Arteta personally contacts £170m-rated star again over Arsenal move
Mikel Arteta has reportedly spoken directly with Julian Alvarez again as Arsenal continue exploring an ambitious late move for the Atletico Madrid forward.
Arsenal have maintained their interest in Alvarez despite considerable obstacles surrounding a deal, and Arteta is now said to have personally renewed his efforts to convince the Argentina international.
According to Spanish outlet ElDesmarque, the Arsenal manager recently contacted Alvarez for a second time to explain how much he wants the 26-year-old at the Emirates Stadium this season.
The latest conversation follows earlier contact between the pair and suggests Arsenal have not abandoned one of their leading attacking targets despite missing out on Vinicius Junior earlier this month.
However, Alvarez is understood to have reiterated that Barcelona would be his preferred destination should he leave Atletico this summer, while reports in Spain have also claimed he is reluctant to return to the Premier League.
Arsenal therefore face a significant challenge to change the former Manchester City forward’s mind before the transfer window closes.
There could nevertheless be encouragement from Atletico’s position regarding Barcelona, with earlier reports indicating that the Madrid club would prefer Alvarez to move to Arsenal rather than strengthen a direct La Liga rival.
Atletico have publicly maintained an even firmer stance, repeatedly insisting that Alvarez is not for sale despite persistent interest from both clubs.
Chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has previously claimed the forward would not be sold even for €200 million, while Diego Simeone has continued to stress the importance of Alvarez to his plans.
That has not stopped Arsenal testing the situation as they consider whether another major attacking addition can improve Arteta’s squad.
Alvarez’s qualities make the interest understandable because he can operate through the middle, behind another striker or from wider positions, giving Arteta several potential ways to incorporate him.
He also already knows English football after spending two seasons at Manchester City, where he won two Premier League titles and the Champions League before joining Atletico in 2024.
The Argentina international produced 20 goals and 10 assists across 52 appearances in all competitions for Atletico last season, including 10 goals and four assists in the Champions League.
Arsenal have already strengthened their attack with Christos Tzolis this summer, but Arteta has repeatedly indicated that the club will act again if an available player can significantly improve the squad.
Alvarez would comfortably satisfy that requirement, although Arsenal would seemingly need three difficult pieces to fall into place: Atletico agreeing to negotiate, the clubs finding an acceptable fee and the player being persuaded to choose north London over Barcelona.
Arteta appears determined to tackle the final part personally, with his latest conversation showing that Arsenal are still prepared to test Alvarez’s resolve before conceding defeat.
The post Arteta personally contacts £170m-rated star again over Arsenal move first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.
