Arsenal have made a renewed bid to sign World Cup winner Julian Alvarez, with the club also making progress on a deal for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports.
Arsenal Push for Alvarez
Mikel Arteta guided Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2004 last season but believes reinforcements are needed to stay ahead of rivals. The club identified Atletico Madrid striker Alvarez as a top summer target after Viktor Gyokeres' mixed first year at the Emirates. Arteta signed Gyokeres from Sporting for £64m last summer, and the Sweden international scored 14 goals in the title-winning campaign. However, concerns over Gyokeres' general play led to a belief that an upgrade was needed, with Alvarez at the top of Arteta's wishlist.
Alvarez has scored 49 goals in two seasons at Atletico since leaving Manchester City, where he won back-to-back Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola. The 26-year-old had a slow start to the World Cup, failing to score in his first five appearances before a crucial goal in Argentina's quarter-final win over Switzerland.
His future has been subject to much speculation, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and PSG also interested. Atletico have insisted Alvarez is not for sale and criticised rival clubs' pursuits, but Arsenal have made a fresh effort to sign him, according to The Independent. The Gunners are 'pushing' to see if a deal can be struck before Arteta's squad returns for pre-season training.
While Alvarez prefers to stay in Spain and is keen on Barcelona or Real Madrid, he is 'open' to a move to the new Premier League champions. A stumbling block is his price tag: Arsenal are reluctant to pay over £90m, while Atletico want well over £100m.
Progress on Bruno Guimaraes
Arsenal continue to work on a deal for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Arteta views the Brazilian as an ideal midfield target. Arsenal had a verbal approach worth £45m knocked back by Newcastle and are ready to test their resolve with an improved offer, having already agreed personal terms with Guimaraes, who has told Newcastle he wants to leave.
Alvarez is not the only World Cup star Arsenal are targeting; they also admire England and Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers.
