Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are set to battle over the signing of Julian Alvarez following the Champions League final, with the French champions having made a more direct pitch for the Argentine star. The Atletico Madrid forward is a key target for Arsenal, but the situation may also see both Bournemouth's Junior Kroupi and Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers end up at the Emirates as the club seeks to build on their Premier League victory.
Arsenal's Interest in Alvarez
Mikel Arteta is a known admirer of Alvarez, with Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone having already revealed that Arsenal were one of his suitors. However, The Independent has been told that PSG have made a more direct pitch regarding wages and have signalled a willingness to meet Atletico's asking price of €125 million (£108 million). Atletico are intent on holding firm at that figure, which may put pressure on Alvarez to push for any move he selects. Sources close to the player indicate his first choice would be Barcelona, but the Catalan club do not have anywhere near the necessary funds.
Alternative Targets for Arsenal
Arsenal do have the financial resources but, as with last summer, want to carefully consider how to maximise their budget. There has been progress regarding a move for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, with Arsenal among several potential buyers, including Chelsea, Manchester United and notably PSG. Aston Villa's preference would obviously be to keep their star, but there are good relations between the club and Rogers if he wished to move on. The Villa Park hierarchy are also mindful of the potential strategy of cashing in on Rogers to replenish the squad and take it to another level after recent difficulties with financial rules.
Arsenal's new status as champions of England has given them a powerful new bargaining position. They are also pursuing Junior Kroupi, who played a key role in the title win with that goal in Bournemouth's decisive 1-1 draw against Manchester City. As reported in the Inside Football newsletter, Arsenal aim to bring in three or four players, with a similar number expected to leave. Gabriel Jesus is likely to be allowed to take up one of many offers from the Brazilian league for a nominal fee of around £5 million, with the saving on his high wages providing considerable room under financial regulations.
