Latest transfer news and rumors: Barca could try to lure Alvarez away

The transfer window may be closed, but the rumors never stop swirling. Check in every day for all the latest buzz from across the soccer world.

Top story: Alvarez a possible Lewandowski replacement

Signing Julian Alvarez is expected to be a major talking point leading up to the next Barcelona presidential election. The Argentina international has adapted well to La Liga since joining Atletico Madrid last summer from Manchester City, scoring 27 goals in 50 games in all competitions.

The Catalan club views Alvarez as an ideal replacement for veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. But convincing Atleti to part with the 25-year-old is expected to be the biggest obstacle in Barcelona's way. Despite the long odds, candidates are expected likely to use Alvarez as a pawn in their efforts to win the 2026 Barcelona presidential election. (Marca)

Other rumors

April 27

Way out for Onana: Neom have opened talks with representatives of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana. The 29-year-old is believed to be open to playing abroad in Saudi Arabia. (Foot Mercato)

Guehi interest still high: Tottenham, Chelsea, and Newcastle continue to be interested in a move for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi. He could leave for free in 2026 if a deal doesn't materialize this summer. (Fabrizio Romano)

Reds want Wharton: Liverpool will try to sign midfielder Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace this summer. The Reds will work on convincing him to leave and launch a bid worth more than £50 million. (The Sun)

Milan want to keep Abraham: AC Milan have opened talks with Roma over signing Tammy Abraham permanently. The English forward has three goals in 29 Serie A appearances during his loan spell. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Osimhen a Utd target: Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has made Victor Osimhen a top attacking target. Their odds of signing the Napoli striker were boosted after Chelsea dropped out of the race. (Mirror)

April 26

Queue forming for Nkunku: Christopher Nkunku is expected to be up for sale this summer after being used sparingly this season. Arsenal and Bayern Munich will be at the front of the line for the 27-year-old. (RMC Sport)

Arsenal plan audacious bid: Arsenal are lining up a possible pursuit for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. The Gunners are ready to offer £55 million for the 26-year-old France international. (The Sun)

Vardy's Hollywood ending?: Wrexham might try to sign Jamie Vardy on a free transfer this summer. The Welsh club, co-owned by actor Ryan Reynolds, are close to being promoted to England's second division. (talkSPORT)

Nunez wanted in Saudia Arabia: Al-Hilal will launch a pursuit for Darwin Nunez after making the Liverpool star a top summer transfer target. The Reds will want to recoup a majority of the £85 million they paid for him. (TEAMtalk)

Gittens talks ongoing: Chelsea officials continue to negotiate a deal with the representatives of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. Dortmund will listen to offers worth £50 million for the 20-year-old. (Sky Sport)

April 25

Raphinha exit possible: A disagreement over elements of the contract Barcelona offered Raphinha could lead the Brazilian to consider a move abroad. He's been linked with a move to Saudi side Al-Hilal. (Diario Sport)

Man Utd eye Lookman swap: Manchester United could get creative in their efforts to offload Rasmus Hojlund by offering him to Atalanta in exchange for striker Ademola Lookman. (The Sun)

Ederson an Amorim target: Along with Lookman, Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is interested in Atalanta's Ederson. Talks are reportedly ongoing over a summer move for the midfielder. (Fabrizio Romano)

Newcastle in Delap race: Manchester United are set to face competition from Newcastle in the summer race for Ipswich Town's Liam Delap. The forward is expected to cost around £30 million. (The Telegraph)

Atleti consider Spurs duo: Atletico Madrid might raid Tottenham to boost their midfield. The Spanish side is considering signing Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur after the season. (The Times)

Hudson-Odoi interest heats up: Roma and at least two Premier League teams could approach Nottingham Forest with offers to sign Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer. (Sky Sports)

April 24

Villa consider De Bruyne pursuit: Aston Villa officials have held internal discussions over the possibility of adding Kevin De Bruyne after his Manchester City contract expires in June. (Sky Sports)

Arsenal confident over Zubimendi: A potential rival bid from Real Madrid for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi doesn't worry Arsenal. The Gunners are confident the midfielder will be their first summer signing. (ESPN)

Juve set for Osimhen talks: Juventus will prioritize a move for Victor Osimhen this summer. Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is expected to initiate talks over a deal for the Napoli striker soon. (Calciomercato)

Genuine interest in Huijsen: At least four Premier League clubs are known to be serious about pursuing Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have also been linked to the 20-year-old. (BBC)

Big clubs want Kerkez: It's not just Huijsen that Bournemouth have to worry about losing. Left-back Milos Kerkez, who has a £50-million release clause, has attracted interest from Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Man City. (Sky Sports)

