Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez chooses between Arsenal and Barcelona, Xabi Alonso rejects Marseille job offer - Paper Round
Published 20/02/2026 at 00:07 GMT
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The future of Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez is back in the papers, with the Argentina star now said to have made a decision between Arsenal and Barcelona. Elsewhere, Aston Villa and Everton could be set to battle it out for Fulham's Harry Wilson, who could be a free agent at the end of the season, and former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is said to have turned down a move to join Marseille.
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Arsenal target Julian Alvarez would prefer a move to Barcelona this summer, according to a report in the Express.
The Gunners have been linked with the Atletico Madrid star, who has netted 41 goals in 91 appearances for the Spanish club since his arrival from Manchester City.
"Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez has reportedly made his transfer preference known," reads the article. "The ex-Manchester City player was linked with a move to Arsenal last month and is believed to be valued at approximately £87 million.
"The Gunners are reportedly among several Premier League clubs showing interest in the 26-year-old, including Chelsea and Manchester United.
"However, Spanish outlet Sport claim Alvarez would lean towards a switch to Barcelona should he leave Diego Simeone's team. Despite attention from English sides, the forward is understood to prefer remaining in Spain.
"Whilst that represents a setback to Arsenal's ambitions of securing the striker, Barcelona's struggles to match his transfer price tag provide the Gunners with hope. Meanwhile, Atletico have allegedly tabled Alvarez a fresh contract in a bid to ward off suitors, despite his existing agreement running through to 2030."
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Villa and Everton want Wilson on free
Aston Villa and Everton are interested in securing Fulham’s Harry Wilson on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The Telegraph reports Fulham are keen to hold on to the Wales international, who has scored nine goals in all competitions so far this term.
"Aston Villa are among the leading Premier League teams looking at Harry Wilson as a potential free transfer at the end of the season when his current contract expires at Fulham," states the outlet.
"With no breakthrough over a new deal at Craven Cottage, rival clubs have been circling to take Wilson as a free agent in four months’ time.
"Villa had Wilson on their radar during the January transfer window as a player who would be available for a relatively cheap fee. Unai Emery prioritised a centre-forward and landed Tammy Abraham to bolster his squad for the club’s attempt to get into the Champions League.
"But Wilson has remained on their radar. They are still in the market for a right winger, which is where Wilson has done most of his work this season.
"Everton are also interested in Wilson as they assess their attacking options, while Fulham could still persuade their player to stay for a sixth campaign at the club."
Alonso rejects Marseille
The Daily Mail suggests that Xabi Alonso has rejected the chance to become Marseille’s new head coach.
Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid in January, leaving his role after just seven months in charge, and had been linked with a move to Marseille, who are searching for a new boss after dismissing Roberto De Zerbi.
"Xabi Alonso has reportedly rejected the opportunity to become Marseille's new manager, turning down an approach over concerns the club is 'too chaotic'," reads their report.
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"Marseille made an approach for Alonso but were 'immediately' rejected, French outlet RMC Sport have reported.
"It is claimed the club's 'unstable situation' was a deciding factor for Alonso, who enjoyed a fruitful three-year spell at Bayer Leverkusen prior to joining Real Madrid last summer."
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