reported that Chelsea are keen to add Guimaraes to a stacked midfield roster that already includes the likes of Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, and the Blues hierarchy are “working around the clock” to finalise a bid that will suit all parties, as per Fichajes.

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Raphinha makes Arsenal decision

Barcelona winger Raphinha has turned down the opportunity to join Arsenal this summer in favour of remaining at Camp Nou, as per Fichajes.

Arsenal and Manchester United are among the clubs reportedly keeping tabs on Raphinha’s situation, however the winger is fully committed to Barcelona and Hansi Flick’s side have no intention of sanctioning a sale this summer.

Arsenal are reportedly willing to offer an “astronomical contract” to convince Raphinha to move to the Emirates Stadium, but the former Leeds United star is expected to snub Mikel Arteta’s side in favour of remaining at Barcelona.

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Chelsea want Bart Verbruggen

Chelsea are ready to pay Brighton’s asking price for Bart Verbruggen, according to TEAMtalk.

The Blues were unable to finalise a deal for AC Milan star Mike Maignan last summer and despite Robert Sanchez’s improvement this season, they have now added Verbruggen to their transfer wishlist.

The Dutchman has just over two years remaining on his current contract at Brighton and it’s reported that he is keen to take the next step in his career this summer.

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Liverpool handed Nico Schlotterbeck update

Liverpool are looking to rebuild their defensive spine in 2026 after revamping their attack last year, and they have received a boost in their pursuit of a possible Virgil van Dijk replacement.

As per TEAMtalk, Borussia Dortmund have reportedly ‘given up’ trying to keep Nico Schlotterbeck this summer and will sanction a sale if they receive an offer worth €70m.

Schlotterbeck has been earmarked as a top target by the Liverpool hierarchy, although Barcelona and Chelsea are also understood to be interested.

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Transfer Rumour Round-Up

Liverpool are monitoring Christian Pulisic’s situation at AC Milan ahead of a possible move this summer. (Nicolo Schira)

Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi remains a top target for Chelsea amid their pursuit of a new centre-back. (CaughtOffside)

Mohamed Salah is “increasingly likely” to leave Liverpool following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. (Football Insider)

Chelsea have no intention of selling Pedro Neto this summer, despite rumours he could be offloaded when Geovany Quenda arrives from Sporting CP. (TEAMtalk)

Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City are all interested in signing Newcastle youngster Lewis Miley. (SportsBoom)

Liverpool are ready to submit an opening offer worth €80m for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. (Fichajes)

John Stones is now expected to leave Man City when his current contract expires at the end of June. (CaughtOffside)

Aston Villa are plotting an ambitious move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, who is valued at around €75m. (TEAMtalk)

Football transfer news headlines today

OFFICIAL: Nottingham Forest SACK Sean Dyche in the middle of the night

Arsenal face €75m Kai Havertz dilemma after fresh injury setback

Chelsea launch €50m bid for Premier League star

Man Utd plan transfer for unsettled Arsenal target as Casemiro replacement

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