Saudi club eyes Kudus: West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus could be tempted to leave with news that he's on Al-Nassr's radar. West Ham are open selling if they receive a large enough offer. (The Guardian)

April 23

Vini Jr. closing in on new deal: Vinicius Junior has rejected the promise of riches in Saudi Arabia after agreeing to a new contract with Real Madrid until June 2029. (Relevo)

Saudis turn to Raphinha: After losing out on Mohamed Salah, Al-Hilal have offered Ballon d'Or contender Raphinha a four-year contract worth $200 million to join them from Barcelona. For now, the Brazilian has no intention of leaving. (SPORT)

Madrid could clean house: David Alaba, Luka Modric, and Lucas Vazquez are playing for their future in the final two months of a disappointing season at Real Madrid. Modric and Vazquez's contracts expire in July after the Club World Cup, while the oft-injured Alaba's big salary remains a burden. (AS)

Spurs join Rashford sweepstakes: Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Marcus Rashford as a replacement for Son Heung-min. Spurs could be first in line if Aston Villa opt against signing him on a permanent basis. (Football Transfers)

Partey extension talks ongoing: Arsenal want Thomas Partey to remain at the club. The midfielder, 31, is open to signing a two-year deal on improved financial terms, but would also consider a year-long extension that includes an option for one additional season. (The Athletic)

Felix reaches out to Benfica: With his unimpressive loan spell at AC Milan coming to an end and Chelsea unlikely to welcome him back, Joao Felix has opened talks with Benfica over a return to his boyhood club. The Blues are expected to ask for around €40 million. (CaughtOffside)

Liverpool not giving up on TAA: Despite widespread reports that Trent Alexander-Arnold will join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, Liverpool haven't abandoned hope that he could sign a new deal to stay at Anfield. (Liverpool Echo)

Forest set price for Murillo: Nottingham Forest are hoping the promise of Champions League football convinces standout center-back Murillo to sign a long-term extension. If Arsenal and Liverpool could swoop in, Forest would demand around €80 million. (CaughtOffside)

April 22

Man United all-in on Cunha: Manchester United are prepared to trigger Matheus Cunha's £62.5-million release clause - even if it requires some squad gymnastics. Selling Marcus Rashford could free up funds. (The Guardian)

More noise around Wirtz: Bayer Leverkusen believe Bayern Munich are trying to put public pressure on them to sell Florian Wirtz for €110 million, a much lower figure than the defending champions would ever consider accepting. (Kicker)

Manchester derby for Costa: While Manchester United ramp up interest in Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, Manchester City have indicated they'd pay €58 million for Portugal's No. 1 shot-stopper. Porto hope a bidding war drives the price closer to his €75-million release clause. (Correio da Manha)

Arteta crazy about Williams: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would love to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, but the 22-year-old is yet to decide whether to leave the Champions League-chasing Basque club at the end of the season. (GiveMeSport)

Arsenal move quickly for Gyokeres: The Gunners may not have any money left to sign Williams if they strike an early deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. Negotiations are already underway for the 46-goal poacher. (Football Insider)

Man City want to keep Silva: Manchester City still see Bernardo Silva as a key figure and hope he stays for at least one more season. But the club is aware that a bid from Barcelona or Benfica could tempt the midfielder. (GiveMeSport)

Sesko still on United's radar: Manchester United have been in contact with Benjamin Sesko's agent since expressing initial interest in the RB Leipzig striker in 2022. Sesko rejected the move back then and ended up leaving Red Bull Salzburg for Leipzig in 2023. (Manchester Evening News)

EPL battle for Lazio defender: Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have short-listed Lazio center-back Mario Gila as a potential defensive recruit. The Italian club would allow the Spanish player to leave for around €40 million. (CaughtOffside)

April 21

Garnacho chase getting crowded: Napoli are expected to launch a pursuit of the Argentina international with the cash left over from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's January transfer, but don't count out Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, or Bayer Leverkusen in the coming months. (TEAMtalk)

Madrid keeping tabs on Rodri: Real Madrid still hold an interest in Rodri, even though the Manchester City star is recovering from a long-term injury. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is under contract until 2027. (Bild)

Reds to discuss trio: The futures of Douglas Luiz, Diogo Jota, and Ibrahim Konate are expected to be decided during upcoming meetings in which Liverpool executives will discuss new deals for the trio. (Football Insider)

Kean could stay with Viola: Fiorentina's chances of keeping the Italian forward have been boosted with news that he could stay in order to help his chances of being selected to play at the 2026 World Cup. (Tuttomercatoweb)

New Szczesny deal close: Barcelona sporting director Deco hinted that Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny will sign a new one-year deal. The 35-year-old previously said he's open to a backup role at the club. (Marca)