Arsenal have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez after Manchester City and Liverpool agreed terms on a late £85million deal for Cody Gakpo, according to reports. The Gunners' Premier League rivals are working on the transfer before the summer window closes, with Gakpo nearing a move to the Etihad to link up with Enzo Maresca.
City had been linked with Alvarez alongside Arsenal and Barcelona, though the Atletico Madrid forward has made his desire to stay in Spain clear. Atletico released a statement earlier this week confirming they have no plans to sell to Barcelona.
Atletico's stance on Barcelona
The statement read: "The members of Atletico Madrid's Board of Directors have unanimously expressed their full support for the club's decision not to negotiate the transfer of Julian Alvarez to FC Barcelona.
"The members of the Board of Directors are aware that Atletico Madrid is open to negotiations that are part of the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs."
"We fully support the position previously communicated by the club that FC Barcelona have not met these requirements and, as a result, there have been no negotiations, nor will there be any negotiations with them regarding the transfer of Julian Alvarez."
Gakpo move opens door for Arsenal
While this development has greatly strengthened Arsenal's chances of landing Alvarez, the Gunners will equally welcome a shift elsewhere. In addition to their former forward, Maresca's City had also been touted as potential suitors for Liverpool forward Gakpo.
Tottenham, who have been spending heavily, provided competition for the Dutchman, but he now looks to have opted for a move to the Etihad instead, with all sides currently in negotiations to reach a deal before the transfer window shuts.
Should they succeed in doing so in time, it seems improbable they will pursue both Gakpo and Alvarez, potentially leaving the door ajar for Arsenal.
One hurdle remains for Arteta's side
With that particular rival out of the picture, just one hurdle remains for Arsenal in their pursuit of the forward — convincing Alvarez himself to make the move to north London. The former City man has made a switch to Barcelona his primary goal throughout much of the summer, and whether he would be prepared to reconsider in the final days of the window remains to be seen.
From his perspective, Arteta would be willing to sanction a substantial transfer, but only if Alvarez is genuinely enthusiastic about joining the Emirates. Arsenal have already splashed the cash considerably this summer as they look to retain their Premier League title, wrapping up high-profile deals for Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Christos Tzolis and Piero Hincapie.
