Arsenal hatch Julian Alvarez back-up plan as transfer talks reach crucial stage
Julian Alvarez is still being followed by Arsenal(Image: 2026 Juan Manuel Serrano Arce)
Arsenal have hatched some alternative attacking options in the event they cannot sign Julian Alvarez. The Gunners have been in the hunt for a marquee forward signing all summer.
Alvarez looks set to join the list of names, which also includes Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers, to turn down a move to the north Londoners this summer. His heart has been set on a move to Barcelona, but with Atletico Madrid refusing to sell to the Catalans, he looks set to remain at the Wanda Metropolitano.
It was claimed last weekend Alvarez has informed Mikel Arteta he does not want to move to north London. Arsenal have remained hopeful Alvarez could change his mind, but in the event they cannot convince him, a list of other attacking options – which are believed to include Iliman N'Diaye – have been drawn up.
The Guardian understands the Senegal international was on Arsenal's transfer shortlist for this summer. He may also be an unattainable signing, as Manchester City are in advanced talks over a £65million deal to sign him.
Other options are being considered by the reigning Premier League champions. Arsenal are beginning to look rather short in the forward line. Leandro Trossard left the club for Besiktas earlier in the transfer window and Gabriel Martinelli is set to join Al-Hilal for a club-record £56m.
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Gabriel Jesus is also on his way to Barcelona with Fabio Vieira expected to move to Hamburg this summer, while Ethan Nwaneri is going to join Borussia Dortmund on loan today.
When it comes to the left wing, summer signing Christos Tzolis is expected to be first choice, although Eberechi Eze was deployed in the position from the bench in the 1-0 away victory over Aston Villa.
When asked about the prospect of signing Julian Alvarez on transfer deadline day, Arteta bluntly said: "I don’t know. That’s for the people upstairs."
Iliman Ndiaye has also been linked with Manchester United and Tottenham(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
The Gunners' boss did suggest the club will look to wrap up some signings on Transfer Deadline Day. He replied: "We are trying to improve the squad and until tomorrow night we are going to do that.
"I have been disconnected from the world for 24 hours because I think my energy and focus has to be on the match, but I will get back on it now.”
This summer, Arsenal have spent north of £200m on Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier.
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