Barcola, Álvarez and Rodri shape final transfer-week moves
The final week of the summer transfer window could be shaped by several high-profile moves, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City each seeking players to address important tactical gaps. The biggest sagas involve Bradley Barcola’s possible switch to Liverpool, Julián Álvarez’s potential departure from Atlético Madrid, and Manchester City’s search for a solution after Rodri joined Barcelona.
– Liverpool view PSG winger Barcola as a flexible, high-pressing forward rather than a direct Mohamed Salah replacement; his pace, pressing and goal return are cited as reasons he could suit Andoni Iraola.
– Arsenal may pursue Álvarez despite winning the Premier League, as their reliance on set pieces and Viktor Gyökeres’s 14 league goals suggest they still need more attacking output.
– Álvarez is praised for his pressing, versatility and previous Premier League experience, although Atlético say he is not for sale and have resisted Barcelona’s interest.
– Manchester City are attempting to adapt after losing Rodri, whose defensive awareness and control were central to their possession-based approach; Enzo Fernández is among the players linked in the wider search for a replacement solution.
- Liverpool target Barcola’s pace and pressing.
- Arsenal may need a more complete striker.
- City must adapt to life without Rodri.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The clubs have credible reasons to act before the window closes. Liverpool could add Barcola’s pressing and pace to refresh their forward line, Arsenal could seek Álvarez’s proven Premier League adaptability to reduce dependence on set pieces, and Manchester City may need a midfielder capable of sharing the control lost with Rodri. Advocates of moves would argue that elite sides should address clear tactical vulnerabilities promptly, particularly when the available players suit established playing styles.
The case against
There is also a strong case for restraint. Barcola need not be a straightforward fit or an available player, Atlético’s stance that Álvarez is not for sale should be respected, and no single signing is likely to replicate Rodri’s distinctive influence at Manchester City. Critics of late-window spending would argue that forcing expensive deals can disrupt settled squads, create unrealistic expectations and overlook internal solutions or more suitable opportunities later.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “The big transfer stories to follow in the final week of the summer window”.