Arsenal face battle to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, Yoane Wissa set for Newcastle United exit – Paper Round

Arsenal are keen on Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, but could face competition from Barcelona.

The Telegraph suggests that there is also interest from Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The paper writes: "At the very least, Atletico will expect to make a decent profit on the player - if they are even willing to sanction his departure. He joined from City in 2024 for an initial fee of £64.4 million, rising to £81.5m with add-ons. In Spain, it has been reported that it would take around €100m (£86m) to tempt Atletico. 

"If the finances of any potential deal for Alvarez represent one problem for Arsenal, then the interest from other European heavyweights is another. In truth, this could be the biggest issue that Arsenal face.

"Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona-based sports newspaper, has reported that Alvarez is Barcelona’s top target this summer. It has also insisted that the forward’s preference is to join the Catalan giants.

"Paris St-Germain have also shown interest in Alvarez in the past. In an interview with L’Equipe last year, Alvarez said his agent held discussions with the French club before he moved to Atletico from City."

Yoane Wissa has struggled at Newcastle United this season, and it could cost him his place at St James’ Park.

The Sun believes that the club could let the 29-year-old go, along with Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento.

The paper reports: "The Magpies splurged £55 million on the former Brentford star, 29, in a deadline day switch sealed with 30 seconds to spare after losing out on a number of other striker targets and selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool.

"Wissa’s value has plummeted during a disastrous season, and Newcastle will have to hand over a quarter of the transfer fee thanks to the 25% sell-on clause they agreed with Brentford.

"It is claimed that Wissa wants to stay at St James’ Park, but club chiefs may take matters into their own hands before his transfer price falls any further.

"Wissa’s sale could be one part of a major summer revamp as the likes of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento have also been linked with moves away."

The Athletic believes that Chelsea and Bayern Munich are the clubs most interested in signing Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon.

Liverpool had previously been linked with the England international, but it seems they are less likely to make a move.

The Athletic explains: "A summer exit from Newcastle United for Anthony Gordon appears increasingly likely.

"Momentum is gathering around a sale of the England international, with Bayern Munich and Chelsea among the 25-year-old's potential suitors.

"Already scarred by the acrimonious defection of Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer, some Newcastle fans are questioning why their club would seriously consider selling their top scorer across all competitions.

"Bayern are keen to sign another wide player this summer, and Gordon is high among their options. Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig's 19-year-old winger, is Bayern's top target, but the likely cost is expected to prove prohibitive, which is why Gordon has been actively explored as an alternative.

"Chelsea are interested in signing Gordon, with any potential transfer not believed to be dependent on Chelsea qualifying for next season's Champions League."

Real Madrid are looking to appoint their former manager Jose Mourinho in place of Alvaro Arbeloa.

Club president Florentino Perez could activate a €3 million (£2.6m) clause with the Portuguese club for the manager’s release.

The Mirror writes: "Real Madrid have made Jose Mourinho their top target to replace Alvaro Arbeloa this summer, with president Florentino Perez driving the plan to bring the Special One back to Spain.

"Mourinho was in charge at the Bernabeu for three years from 2010, and won La Liga in record-breaking fashion as well as the Copa del Rey. On both occasions, he had to topple the juggernaut that was Pep Guardiola's Barcelona side.

"Mourinho has not been the serial winner he was when Real hired him 16 years ago, but is set to finish the season unbeaten with Benfica, even if they are set to miss out on the Portuguese title.

"The 63-year-old only joined Benfica in September, and is under contract until June 2027. However, that agreement includes a clause in the region of €3 million, allowing either party to break the deal up to 10 days after the final match of this season."

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