Arsenal have received encouraging news in the transfer market after their perfect start to the new season, with talks held over a potential deal for Julian Alvarez and speculation over Kenan Yildiz reportedly shut down.
The Premier League champions began their title defence with a 3-0 win over newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday night, following their Community Shield victory over Manchester City. Goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard secured the opening-day win, and sporting director Andrea Berta continues to search for a world class attacker.
Julian Alvarez meeting held
Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal officials held talks with Atletico Madrid in London on Friday regarding a potential deal for Julian Alvarez. The Argentine striker is regarded as Arteta's priority target this summer, though numerous hurdles have prevented the Gunners from securing their man thus far.
The 26-year-old is keen to depart Atletico - where he has scored 49 goals in 107 appearances - but has consistently made clear his desire to join Barcelona. Atletico, however, refuse to sell their star man to a La Liga competitor. They would demand a substantial club record fee from Arsenal should the player even consent to moving to north London. Earlier this summer, Atletico rejected a £129m Real Madrid bid for the forward.
Romano has revealed details of the discussions, explaining that Alvarez hasn't turned down the English champions despite his Barcelona preference. Arsenal are said to respect this position and understand any deal would come at a premium. The Italian journalist claims Arsenal made clear they wish to be informed by both club and player of any developments over the next seven days before the window closes, enabling them to re-enter talks should an opportunity arise.
Despite his standoff with club hierarchy, Alvarez was named in Diego Simeone's squad to face Villarreal on Sunday. The forward was jeered off the pitch by his own fans and had to be escorted down the tunnel by club staff after Atleti's 2-2 draw. Simeone said: "It was a club decision to not let Julian Alvarez go over with his team-mates to greet the fans." Ahead of the match, he said: "For me, Julian is an extremely important player for us to achieve our objectives. As long as he's with the team, I'm going to look after him."
Kenan Yildiz rumours shut down
Arsenal's quest for a high-profile attacking star has also seen them target Kenan Yildiz, although their chances of securing the Juventus star are now reportedly dashed. The 21-year-old Turkey international is believed to be one of Arteta's dream signings and has been on their radar for some time.
The Gunners are even thought to be prepared to shell out £85m for his services. However, Juventus hold all the cards, given Yildiz only put pen to paper on a four-year contract extension in February. The winger has 27 goals in 132 games for the Old Lady.
Manager Luciano Spalletti has now poured cold water on the escalating speculation about Yildiz's potential switch to north London. "I am perfectly relaxed, because dealing with Yildiz is easy for me," Spalletti said at a press conference ahead of Juventus' Serie A opener at Frosinone on Sunday. "They can offer whatever they like, I want Yildiz here and will always put him on the field. He's a perfect lad to talk to, he's mature, and knows he doesn't need to rush anything."
"His future is already important staying at Juventus, not because there are other clubs who want to spend €100m for him. We are all convinced that we can show the total potential of Kenan, and he is a potential phenomenon of football. The fans are convinced too."
