Arsenal’s top striker target now finally considering move

Spanish outlet Marca report that Julian Alvarez finally sees that his only option to leave Atletico Madrid this summer is to join Arsenal, accepting that his current club won’t let him leave for Barcelona.

Alvarez has now missed two days of training in a row, informing Atletico that he’s unwell and unable to train.

But Marca report that everything that’s happened with Alvarez in the last few weeks is inviting him to think about a departure to Arsenal for the first time.

Miguel Delaney reported for the Independent on Wednesday that Atletico want the situation resolved by Friday, pushing the player into a decision.

One advantage that Arsenal have is that both Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus are reportedly appealing to the Madrid side, so the Gunners could organise a part-swap deal.

Delaney agreed that Alvarez’s view on an Arsenal move has softened, with the Gunners promising to play him in his best position and build their attack around him.

James Olley reports for ESPN that Arsenal are willing to surpass their club-record transfer fee (£105m for Declan Rice) to sign Alvarez, and the Gunners have positioned themselves to strike if the player shows a willingness to join.

That hasn’t necessarily happened yet, but it seems Arsenal are closer than ever to getting that approval.