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Transfer Rumours: Julian Alvarez stuns Arsenal as Chelsea offer revealed

Updated: 22 May 2026 18:11 BST | 6 min read

Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid, Transfer Rumours

Tom Weber

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 23 May, including the latest updates on Julian Alvarez, Thiago Silva and Alex Scott.

Alvarez only wants Barca

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has his heart set on a transfer to Barcelona, according to Matteo Moretto.

Fabrizio Romano's colleague claims that the Argentina international has informed his other suitors that he will only join Barcelona if he is to leave Atleti this summer. Alvarez wants to remain in Spain.

Barcelona, having briefly explored the feasibility of a move for Chelsea star Joao Pedro, will now look to accelerate their pursuit of Alvarez. However, they will not enter a bidding war and will bet on the player's desire to force through a move without breaking the bank.

Chelsea make Silva offer

Thiago Silva

Chelsea have offered their former defender Thiago Silva the chance to become a coach at the club, Bruno Andrade states.

The 41-year-old made a shock return to Europe in January, leaving Fluminense for Porto. Having won the Portuguese championship, Silva has now left the club again and will become a free agent on 1 July.

It is unclear if Silva is considering hanging up his boots or if he feels fit enough to keep playing. He is reportedly fielding interest from his former club AC Milan, who already eyed a deal for him in January.

Man Utd have "serious" Scott interest

Man Utd and several other Premier League heavyweights have a "serious" interest in Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, TEAMtalk claims.

The 22-year-old hasn't made England's World Cup squad, but he has been rewarded for his impressive season with the chance to train with the Three Lions during their pre-tournament camp.

Man Utd have earmarked Scott as a "Plan B" following claims that top target Elliot Anderson has agreed terms with Man City. The Red Devils are planning to sign multiple midfielders this season and are closing in on a deal to acquire Atalanta star Ederson.

Strasbourg exodus and policy change

Ben Chilwell and Diego Moreira

Like Chelsea, BlueCo sister club Strasbourg are also planning to sign more experienced players this summer, L'Equipe reports.

The Ligue 1 side, who endured a disappointing end to the season, are braced for the departures of key players, having already lost captain Emmanuel Emegha and star midfielder Valentin Barco, who are both expected to join Chelsea.

More stars like Diego Moreira, Guela Doue and Ismael Doukoure are also believed to be keen to move, and they will not necessarily be replaced with youngsters as was the case in previous windows. Gary O'Neil has reportedly requested more experienced and physical players from Chelsea.

Liverpool to sign Martinez

Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Atletico Nacional wonderkid Samuel Martinez, according to Fabrizio Romano and Pipe Sierra.

The 17-year-old will join the Reds when he turns 18 next year and sign a five-year contract. Nacional will receive a fee in the region of $1 million and retain a sell-on clause for the highly-rated attacking midfielder.

The Colombian attracted the attention of European scouts with his performances at the U17 South American Championship. Liverpool beat Borussia Dortmund and other continental heavyweights to his signature.

More transfer rumours

John Stones

Contrary to reports, Bayern Munich are not interested in departing Man City stalwart John Stones. (Sky Germany)

Inter have promoted Josep Martinez to their new No.1, which has seen them cool their interest in Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, and they could now target Arsenal No.2 Kepa Arrizabalaga as a backup option instead. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

West Ham and other Premier League sides are keen to exploit Southampton's "Spygate" drama and poach Taylor Harwood-Bellis. (TEAMtalk)

Arsenal have been scouting Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks in recent months. (Sky Germany)

Real Madrid "will make a move" for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer. (The Independent)

Newcastle have been contacted by Jonathan David's camp as Juventus are keen to sell the Canadian after his disappointing season. (TEAMtalk)

AC Milan will attempt to strike a deal with PSG for wantaway striker Goncalo Ramos. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Man Utd are readying a €58m offer for Juventus centre-back Bremer. (TuttoJuve)

AS Monaco are closing in on the €5m signing of Cercle Brugge star Nazinho, who is also a target for VfB Stuttgart. (Sacha Tavolieri)