Julián Álvarez speculation grows at Barcelona

The transfer chatter around Barcelona refuses to quiet as the club prepares for the new season. When quizzed about forward Julián Álvarez ahead of the La Liga opener against Elche, head coach Hansi Flick refused to be drawn: “I know you don’t want to hear it, but I don’t want to speak about Julián.” The famously brief response has done little to dampen the speculation.

Inter make it clear Lautaro goes nowhere

Across the continent, club director Giuseppe Marotta of Inter Milan made it clear the Serie A side will not countenance any exit for Argentine striker Lautaro Martínez amid reports of Barcelona's interest.

Marotta insisted Inter “do not want to let him go in any way or for any reason,” closing the door on a move for the forward some see as a natural answer to Barcelona's unresolved hunt for a number nine.

With no incoming centre-forward confirmed before the opener at Elche, Hansi Flick will have to find his answers within the current attacking group for the time being.