Arsenal are reportedly prioritising a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as they look to bolster their attacking options this summer.
The Gunners are eager to strengthen their squad ahead of next season’s Premier League title defence, with Mikel Arteta targeting a high-profile forward.
Alvarez and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola had both been heavily linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks.
The Argentine has publicly confirmed his desire to leave Atletico Madrid, setting off a scramble among Europe’s top clubs to secure his signature.
Barcelona made an approach to their La Liga rivals involving Ferran Torres plus cash for the 26-year-old, but Atletico rejected that offer outright.
Alvarez carries a reported release clause of €500million (£432m), and Atletico have made clear that any interested club must match their valuation.
Barcola struggled for regular game time at PSG last season, which prompted speculation that the French winger could be made available this summer.
Arsenal and Liverpool were both credited with interest in the PSG forward, but the European champions are understood to want to keep him.
The situation with Barcola could yet change following the World Cup, but Arsenal are currently directing their focus toward completing a deal for Alvarez instead.
The Gunners are pushing to finalise an agreement before pre-season begins, with a key sticking point being the fee, as Arsenal are reluctant to exceed £90m while Atletico are holding out for north of £100m.
In a further positive development for Arsenal, Spanish radio station COPE has reported that Atletico are refusing to negotiate with Barcelona and are instead actively working with the Gunners on a deal.
Alvarez himself addressed his future in June, stating: “I spoke with people at the club, with those I had to speak with and the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream.”
He added: “It’s not the time to talk about this, but I also can’t hide it. I try to be an honest person.”
Those candid words underline just how determined Alvarez is to secure a move away from the Wanda Metropolitano this summer.
Arsenal will be hopeful that Atletico’s willingness to work toward a deal means an agreement can be reached before the new campaign gets underway.
