Arsenal have reportedly made a last-ditch offer to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, while also opening talks with Galatasaray over a move for Victor Osimhen, according to reports in Spain and Italy.
The Gunners began their Premier League title defence with a 3-0 win over Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night. Kai Havertz opened the scoring, with further goals from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard securing the victory.
Despite that attacking display, Mikel Arteta's side are continuing to strengthen their striking options. Alvarez remains a top target, even though the Argentine has made clear his preference is to join Barcelona.
Alvarez offer made
According to SPORT, Arsenal have submitted a last-ditch offer to convince the 26-year-old to move to north London. The Spanish outlet claims Atletico prefer to sell Alvarez to Arsenal over their La Liga rivals, with the Gunners prepared to offer Victor Gyokeres plus €80million (£68m) for the striker.
The report also states Arsenal are willing to offer Alvarez an annual salary of €25m (£21m), which would make him one of the club's highest-paid players. The figure, reportedly offered in a last-ditch attempt to persuade the striker to return to the Premier League, would see Alvarez double his wages.
Osimhen negotiations
Should Arsenal fail to convince Alvarez to sign, they have alternative plans. According to Foot Mercato, Arteta's side have begun negotiations with Galatasaray over Victor Osimhen.
The Nigeria international's name was previously raised in talks when the Turkish club looked to secure the signings of Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli. Osimhen has been a success in Turkey, leading Galatasaray to back-to-back league titles.
The 27-year-old's future has been uncertain, with Tottenham also reported to be interested in the former Napoli striker. The Italian outlet claims Osimhen's current salary of £17.1m would be a sticking point in any deal, requiring the striker to accept a significant wage cut.
