Arsenal Engage in High-Stakes Transfer Talks for Atletico Madrid Star
Arsenal Football Club have reportedly initiated exploratory discussions regarding a potential blockbuster move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, with the deal valued at approximately £87 million. This development emerges as the Gunners, currently leading both the Premier League and their Champions League group, seek to strengthen their squad for a sustained push across multiple competitions under manager Mikel Arteta.
Alvarez Deal Could Reunite Striker with Former Director
According to reports from TalkSPORT, Arsenal have held preliminary talks to sign the Argentine forward, who previously played under Manchester City. Atletico Madrid are said to be open to considering a sale of the player they acquired for around €100 million. The potential transfer is intriguingly linked to Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, who was instrumental in bringing Alvarez to the Spanish capital during his previous tenure at Atletico.
Berta maintains a strong professional relationship with the 24-year-old striker, which could prove advantageous in negotiations. However, Arsenal are expected to face significant competition, notably from Barcelona, for Alvarez's signature. The player still has over four years remaining on his current contract, indicating that any deal would command a substantial fee.
Alvarez has demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess at Atletico, netting 40 times in 85 appearances under manager Diego Simeone. His potential arrival would add considerable firepower to an Arsenal attack already performing at an elite level this season.
Arteta Hints at January Activity Amid Squad Considerations
Manager Mikel Arteta has recently hinted that Arsenal could be active in the January transfer window, acknowledging the need to assess squad requirements carefully. "The window is there and I mean we are Arsenal and we have to be looking at it, 'Okay, what do we need?'" Arteta stated last month. He emphasised the importance of preparation, noting that while injuries have impacted availability, the club must remain proactive in the market.
Arteta further explained, "Our job is to always be very prepared because something can happen, so hopefully it'll be very positive. When you look across the other clubs, they have 24 or 25 squad players. Although we have had more injuries than expected, some of them not avoidable, we want to be better and we know how important the part of having the right availability with players is going to be this season."
Zinchenko's Future Subject of Intense Negotiations
In other transfer developments, Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko's future is being actively discussed. The Ukrainian, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, is reportedly the subject of direct talks between Ajax's director of football Jordi Cruyff and Arteta. Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur claims Cruyff is personally driving the effort to secure Zinchenko, even making a lengthy car journey to watch a match before contacting Arteta to advance the deal.
Initially, reports suggested Zinchenko would be recalled from Forest for a subsequent loan move to Ajax. However, recent indications suggest Arsenal may now be seeking a permanent transfer for the defender, marking a shift in their strategy regarding his future at the club.
Gabriel Jesus Linked with Serie A Departure
Meanwhile, Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is attracting interest from Italian clubs, with AC Milan and Juventus reportedly monitoring his situation. Italian publication Calciomercato IT suggests the 28-year-old Brazilian could be available for around €20 million (£17 million), with his contract set to expire in the summer. While Inter Milan have previously shown interest, their pursuit is said to have cooled recently.
Jesus has experienced a challenging period with injuries during his time at Arsenal, including an ACL injury that sidelined him at the start of this season. Since returning to fitness, he has contributed three goals and one assist in twelve appearances across all competitions, accumulating 415 minutes of playing time. His potential departure would represent a significant change in Arsenal's attacking options, particularly if Alvarez arrives as a replacement.
Context of Arsenal's Current Campaign
These transfer rumours unfold as Arsenal prepare for a crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester United this weekend. The Gunners currently enjoy a seven-point lead over nearest rivals Manchester City at the top of the table, despite City's own January reinforcements. Arsenal have yet to make significant first-team additions this month, having only sanctioned the departure of young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille.
The club's sporting director Andrea Berta oversaw substantial investment in the summer transfer window, building a squad capable of challenging for four trophies this season. As the January window progresses, Arsenal's activity—or lack thereof—could prove pivotal in their quest to end their trophy drought and maintain their position at the summit of English football.
