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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Arsenal transfer news: Ngumoha 'contract latest', Martinelli dream return and 'green light for Alvarez deal'

Arsenal have been in the headlines as attentions already appear to be on the January transfer window.

Despite a solid start to the season, it has been suggested that the Gunners still need reinforcements - particularly in attack - if they’re to retain their Premier League crown and go one step further in the Champions League.

The Gunners did recently confirm the signing of striker Vincent Joseph as part of a renewed focus on youth recruitment, but the likes of Eli Junior Kroupi, Kenan Yildiz and Maximilian Beier continue to be linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium.

Interestingly, the latest headlines point towards Mikel Arteta’s side making significant progress regarding a new forward, while Gabriel Martinelli has spoken of his future plans.

With that in mind, here are today’s top Arsenal transfer news and rumours...

‘Green light for Alvarez move’

Barcelona have ruled out a move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez in the upcoming transfer window, according to reports in Spain.

The decision can be seen as a boost for Arsenal, who tried and failed to convince the Argentine to join during the final days of the window.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has reportedly made a left-sided centre-back the club’s priority, with the attack considered well covered after Raphinha’s strong start to the season.

Move back on? Can Arsenal finally convince Julian Alvarez to make England return? (Getty Images)
Move back on? Can Arsenal finally convince Julian Alvarez to make England return? (Getty Images)

Alvarez’s representatives are expected to assess his situation over the coming months.

Martinelli ‘dreams of return’

Gabriel Martinelli "dreams of returning" to one of his former clubs - but it is not Arsenal.

The winger left the Gunners over the summer to join Al-Hilal in a £60million move, making him Arsenal's record sale.

Martinelli's contract in Saudi Arabia runs through to 2030, but his agent Marcos Casseb is already looking at the future beyond that.

Corinthians are the club Martinelli grew up supporting and he spent four years at the club's academy after joining at the age of six.

Gabriel Martinelli left Arsenal earlier in the month (Getty)
Gabriel Martinelli left Arsenal earlier in the month (Getty)

Asked if Martinelli wanted to return to Brazil before he retired, Casseb told Brazilian news outlet Itatiaia Esporte: "I think a little further down the line, yes.

"He has four years left on his contract there, until he's 29. He does dream of returning, playing for Corinthians, the club he left, his passion. He wants to come back someday.

"He has every chance of returning to the Brazilian national team. What he needs is to perform his football well."

Ngumoha ‘contract latest’

The Athletic have reported that Rio Ngumoha’s future is something for incoming Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward to address.

As the young winger turned 18 last month, it means Liverpool need to get him committed to a long-term contract beyond the maximum three-year first pro deal he signed last September.

While, Ngumoha’s current deal expires in 2028, the aforementioned report states discussions with his representatives are ongoing.

Arsenal reportedly ‘like’ Rio Ngumoha (Getty)
Arsenal reportedly ‘like’ Rio Ngumoha (Getty)

This development comes hot on the heels of The Athletic’s David Ornstein’s claim that Arsenal are among a number of clubs said to “like” the player.

“I think there is some interest from Arsenal in Rio Ngumoha,” Ornstein told The Athletic FC podcast. “There’s interest from a lot of clubs in him. I did hear over the summer that Arsenal like him.

“They are allowed to like him… it doesn’t mean Liverpool will sell him. They want to renew his contract.”

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