Julian Alvarez has been sold a persuasive argument on Arsenal, according to The Independent. Intermediaries are said to have convinced the Argentine that Mikel Arteta will use him in his preferred position while presenting a genuine chance of winning the Champions League together.
Gunners stand firm in Alvarez pursuit
The Gunners have remained determined to land the former Manchester City star despite his apparent preference for Barcelona. Atletico Madrid are reluctant to sell to a domestic rival, though, potentially leaving the door open for Arsenal to complete a deal.
Atletico issued a strongly-worded statement regarding the forward, who has been targeted by Arsenal and Barcelona and is set to miss this weekend's action due to illness.
"From a sporting perspective, I hope to help him in the best possible way so that he continues to be the vital player he is for us," Atleti boss Diego Simeone said. "Obviously, Julian won't be available tomorrow. Once Julian returns to train with us, we will give him everything we've always given him to make him feel, as he has felt, important, as he is to this team."
Martinelli close to Al-Hilal exit
Gabriel Martinelli looks to be closer to an Arsenal exit. According to CBS Sports, the forward's medical is booked for this weekend ahead of a move to Al-Hilal.
The deal for the Saudi side to sign Martinelli is worth around £55million. That is the same amount they paid for Crysencio Summerville during a busy window which will also see Ollie Watkins move to Riyadh.
Mikel Arteta spoke about the Brazilian's "personal" situation after an early exit from training during the week. "I think everybody knows and recognises how much we love Gabi," he said. "Whatever the outcome is, it will be because everybody agrees to that."
Arsenal will continue their Premier League campaign on Monday against Aston Villa, with time for more business to be completed before the trip to Villa Park. Ezri Konsa could make his Gunners debut against his old employers after completing a £51m switch, while Arteta said fellow summer signing Bruno Guimaraes is potentially available. Guimaraes missed the opener against Coventry City through injury, but another new signing, Greek winger Christos Tzolis, impressed in a 3-0 win.
