Arsenal have contacted club for 'spectacular' 20-goal star, Gunners learn asking price
Atletico Madrid are open to the prospect of selling Julian Alvarez to Arsenal after snubbing proposals from Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer, according to The Athletic.
The Gunners have already reinforced their attack with the signing of Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, but the club are still keen on making a marquee acquisition before the transfer deadline.
Alvarez has been earmarked as a prime target for some time, and The Athletic claim that Atletico would be prepared to entertain his sale to Arsenal for a package worth £128.3 million.
The La Liga giants have made it clear they would not consider selling him to Barcelona or rivals Real Madrid, but have left the door open for the Gunners to discuss a suitable deal.
The Gunners were in contact with Atletico and Alvarez’s camp last week over a potential move, but as things stand, the striker has shown no desire to join the Premier League holders.
He is leaning towards Barcelona despite Atletico’s firm stance. Arsenal are waiting to see whether the player’s priority changes. It is still unlikely that they would be willing to pay £128.3m.
Arsenal should move on from Alvarez
The Argentine has been a consistent performer for Atletico since his big-money move from Manchester City two years ago. He netted 29 goals and provided eight assists in his debut campaign.
Last year, he had a tough league season with Diego Simeone’s side but stood out in the Champions League with 14 goal involvements in 15 games. He ended up with 20 goals and nine assists in all competitions.
Alvarez would suit Arsenal’s playing style with his mobility and creativity, in addition to his goalscoring. The 26-year-old could become the club’s regular centre-forward under manager Mikel Arteta if he were to join this summer.
However, his transfer stance has been the main concern. Alvarez, described as ‘spectacular‘ by Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsi, has been holding out for a dream switch to the Blaugrana since the beginning of the transfer window.
While Alvarez is tempted by Arsenal’s sporting project, the World Cup winner seems reluctant to commit, given the bureaucracy and the restrictions on visas in the UK, which affect his relatives from visiting him.
It is highlighted as a prime reason behind his reluctance to join the Gunners. With multiple roadblocks, we believe Arsenal should move on from Alvarez and pursue another marquee forward before the deadline.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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