Arsenal have intensified their summer transfer activity after a slow start, with manager Mikel Arteta prioritising the signing of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. The Gunners clinched their first Premier League title in 22 years last season but are determined to further strengthen their squad.
First Signings and Ongoing Targets
Arsenal's first signing of the summer was defender Piero Hincapie, who completed a permanent £34.5 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen after spending last season on loan at the Emirates Stadium. The club has since been working on personal terms with multiple targets, including Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes, and Andria Bartishvili.
Their only new addition so far is former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who joined on a free transfer last week. However, the club is now focusing on more significant deals.
Julian Alvarez Becomes Priority
According to BBC Sport, Julian Alvarez is Arsenal's top target for the summer. The 26-year-old Argentine forward has been linked with the Gunners for months, despite his preference to join Barcelona. Atletico Madrid have rejected an £86 million bid from Barcelona and are far more receptive to selling Alvarez to the Premier League champions.
Reports from Argentine outlet Clarin Deportivo suggest that Arsenal are “following every movement” and will present themselves as a serious alternative if Barcelona fail to agree a deal. Arteta is reportedly a huge fan of the forward, who is seen as a priority ahead of other targets like Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola. Any move is expected to proceed only after the World Cup campaigns of the players involved end this week.
Viktor Gyokeres Swap Plan
Talksport reports that Arsenal have explored the possibility of using striker Viktor Gyokeres in a swap deal for Alvarez. Gyokeres had a mixed first season at the Emirates, scoring 21 goals in all competitions and helping the Gunners end their 22-year title drought. However, his technical level was often below that of his teammates, and he frequently went missing in games.
The report indicates that it is unclear whether a swap deal will materialise, as Arsenal are not certain they want to part with Gyokeres. Atletico Madrid are interested in the Swedish striker, but club-to-club talks for Alvarez remain exploratory rather than advanced.
