Arsenal tried one last time
In Spain, we can say that this summer was marked by incessant transfer rumors around Julián Álvarez. But like the title A.S.« What’s next? », he ultimately remains at Atlético de Madrid, at the close of the transfer window. Despite the strong interest of FC Barcelona and a last minute offer made by Arsenal, the Argentine striker himself communicated to Mateu Alemany his decision to continue with the Colchoneros. This outcome puts an end to months of tensions and clear-cut statements from CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, who constantly refused to sell his player. Sanctioned by whistles from the Metropolitano and weakened by a failed standoff, Álvarez must now regain the trust of the supporters and Diego Simeone on the pitch. The world champion thus rejoins the group with the priority objective of regaining his place and reversing the dynamic on the pitch.
The sad fate of Pablo Garcia
Still in Spain, it was madness on this last day, with 25 signatures in the final sprint. Marc Casadó and José María Giménez were loaned to Deportivo La Coruna, Youssouf Fofana joined Sevilla and Dani Ceballos signed freely for Betis Sevilla. This late return of Dani Ceballos to his training club immediately created a collateral victim within the Andalusian squad. To free up payroll and make room in the squad, the club had to resolve to urgently transfer its young hope Pablo García to Racing Santander. A departure sacrificed in the rush of the last day of the transfer window, directly caused by the night signing of the former Madrilenian. The player was seen in tears in his car, next to his mother, applauded by the supporters. He gave 15 years of his life to the club.
PSG missed a target
For its part, Paris Saint-Germain completed its transfer window without succeeding in finding its final reinforcement on the last day of the market. Despite the departures of Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye which fueled a discussion to densify the attack, the Parisian management did not want to overpay and was in reality targeting a right-handed central defender. But the appointment is made for January. Paris thus concludes an unprecedented summer under the QSI era with a largely positive financial balance: nearly €335 million in sales compared to €152 million in purchases, marked in particular by the departure of Renato Sanches whose contract was terminated. This market illustrates a change of strategic direction, putting an end to the image of “ Saint-Germain Prison » by letting players who want to leave the club go and now targeting young people aged 16 to 25 almost exclusively.
