Transfer deadline day has arrived and Arsenal are still seeking at least one more addition to their squad. The Premier League champions have already strengthened in every area of the team, but Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are attempting to bring in a marquee forward before the window closes.
So far, they have failed to land a headline attacking signing. Vinicius Jr resisted the temptation to move to England after prolonged contract talks, while Morgan Rogers opted to sign for Chelsea rather than Arsenal. The Gunners are now focusing on Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, but the striker has yet to give the green light.
Alvarez twist emerges
Arsenal received a welcome lift in their pursuit of Alvarez on Sunday after reports emerged that Atletico Madrid are preparing for a future without the Argentine forward. The 26-year-old, whom the Gunners remain eager to sign as their record acquisition for approximately £128m, has yet to give Arteta the confirmation he desires.
Atletico have agreed a deal to bring Jonathan David to the club on loan from Juventus. The offer, which is understood to include a purchase option, may signal that the La Liga outfit are considering David as Alvarez's successor, which could spell promising news for Arsenal supporters.
Given that Atletico have stood in the way of Alvarez's coveted move to Barcelona, Arsenal remain the most probable destination for the striker should he opt to leave the Spanish capital. The player had been given until Sunday to notify Atletico of his intentions, in a bid to bring the drawn-out saga to a conclusion.
Fofana decision
Alvarez missed three club training sessions last week due to what Atletico described as an "indisposition", before working alone on Friday. He was, however, spotted back on the training ground alongside his team-mates on Sunday, with no announcement forthcoming regarding his future.
Arsenal are weighing up a possible move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana as they pursue alternatives if Alvarez does not join. The Athletic claim that Fofana has already spoken to Arteta and is viewed internally as a 'market opportunity' by the Gunners.
A left-sided forward may be more favourable to the club, having already sold Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli agreeing to a move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Lyon did not qualify for the Champions League and that setback appears to have opened the door for Arsenal.
