AC Milan contact Arsenal over Ethan Nwaneri as Atletico Madrid launch FIFA complaint over Barcelona's Julian Alvarez pursuit - Euro Transfer News
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Published 30/07/2026 at 17:59 GMT+1
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In Thursday's Euro Transfer News, AC Milan have opened discussions with Arsenal over the availability of highly rated attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, as the Serie A giants assess the possibility of signing one of English football's brightest young talents.
Ancelotti urges FIFA not to ‘ruin’ World Cup after committing future to Brazil
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According to MARCA journalist Matteo Moretto, speaking on Fabrizio Romano's YouTube channel, Milan have identified the playmaker as a player of interest and have started to make enquiries to better understand his current situation.
Moretto said: ”I’d like to talk about an exclusive. It’s a new name: Ethan Nwaneri. Arsenal’s attacking midfielder, born in 2007, is a very interesting player with great technical ability. He’s the kind of player AC Milan are interested in.
”There have been contacts. AC Milan are conducting enquiries to understand Nwaneri’s situation. It must be said that the competition is fierce, because RB Leipzig are after him in the Bundesliga, and Everton and Fulham are in the Premier League.
”Arsenal would be willing to let him go - he’s not unsellable, but they would like to sell him permanently without losing full control of the player.”
Nwaneri remains under contract for another four years after signing a new deal last summer.
A deal would represent a significant financial commitment for Milan, particularly given the size of the transfer fee involved for a player who is reportedly valued by Arsenal at €35 million (£30m).
Despite his immense potential, Nwaneri found regular first-team opportunities difficult to come by during his loan spell at Marseille last season.
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Ethan Nwaneri struggled to make an impact at Marseille
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Atletico complain to FIFA about Barca's Alvarez pursuit
Atletico Madrid have lodged a complaint with FIFA against Barcelona over the Catalan club's alleged approach for striker Julian Alvarez, according to AFP.
The complaint centres on claims that Barcelona made prohibited contact with the Argentina international in an attempt to persuade him to push for a move away from the Spanish capital.
Alvarez fuelled speculation over his future during the FIFA World Cup, suggesting it would be "the best thing for everyone" if Atletico allowed him to leave amid sustained interest from Barcelona.
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'I want to fulfil my dreams' - Alvarez says Atletico departure 'best thing for everyone'
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed earlier this month that the club had submitted an offer for the 26-year-old, and said it would remain on the table for as long as necessary.
AFP also reported that Atletico have filed a separate complaint with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), although the governing body has yet to comment publicly on the matter.
The dispute adds another layer of intrigue to one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas. In June, Atletico turned down a reported €150m (£128m) offer from Real Madrid for Alvarez.
The bid was widely viewed in the Spanish media as a strategic move by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to complicate any potential transfer to Barcelona while fulfilling a campaign promise made during his presidential election.
Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 in a deal worth up to €85m (£73m) and has since established himself as one of Europe's most sought-after forwards.
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Sociedad emerge as rivals for Leeds target Brandt
Leeds United face growing competition in the race to sign Julian Brandt, with Real Sociedad emerging as a serious contender for the former Borussia Dortmund playmaker.
According to TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey, the Liga side have accelerated their pursuit and are increasingly confident of convincing Brandt to move to San Sebastian after presenting what has been described as a "compelling" proposal.
The prospect of European football provides a key advantage over Leeds this season. The Yorkshire club have been heavily linked with the 30-year-old throughout the summer and remain hopeful of securing his signature, but Brandt is expected to decide between the two clubs in the coming days.
Missing out on the experienced attacking midfielder would be a significant setback for Leeds boss Daniel Farke, particularly after Brandt finished his final season at Borussia Dortmund with seven goals and four assists.
Roma complete Castro signing
Roma have completed the signing of Santiago Castro from Bologna, with the Argentine striker becoming the club's first arrival of the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old joins in a deal worth €35m (£30m) plus bonuses, with Bologna retaining a 10% sell-on clause. Castro has signed a five-year contract at the Stadio Olimpico and will wear the No. 9 shirt.
The move is expected to see Artem Dovbyk head in the opposite direction, with the Ukrainian forward reportedly set to join Bologna on an initial loan deal with an option to buy for around €17m (£14.6m).
Castro arrives after an impressive spell with Bologna, where he scored 22 goals in 105 appearances.
He will compete with Donyell Malen for the starting striker role under Gian Piero Gasperini as Roma look to strengthen their attacking options.
Dortmund's El Mala bid rejected
Borussia Dortmund have hit a roadblock in their pursuit of Said El Mala, with Koln turning down a substantial bid for the highly rated 19-year-old forward.
According to BILD, Dortmund’s proposal was worth €44m (£37,7m), including €34m (£29.1m) in guaranteed payments and €10m (£8.6m) in potential add-ons. However, Koln have made it clear they are not prepared to part with their prized asset unless their €50m (£42.8m) valuation is met.
Sporting director Thomas Kessler reaffirmed the club’s determination to keep El Mala, insisting there is currently no indication the youngster will leave this summer.
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Koln are digging their heels in on Said El Mala's valuation
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"Said is our player. He has four years left on his contract with the club. Everyone in Koln likes him," Kessler said. "I am still firmly convinced that he will play for us this season."
Kessler also expressed his frustration over clubs making direct contact with players under contract, warning: ”No club should talk directly to the player. We have always done it this way, and I hope other clubs also abide by the rules.”
Dortmund are looking to strengthen their attack, but Koln’s stance suggests they will have to significantly increase their offer if they are to convince the club to sell one of Germany’s most promising young talents.
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