Mikel Arteta has personally reached out to Julian Alvarez in a final effort to convince him to join Arsenal this summer. Alvarez has been regarded as a dream signing at the Emirates with a move first explored at the start of the year. While Viktor Gyokeres ended his first season at the club with a very respectable haul of 21 goals, Arteta has been eager to further strengthen up front.
Alvarez's preference for Barcelona
Alvarez has been Arsenal’s leading target in attack but the former Manchester City star prefers a move to Barcelona, revealing his hopes of making his move to the Camp Nou during the World Cup. Barcelona have repeatedly angered Atletico with their pursuit of the striker, however, with Diego Simeone’s side determined not to do business with them having already rejected an opening bid of €100million (£86.4m).
Atletico's stance and Arsenal's offer
While they wish to hold onto Alvarez, Atletico would be more willing to sell him to Arsenal with reports in Spain suggesting they have actively tried to steer him towards the Premier League, efforts that have been unsuccessful. While they do not want to sell to Barcelona at any price, reports have claimed Atletico would demand up to €150million (£130m) if forced to let him go.
Arsenal have made one last play to try and sign Alvarez this summer with El Desmarque reporting Arteta has phoned up the striker in recent days to try talk him into the move. Alvarez however has reiterated he only wants to join Barcelona if he is to leave the Spanish capital this summer. Arsenal have also reportedly offered to include Gyokeres in a deal for the Argentine, immediately solving Atletico’s need to find a replacement.
Arsenal exploring other options
But Alvarez has not been tempted by a return to England. The Premier League champions have already begun exploring other options with a move for Victor Osimhen discussed. A deal was discussed with Galatasaray last week as part of talks for Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli. Osimhen refused to rule out a move away from Galatasaray but the Turkish club have so far ruled out a summer sale, even rejecting a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League.
