The summer window is moving at pace and Friday's gossip columns are packed with movement at the top end of the Premier League. Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are all making noise in the market, with a trio of high-profile targets dominating the back pages.

Arsenal Keep Faith on Alvarez

Arsenal are not walking away from their pursuit of Argentina forward Julian Alvarez. The 26-year-old is said to be keen on leaving Atletico Madrid, and the noises out of north London suggest the Gunners are prepared to persist despite what is expected to be a significant asking price. Whether Atletico are willing sellers at this stage of the window is a different matter, but Arsenal's determination to land their man looks genuine, according to the Mail.

Atletico, meanwhile, are reportedly keeping their options open up front. Spanish outlet Fichajes claims the Madrid club are considering moves for Brazil forwards Igor Jesus, currently at Nottingham Forest, and Gabriel Jesus, whose future at Arsenal is now squarely under question given the club's push for Alvarez.

City Identify Ndiaye — But Everton Value Him at £80m

Manchester City have turned their attention to Everton's Iliman Ndiaye as they look to add creativity in midfield. The 26-year-old Senegal international has caught the eye at Goodison Park, but Everton are not expected to do City any favours — the Toffees are understood to value Ndiaye at around £80m, according to the Guardian. Whether City are prepared to meet that figure remains to be seen, but his name is firmly in the frame at the Etihad.

Villa Make Their Leao Move

Aston Villa are going direct. Fabrizio Romano reports that Villa have made contact with both AC Milan and the player's camp over Portuguese winger Rafael Leao, 27. It is a bold move, with Galatasaray also said to be in the running for the Portugal international. Villa appear intent on moving quickly to get ahead of the competition in what would represent one of the window's bigger deals.

Rest of Friday's Gossip

  • Nottingham Forest have made a formal offer of up to £22m for Crystal Palace wing-back Daniel Munoz, the 30-year-old Colombia international, according to The Athletic.
  • Napoli are weighing up a loan move for Newcastle and Germany striker Nick Woltemade, 24, per Fabrizio Romano.
  • Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, 28, as the club look to shore up their defence, reports GiveMeSport.
  • Chelsea are in advanced talks to sell Spanish striker Marc Guiu, 20, to Napoli, with Sky Sports reporting the deal is progressing well.
  • Enzo Fernandez remains hopeful of sealing a move from Chelsea to Manchester City, with Fabrizio Romano indicating the Argentina midfielder has not given up on the transfer.
  • Leeds have given goalkeeper Lucas Perri permission to finalise a loan move to Torino, while the Yorkshire club are also looking at Standard Liege stopper Matthieu Epolo as cover.
  • Hull City are close to agreeing a deal to sign French striker Robinio Vaz, 19, from AS Roma, per The Athletic.
  • Moise Kean is increasingly likely to join Como from Fiorentina in a deal that could reach £35m, according to Sky Sports Italy.

It is shaping up to be a busy weekend of activity as clubs look to get their summer business over the line ahead of the new season. Arsenal's continued push for Alvarez is the headline act, but the Ndiaye and Leao situations are ones to watch closely over the coming days.

Frequently asked

Why does Arsenal want Julian Alvarez?
Arsenal are keen on Julian Alvarez as a high-quality attacking option. The 26-year-old Argentina forward wants to leave Atletico Madrid, and Arsenal have refused to give up on signing him despite the expected cost of the deal.
How much do Everton want for Iliman Ndiaye?
Everton value Iliman Ndiaye at around £80m. Manchester City have identified the 26-year-old Senegal international as a target, but Everton are not expected to let him leave cheaply.
Is Rafael Leao leaving AC Milan this summer?
Rafael Leao's future at AC Milan is uncertain. Aston Villa have made direct contact with the club and the player over a potential move, and Galatasaray are also said to be interested in the 27-year-old Portugal winger.