Joao Pedro has officially signed a new long-term contract extension with Chelsea, keeping the Brazilian forward at Stamford Bridge until 2034. The 24-year-old committed his future to the club following interest from Barcelona and reassuring talks with new manager Xabi Alonso.
Barcelona academy graduate Tommy Marques has completed a permanent transfer to Portuguese side SC Braga in a deal worth nearly €12 million. The 19-year-old midfielder departs the Catalan giants after more than a decade at the club, seeking regular first-team opportunities following a lack of pathway under manager Hansi Flick.
Aston Villa and Barcelona have reportedly joined the race to sign United States international Folarin Balogun from Monaco. Tottenham Hotspur are already in negotiations over a €60 million deal for the prolific striker, but they now face fierce competition from both the Premier League side and the Spanish club ahead of the rapidly approaching transfer deadline.
Julian Alvarez is reportedly open to joining Arsenal this summer despite holding significant reservations about returning to England. The forward has previously viewed Barcelona as his dream destination, but with the Catalan club stepping back, he is now seriously considering a move to North London as the transfer window approaches its crucial final days.
Furious Atletico Madrid supporters have staged angry protests at the club's training ground targeting Julian Alvarez following his push to join Barcelona this summer. Banners demanding the Argentine's departure were displayed after hostile chants echoed during their La Liga opener, leaving the forward's relationship with the fanbase in tatters.