Arsenal are fascinated with signing Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez this summer.
Alvarez, 25, left Manchester City in a £82million in the summertime of 2024, scoring 40 goals in 85 appearances in Spain.
Arsenal were credited with interest within the World Cup winner last summer before eventually shifting their focus to Viktor Gyokeres, signing the Sweden international from Sporting CP for £64million.
Gyokeres has thus far struggled within the English top flight with five Premier League goals this season – only one from open play in his last 16 games.
While Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz also offer options up top, ESPN report the Gunners are actually exploring the potential of a sensational summer swoop for Alvarez.
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta spent 12 years at Atletico and was the person who negotiated the deal that took Alvarez from City to Madrid. He retains strong links with the club and likewise has a detailed relationship with Alvarez’s agent Fernando Hidalgo.
The report suggests any move would require a suggestion in excess of €100million (£87m) to even tempt Atletico into doing business.
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Arsenal are said to have made informal enquiries at this stage to find out whether a deal is feasible and can determine whether to firm up that interest later within the 12 months.
Arsenal aren’t alone in admiring Alvarez with Barcelona wanting to keep him in La Liga. The Catalans’ fraught financial state nonetheless could place him out of their reach.
Chelsea have also been named as a club fascinated with signing the previous River Plate teenager with reports in Spain this week claiming the striker is open to a return to the Premier League.
Asked concerning the speculation surrounding his future at Atletico last month, Alvarez said: ‘Look, it doesn’t hassle me. I try to not pay much attention, but I do know what’s being said.
‘It’s throughout social media. I feel it’s more what’s being said online than what’s actually happening.
‘I’m very focused on this season, on what lies ahead with Atletico Madrid. So, I attempt to tune it out and take into consideration myself, about continuing to grow as a player, and about winning.’
Gyokeres has scored nine goals in all competitions this season including two in every week against formidable opposition in Chelsea and Inter Milan within the Carabao Cup and Champions League respectively.
But interest in one other striker would suggest the club are considering bringing in an upgrade.
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