Enzo Fernández, Dibu Martínez, Julián Álvarez lead European transfer tension

Three stars of Argentina’s men’s national football team have been in the spotlight in recent days as each navigates turbulent waters in the European transfer market. Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, Enzo Fernández and Julián Álvarez all look set to change clubs. Of the three, Álvarez has the darkest skies ahead. The former River Plate star is in a stalemate with his current club, Atlético de Madrid, as he pushes for a dream move to FC Barcelona. According to the Spanish outlet COPE, Álvarez submitted a medical report to the club on Friday, citing depression as the reason for missing his third consecutive training session ahead of the Colchoneros’ match against Sevilla, scheduled for Saturday. He was later ruled out of the match. Atlético de Madrid has taken a firm stance against selling him to FC Barcelona, a rival in the race for the Spanish league title, by demanding his €500 million (US$583 million) release clause. According to Spanish outlets, the Madrid team is open to selling the Argentine striker to English Premier League outfit Arsenal for €150 million (just under US$174 million), a move Álvarez and his entourage have allegedly rejected. Last Sunday, Álvarez was whistled off the field after making his return for the Madrid club. He later went straight to the locker room alone following the final whistle, drawing another round of jeers from the fans.  Atlético de Madrid head coach and fellow Argentine Diego Simeone later explained that the club had ordered the player to exit on his own to avoid further altercations. Dibu’s painted blue The European transfer market has been far easier to navigate for “Dibu” Martínez. The Albiceleste mainstay between the posts spent another offseason surrounded by transfer rumors, much as he did last season, when he looked set to move from Aston Villa to Manchester United. This time, a potential move to Juventus appeared to be in the works before falling through, with English sports outlets also reporting interest from Tottenham. However, Chelsea stepped up the chase for the Mar del Plata-born player, with reports that a transfer fee of £7.5 million (around US$8.75 million) had been agreed. The goalkeeper is set to travel to London on Friday to sign a two-year contract with an option for an additional year. The 2022 World Cup winner was one of the standout stars for Villa during a season in which head coach Unai Emery’s side lifted the Europa League title, finishing well inside the Premier League top four. Last week, Aston Villa confirmed the signing of the man set to replace Dibu, Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, fueling speculation of a deal with Chelsea. Enzo likes Enzo Just as one Qatar 2022 winner makes his way to west London, another looks all but set to depart, as midfielder Enzo Fernández faces increasing speculation over a move to Manchester City. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano was the first to report the Cityzens’ interest, saying the Manchester club was “set to submit a formal bid before the transfer deadline” for Fernández and that the player had “given the green light” to the move. A key factor in the transfer is undoubtedly Manchester City’s recently appointed head coach, Italian Enzo Maresca. The man who took over from legendary coach Pep Guardiola was Chelsea’s coach until last season, and Fernández is reportedly interested in reuniting with him. While no official numbers are out yet, the deal is reportedly shaping up to be completed for more than €140 million (US$160 million), which would make the former River Plate man the most expensive signing in Premier League history.