Transfer news LIVE: Julian Alvarez to Arsenal saga takes fresh twist, Liverpool linked with £50m-rated winger, Chelsea saga latest

“First of all we have absolute respect for Atletico, and we have personal appreciation for their directors, because we’ve known each other for years,” Barcelona president Joan Laporta said in a statement.

“At Barca, we made an offer to Atletico, from club to club, I ratified this offer through a personal call I had with Miguel Angel Gil, He told me that they didn’t intend to sell the player as they didn’t have an alternative to Julian. I told him we were interested in him and we of course respect that, but if they could find an alternative, we would of course be interested in the player.

“I spoke to Deco and we decided to leave it since they didn’t want to sell the player. Then we received information that Atletico were negotiating with other clubs to sell the player. We thought our offer was still valid, it’s common knowledge that the player wants to come to Barcelona.

“Our offer is still valid to the end of the window in case Atletico want to sell the player. The truth is we’re very interested in the player and we’d like our offer to be accepted.”

Wonderkid striker Igor Tyjon has all but confirmed that he is leaving Blackburn ahead of a £1m move to Arsenal, having undergone a medical last week.

Sharing a black-and-white photo of himself at Ewood Park, he wrote on Tuesday evening: “I would like to thank (Blackburn) Rovers for the last 3 years. Thank you to all my teammates and staff throughout the years.

“I’ve made friendships for life and memories I won’t forget. Lots of ups and downs and learning on the way.

“The last couple of months have been tough due to certain people and reasons I can’t say but I will never forget the good times at this club.”

This post has since been deleted.

Atletico Madrid are furious at the Julian Alvarez transfer saga and have bemoaned their position amid interest from Barcelona and Arsenal in the Argentine striker.

“The player is being portrayed as a victim, but the only victims in the Julián case are us,” the La Liga club said in a statement released to Spanish newspaper Marca.

“They’ve hurt us both financially and socially. There’s a 0% chance of selling him to Barça. This situation isn’t about money, it’s about dignity.

“A campaign has been created with many lies and half-truths. The only one paying the price for this is Atlético.”

Coventry have signed Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock for an undisclosed fee, ending his seven-season stay in west London.

Tottenham could hijack Napoli’s pursuit of Marseille forward Amine Gouiri, according to Correire dello Sport.

Napoli have been in the market for an attacker but have seen their efforts to sign Gabriel Jesus fall through due to financial reasons, while Chelsea’s Marc Guiu could also be targeted.

Monaco are among the clubs interested in signing Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, according to Sky Sports.

Monaco are looking for new midfielders in case they lose Lamine Camara, and Sarr could leave Spurs amid heightened competition for minutes.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says Enzo Fernandez will be involved in their Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town amid reports that Manchester City will make a late move for the Argentinian.

“Yes, we expect that he’s involved,” said Alonso in a press conference on Wednesday.

“He’s trained. He’s training really well. He’s a good professional and he will be involved.”

Hear that? That was the sound of Chelsea fans having their ears collectively perk up.

Chelsea are exploring a late move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, according to BBC Sport.

The club have contacted the Argentinian’s representatives, who have since offered Martinez to Chelsea.

It comes amid heightened criticism towards Blues keeper Robert Sanchez following a horror show against Fulham on Monday.

Nottingham Forest have confirmed the loan exit of 20-year-old defender Eric da Silva Moreira.

Arteta has long identified the left side attack as a priority position to upgrade, with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr having been the ideal target. The Brazilian’s decision to stay at the Bernabeu caused Arsenal to reconsider the situation, and some thought has been given to waiting until either January or next summer when other deals could become possible.