Arsenal are actively pursuing a deal for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez before the pre-season period commences. The 26-year-old Argentina forward, who scored an extra-time winner for his national team in their 3-1 victory over Switzerland during the World Cup, is a primary target for Mikel Arteta’s side. While Alvarez has expressed openness to a move to Arsenal, his preference has reportedly been to remain in Spain, with either Barcelona or Real Madrid.
Atletico Madrid, however, has maintained a stance against selling Alvarez to either of their rivals, a position reflected in social media posts. This situation has contributed to delays in high-profile transfer dealings. Paris Saint-Germain had previously shown interest in Alvarez, but this was seen as potentially testing the market as they evaluated various options for their squad.
The pursuit of Alvarez by Arsenal comes amid reports that they do not wish to exceed a transfer fee of £90m, while Atletico Madrid is seeking upwards of £100m. Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, is involved in negotiations with his former club, Atletico Madrid, regarding this potential transfer. The World Cup has also reportedly slowed down what was already a protracted transfer process for Alvarez.
In a related development, Arsenal had previously considered France forward Bradley Barcola as an alternative target. There was initial encouragement that a deal for Barcola could be possible, as the Qatar-owned club was reportedly considering a reshaping of its attack. However, Paris Saint-Germain is now understood to want to retain the young player, making him unavailable for transfer, which has redirected Arsenal’s focus back to Alvarez.
One report suggests that Arsenal has explored the possibility of including Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, 28, as part of a deal to bring Alvarez to the club. Barcelona is also expected to resume their pursuit of Alvarez after the World Cup and could offer one of their players as part of a potential transfer agreement. Amid this, Barcelona is looking to offer Spain forward Ferran Torres, 26, a new contract due to interest from Paris Saint-Germain, though they plan to wait until September because of financial regulations.
Meanwhile, Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, 28, is reportedly set to leave the club this summer, with Barcelona showing interest in the Argentina defender. This potential departure marks a significant development for the London club.
Other transfer activities include Liverpool making fresh contact with Paris Saint-Germain regarding a potential summer move for Bradley Barcola, 23. However, Liverpool has also dismissed a new approach for Curtis Jones, 25, with Inter Milan’s improved bid falling short of their asking price. Inter Milan’s offer was reported to be around £27m, while Liverpool’s asking price stands at £30m for the England midfielder.
Arsenal is also attempting to sell Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus, 29, with AC Milan among the leading clubs interested in acquiring his services. Sunderland is reportedly close to finalising the signing of Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier, 34, following his departure from Lille. Additionally, Everton has intensified its long-standing interest in Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy, 22, with recent discussions taking place regarding a potential move for the England Under-21 defender.
In other news, the agents of Crysencio Summerville, 24, have met with Roma concerning a move for the Netherlands forward from West Ham. USA goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, 22, is currently on trial with Strasbourg, with a view to a transfer from Chelsea.
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Source: bbc.com
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”