Arsenal are targeting Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and are seeking an early deal as PSG make it clear they will not be able to sign Bradley Barcola this summer
Julian Alvarez is now Arsenal’s best player (Image: Maja Hitij – FIFA via Getty Images)
Arsenal have made the signing of Julian Alvarez their top priority, with Bradley Barcola unavailable. The Gunners have been looking to strengthen their attacking options this summer as they look to defend their Premier League title next season.
Atletico Madrid striker Alvarez and Paris Saint-Germain winger Barcola are two of the most prominent players touting the changes to the Emirates Stadium. Alvarez has announced his intention to leave manager Diego Simeone’s side, sparking a scramble to sign him among Europe’s top clubs.
Barcelona are thought to have submitted a proposal to the La Liga side that included Ferran Torres and a cash move for the 26-year-old, but Atletico rejected the approach. The forward has a release clause of €500m (£432m) and Atletico have previously warned potential suitors that they will need to meet their asking price.
Barcola, on the other hand, endured limited playing time for PSG last season. Arsenal are therefore wary of his potential arrival this summer, with Liverpool also interested.
However, The Independent reports that the European champions want to keep him. Arsenal are currently pursuing a “quick deal” as a replacement for Alvarez, although it has been suggested that the situation could change after the World Cup.
Bradley Barcola has been praised by both Arsenal and Premier League rivals Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
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Competition for the player appears to have eased and it is understood that the club are hoping to complete the deal before pre-season begins. The sticking point so far has been that Arsenal have been reluctant to spend more than £90m, while Atletico have settled for more than £100m.
Adding to the pressure for the Gunners, Spanish radio station COPE reported that Atlético are refusing to negotiate with Barça and are instead working with Arsenal to sign Alvarez.
Opening up about his future in June, he said: “I’ve talked to people at the club and people I’ve had to talk to and the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to make my dream come true.”
“This is not the time to talk about this, but I can’t hide it either. I try to be an honest person.”
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