Transfer Deadline Day LIVE: Arsenal Target Alvarez Stays, Man Utd Lead Race for Wonderkid Page

Arsenal are facing stiff competition from Manchester United in the race to sign Leicester City midfielder Louis Page, according to reporting by BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel. The 18-year-old talent is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in England, and Manchester United have opened talks with Leicester to secure his signature ahead of rival suitors that also include Aston Villa.

Louis Page Transfer Battle

Page earned recognition last season by winning the EFL Apprentice of the Year award following impressive progress through the Leicester City academy. Having joined the Foxes at the under-nine level, Page signed his first professional contract with the club in September 2025. Because he is tied to professional terms, any prospective buying club must negotiate a transfer fee with Leicester. While Arsenal maintain an interest in the teenage midfielder, they currently sit behind Manchester United in the ongoing negotiations, according to BBC Sport.

Diego Simeone Addresses Julian Alvarez Speculation

Elsewhere in the transfer market, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has ruled out the departure of striker Julian Alvarez this summer, despite persistent links to Arsenal and Barcelona. Barcelona previously had an undisclosed bid rejected by their La Liga rivals in July, while Arsenal retain a long-standing interest in the Argentina international. Speaking ahead of a pre-season fixture against Manchester City, Simeone sought to end the speculation.

The situation is very clear. The club made a decision that Miguel Angel (Gil Marin, Atletico CEO) explained very well. Our satisfaction with Julian is high, and we will support his continued development and improvement from a sporting standpoint so he can continue providing the great deal he has given us over these two years.

Diego Simeone

Arsenal Pre-Season Reinforcements and Recent Form

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has pledged to continue strengthening his squad before the transfer window closes, working alongside sporting director Andrea Berta. Speaking after a 3-2 pre-season defeat to Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Stadium on August 9, 2026, Arteta confirmed the club remains active in the market.

Well, that’s what we’re trying to do. We are very keen to acquire any player available in the market who can significantly improve us.

Mikel Arteta

The Gunners have already added several new faces ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign, bringing in Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, Christos Tzolis, and Illan Meslier. Defender Piero Hincapie also joined the club permanently this summer following a previous loan spell. Guimaraes was officially unveiled to supporters prior to the Dortmund fixture after completing his €87 million (£75m) transfer on Saturday. Despite goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Viktor Gyokeres against Dortmund, Arsenal fell to their second pre-season defeat following a 3-1 loss to Real Betis on Wednesday.