Arsenal‘s chase of Julian Alvarez looks set to be the biggest story of the summer transfer window’s final week but how close are Mikel Arteta‘s side to signing the Argentina forward from Atletico Madrid?
As of Tuesday morning there remains a significant amount of work to be done but the Gunners are, as reported by the Independent, encouraged that an agreement can be reached.
Atletico are demanding €150m (£128.4m) for the 26-year-old, who enjoyed a fine World Cup with Argentina, including an extra-time screamer to help down Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Having been unable to complete an audacious move for Vinicius Jr earlier in the window, the Premier League champions are looking to push on with another statement arrival that will level up their attack as they seek to retain their title and go one better in the Champions League after losing last season’s final in a penalty shootout to Paris Saint-Germain.
Here is everything we know about the possible blockbuster transfer.
Why is Arteta so keen?
The Arsenal manager is eager for a left-sided forward and he has a defined role in mind for Alvarez’s skillset. Arteta’s admiration for the former Manchester City player has been long held.
Leandro Trossard departed early in the summer and Gabriel Martinelli is expected to leave amid interest from Al Hilal. Alvarez can also operate centrally.
What does Alvarez want?
His desire is to remain in Spain but Atletico are adamant that they will not sell to Barcelona, which is why Arsenal have been encouraged by the potential of a move.
The furious reaction from Atletico supporters when Alvarez came off the bench in the draw against Villarreal on Sunday signalled that he could find it difficult to win back the love should he stay in the capital.
But he also has Premier League experience and should the Barca switch prove impossible, he may be open to a return to England.
Could Arsenal get burnt again by La Liga politics?
From the outside there was a sense that Arsenal were played by Vinicius Jr, who signed a new six-year deal with Real Madrid after negotiations were reignited following his flirtation with a move away from the Bernabeu.
There is always a chance of something similar happening with Alvarez but it appears less probable and Arsenal have not been put off in their pursuit of a superstar name.
Will Atletico accept less than €150m?
Arsenal are going to attempt to drive the price down but Atletico are under no financial pressure and have been steadfast from the outset that the asking price is not for moving. Remember when Real announced to the world that they had a bid immediately rejected at the start of the summer?
Another factor is that Alvarez has four years remaining on his contract.
One other potential solution would be for Arsenal to part exchange with Viktor Gyokeres or Martinelli.
Who else could Arsenal move for?
Should an Alvarez deal prove unreachable in the next few days, Arsenal will pursue other options.
The Turkey forward Kenan Yildiz is highly rated but the 21-year-old sustained a foot injury when playing for Juventus at the weekend and faces several weeks out.
