Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Huge Malick Fofana twist, Julian Alvarez updates, Kroupi interest

Julian Alvarez is training with Atletico Madrid again this morning, indicating his chances of sealing a sensational deadline day transfer to Arsenal are next to nothing.

We've already known for some time that the Gunners were facing an uphill battle, to put it lightly, to land the ex-Manchester City centre-forward.

He's failed to warm to a return to the Premier League because of his desire to join Barcelona but Arsenal have been prepared to do a big-money deal, even this late in the window.

However, the fact he's present at Atletico Madrid training, having now been reintegrated with the squad, suggests he will definitely be staying put and Atleti hope he'll be ready to feature this Saturday against Athletic Club (A).

From a logistical point of view, Arsenal would be facing a major race against the clock to get everything wrapped up even if there was a drastic U-turn.

Julian Alvarez is once again training with Atletico Madrid today as he continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal.

Alvarez missed three training sessions last week and did not feature in his side’s 3-1 victory over Sevilla on Saturday night due to what the club said was a stomach bug.

But he returned to training over the weekend and is again taking part in his side’s session today.

Speaking on Saturday night, his boss Diego Simeone said: “I understand that all the questions will be about Julian. The club has been very clear about what will happen.

“From a sporting perspective, I hope to help him continue being as important as he still is. My focus is on Sevilla, where he won’t be available.

“When he returns, we’ll give him everything he needs to feel important. In life, anything can be reversed, as long as we have our health.”

- Ethan Nwaneri is joining Borussia Dortmund on loan for the season. Arsenal had wanted a Premier League solution, but BVB, who nearly signed the 18-year-old last summer before he renewed his deal, offers Bundesliga and UCL football.

- Understand the club are still looking for a solution to Tommy Setford's future. Have wanted to find a loan after Illan Meslier's arrival with interest from Las Palmas, among others, in England and the continent. Work to do before the deadline there.

- As we reported yesterday, Arsenal were offered Lyon's Malick Fofana. They have since approached the French side to understand the conditions of a deal, but despite the dialogue, there is still a lot needed for that to happen. 40m Euros is the asking price which is believed to be above Arsenal's valuation.

Julian Alvarez is the name that won't go away - but the links to Arsenal have gone very quiet over the last few days.

Mikel Arteta, though, is keen to add some attacking depth to his squad before the window closes tonight.

Speaking after his side’s win over Aston Villa last night, he said: “I said, we are trying to improve the squad, and until tomorrow night we’re going to try to do that.

“I’ve been disconnected from the world for 24 hours because I think my energy and focus has to be on the match.

“I will get back on it now. We know that the depth has to be really big when you are fighting for four competitions in the manner that we play as well. So we’re going to try to do that.”

Michael Owen believes Mikel Arteta will drop summer signing Christos Tzolis for the Chelsea match. The Greek was taken off at half time in place for Eberechi Eze.

Owen said to Premier League productions: "It will be interesting to see if Eze keeps his place against Chelsea at the weekend. I would suggest he might.

"He certainly did more than Tzolis in the game today so I think he could be in line for a start against Chelsea in a cracking game to start the season."

Atletico Madrid are on the verge of signing striker Jonathan David - but this is not expected to affect Julian Alvarez's future. The Argentine is yet to offer an indication he wants to move to the Gunners.

However, it does appear Atletico will have ample cover if he does leave, as David is set to arrive at the Wanda Metropolitano. He will arrive on loan according to Fabrizio Romano.

It remains to be seen if this may impact Alvarez's future at the club. All will be revealed within the next 14-hour period.

Good morning Arsenal fans.

After the best part of two and a half months, the summer transfer window will close tonight. There is not long left to wrap up any late deals, but it looks set to be another busy day for the Gunners.

There have already been many big deals, but the marquee attacking signing Mikel Arteta has craved is still yet to arrive. Maybe, just maybe, it will be wrapped up before 11pm tonight.

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