Arsenal keep pushing for Julian Alvarez and Man City target Ndiaye: Friday's transfer gossip

Arsenal are not ready to abandon their move for Julian Alvarez, the 26-year-old Atletico Madrid forward who would welcome a fresh start away from the Spanish capital. The Gunners are not the only Premier League side making early moves: Manchester City have set their sights on Everton midfielder Iliman Ndiaye, while Aston Villa have opened direct talks with AC Milan over Rafael Leao.

• Arsenal are still chasing Argentina international Julian Alvarez, 26, who is keen to leave Atletico Madrid.
• Manchester City view Everton attacking midfielder Iliman Ndiaye as a target, with the Toffees asking for around £80m.
• Aston Villa have made direct contact with AC Milan in an effort to beat Galatasaray to Rafael Leao.
• Nottingham Forest have lodged a bid worth up to £22m for Crystal Palace wing-back Daniel Munoz.
• Chelsea are in talks to sell 20-year-old Spanish striker Marc Guiu to Napoli.

Why Arsenal are still pushing to sign Julian Alvarez

The pursuit of the Argentine World Cup winner remains alive despite Atletico Madrid having no obligation to sell. Alvarez knows the Premier League well from his time at Manchester City and his profile would give Mikel Arteta a flexible forward who can operate as a central striker or drift into wider areas.

For Arsenal, adding a player with his work rate and finishing ability fits the club's ambition to challenge on multiple fronts. The Gunners are competing for the Premier League title season after season and need attacking depth to stay in contention across domestic and European competitions.

Manchester City weigh up bid for Everton's Iliman Ndiaye

Pep Guardiola's side are looking at the Senegal international as a creative option behind the striker. Ndiaye, 26, has impressed at Everton since his return to English football and is now on City's radar ahead of the next transfer window.

Everton are unlikely to make negotiations simple. The Merseyside club value the attacking midfielder at around £80m, a price that would test even City's financial muscle. Ndiaye's ability to unlock defences and his international experience with Senegal make him an appealing target for a squad that competes on four fronts every season.

Aston Villa open direct talks with AC Milan for Rafael Leao

Unai Emery's Aston Villa are determined to win the race for Rafael Leao. The Portugal winger, 27, has become one of Serie A's most spectacular attackers at AC Milan, and Villa have made direct contact with the Italian club to explore a deal.

Galatasaray are also interested, but Villa's willingness to enter formal conversations shows how serious the Premier League club is. Signing a player of Leao's calibre would signal Villa's intent to compete at the top end of the table and in European competition.

Other deals making headlines on Friday

Premier League offers and enquiries

Nottingham Forest have submitted an offer rising to £22m for Daniel Munoz, the 30-year-old Colombia wing-back currently at Crystal Palace. Nuno Espirito Santo's side are targeting the right side of the pitch as a priority area.

Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo. The 28-year-old English defender has emerged as a possible option to strengthen United's back line.

Enzo Fernandez, Marc Guiu and Napoli's plans

Chelsea and Napoli are moving closer to an agreement for Marc Guiu, the 20-year-old Spanish striker who joined the London club with high expectations but could now be sold for a fresh start in Serie A.

Elsewhere, Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez remains hopeful of securing a transfer from Chelsea to Manchester City. The 25-year-old is one of the most talked-about names in this window, with the champions monitoring his situation closely.

Napoli are also considering a loan move for Nick Woltemade, the 24-year-old German striker who has struggled for regular minutes at Newcastle United.

European moves: Kean close to Como and Leeds ready to change goalkeepers

Fiorentina forward Moise Kean is increasingly likely to join Como in a deal that could be worth around £35m. The Italy international has attracted significant interest from the ambitious Serie A side.

Leeds United have allowed Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri, 28, to finalise a loan move to Torino with an option to buy. To replace him, the Championship club are looking at Matthieu Epolo, the 21-year-old DR Congo international who plays for Standard Liege.

What is at stake for Arsenal in this transfer window

Arsenal's continued interest in Julian Alvarez reflects the club's need to close the gap on Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. With Gabriel Jesus linked with Atletico Madrid, the Gunners could reshape their attacking line while keeping enough firepower to sustain a title challenge.

Clubs across Europe are already laying the groundwork for the summer window. Premier League sides in particular are working early to secure key targets before prices rise in a competitive market.