Arsenal have just days left to complete their summer transfer business, which appears to be centred around Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. The Argentine is their primary target and comes with a £128million price tag, but the Gunners are prepared to break the bank to bring him in. That is only if he gives the green light to move back to England, however, as Alvarez is still holding out for Barcelona.
Deadline set for Alvarez decision
Atletico handed Arsenal a deadline to secure the signing of Alvarez. According to Sky Sports, the La Liga outfit want their striker's future settled on Sunday, leaving the Gunners with just hours to persuade him to return to the Premier League.
Atletico are adamant that they will not negotiate with their La Liga rivals but have no issue keeping the player at the club if he does not wish to leave for Arsenal either. Alvarez's dream move to Barcelona has been blocked by Atletico, with the club only considering offers from overseas. As things stand, Arsenal remain the only realistic option for the Argentine should he choose to leave the Spanish capital.
Player preference and talks
The 26-year-old spent five hours in talks with his closest advisers earlier this week, weighing up whether to remain at Atletico and rebuild his relationship with supporters, who jeered him last weekend, or to commit to Arteta's project. However, The Athletic journalist David Ornstein told HBO Max on Saturday that there was little likelihood of the player choosing Arsenal.
Alvarez reportedly spoke directly with Arteta and informed the manager that he has no interest in making the move. Despite the deal failing to progress as anticipated, Arsenal remain unfazed by the growing prospect of entering the new campaign without securing Alvarez's signature.
Marli Salmon signs first professional contract
Marli Salmon has put pen to paper on his first professional contract with the Gunners. The highly-rated defensive youngster has spent seven years at the north London club and has now been rewarded with a professional deal, having celebrated his 17th birthday on Saturday.
The centre-back originally joined Arsenal as an Under-11 player, featuring as a forward. However, since transitioning to the defensive line, the talented youngster has caught Arteta's eye and was part of the first-team setup last season as the Gunners secured the title.
Salmon reflected on his landmark achievement, saying: "It means a lot to me. A lot of hard work went into this, a lot of ups and downs, but I'm so proud. I think it's a proud moment for my family as well, I think it's a reward for them as well, because they put so much time and effort into me. It's proof of their hard work as much as mine."
Speaking about his positional change from striker to defender, he added: "I was an attacker in those days, so it was a bit different, but it was good. It sounds kind of cliched but it's a lot of ups and downs, a lot of tough times. Sometimes you really go through adversity, but it's built me to the person I am today, so I'm thankful for it."
