Arsenal are moving quickly this summer. The Gunners are attempting to secure Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez before pre-season gets under way, with the 26-year-old Argentina international emerging as a primary target for Mikel Arteta's side, according to the Independent.

Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City last summer in a deal worth around £82m, and has settled well in the Spanish capital. That has not cooled Arsenal's interest, though, with the noises out of north London suggesting the club are prepared to make a significant move to bring one of South America's most complete forwards to the Emirates.

Villa pounce on Newcastle's Manzambi deal

Across the city, Aston Villa appear to have stolen a march on Newcastle United in the race for Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi. The Athletic reports that Villa are finalising a deal for the 20-year-old Switzerland international, who had been widely expected to head to Tyneside. It is a blow for Eddie Howe's side, who now find themselves back to square one in that particular pursuit.

Wharton on Chelsea's radar

Chelsea are circling Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton, 22, after both Liverpool and Manchester United cooled their interest in the player. Wharton caught the eye during his breakthrough campaign at Selhurst Park and, while Palace will be keen to hold on to him, Chelsea's attention is likely to sharpen focus on the midfielder's future. The market will be watching closely.

Kane's future, Guardiola to Italy, and more

Elsewhere, Bayern Munich remain confident they can tie Harry Kane to a new long-term contract. The 32-year-old England striker is attracting attention from Real Madrid and other heavyweights on the continent, but Bayern's stance, according to TeamTalk, is that they fully expect the former Spurs man to stay in Bavaria.

On the managerial front, Pep Guardiola's name is on a shortlist to become the new Italy manager, per Gazzetta dello Sport. With Paulo Maldini confirmed as Italy's technical head, the search for a head coach is gathering pace, and Guardiola — who has been without a club since leaving Manchester City — represents an eye-catching option.

Meanwhile, Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho is attracting interest from Roma, with the Italian capital club keen on the 22-year-old Argentine. Roma are also reportedly looking at Diego Moreira, 21, from Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg.

Newcastle's busy window continues

Newcastle are not short of business to conduct. As well as losing out on Manzambi, they have held talks over Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as they look to resolve their number-one position. The 23-year-old Japan international had an impressive campaign in Serie A. Newcastle are also among the clubs credited with interest in Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic, the 23-year-old Bosnia-Herzegovina international who is drawing attention from a cluster of Premier League sides including Sunderland, Leeds, and Bournemouth.

Tottenham have company in their reported pursuit of Manchester City's Omar Marmoush, with Newcastle said to be keen on the 27-year-old Egypt midfielder as well, per TeamTalk.

Finally, Sunderland are aiming to make Roma winger Matias Soule their first signing of the summer. The 23-year-old Argentine is valued at around £30m — a substantial outlay for the Championship side, but an indication of their ambitions following promotion.

Frequently asked

How much did Julian Alvarez cost Atletico Madrid?
Atletico Madrid signed Julian Alvarez from Manchester City last summer in a deal reported to be worth around £82m. Arsenal are now said to be pursuing the Argentine ahead of the new season.
Who is Johan Manzambi?
Johan Manzambi is a 20-year-old Swiss midfielder who plays for Freiburg. He had been linked with a move to Newcastle United, but Aston Villa are now reported to be finalising a deal for him.
Is Adam Wharton leaving Crystal Palace?
No transfer has been confirmed. Chelsea are said to be looking at the 22-year-old England midfielder after Liverpool and Manchester United both cooled their interest, but Palace have given no indication they wish to sell.