Arsenal are once again pushing to sign Mikel Arteta's main attacking target Julian Alvarez as they make progress on a deal for Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports.
Arsenal's renewed pursuit of Alvarez
Arteta guided Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2004 last season but still feels reinforcements are needed to keep their rivals at bay. Arsenal identified Atletico Madrid striker Alvarez as one of their top summer targets at the end of the season after Viktor Gyokeres' mixed first 12 months at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta signed Gyokeres from Sporting last summer in a deal worth £64m and the Sweden international contributed 14 goals to Arsenal's title win.
But there were concerns over Gyokeres' general play and a common belief that Arteta was capable of signing an upgrade this summer, with Alvarez at the top of the Spaniard's wishlist. Alvarez has scored 49 goals in his two seasons at Atletico since leaving Manchester City, where he helped Pep Guardiola's side win back-to-back Premier League titles. The 26-year-old endured a slow start to the World Cup, failing to score in his first five appearances before a crucial goal in Argentina's quarter-final win over Switzerland.
Interest from other clubs
Alvarez's future has been the subject of much speculation this summer, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG all interested in securing his signature as well as Arsenal. Atletico Madrid have insisted the 26-year-old is not for sale and slammed several of their rivals over their pursuits of the Argentine. But that has not put off Arsenal who have made a renewed effort to sign Alvarez, according to The Independent. It is claimed the Gunners are once again pushing for Alvarez and seeing if they can strike a deal before Arteta's squad returns for pre-season training.
While Alvarez would prefer to stay in Spain and is keen to join Barcelona or Real Madrid, he is believed to be open to a move to the new Premier League champions. The stumbling block for Arsenal could well be Alvarez's price tag as they are reluctant to pay over £90m while Atletico want well over £100m.
Progress on Bruno Guimaraes deal
Arsenal have made a fresh push for Alvarez as they continue to work on a deal for Newcastle United midfielder Guimaraes. Arteta views the Brazilian as an ideal target to bolster his midfield and Arsenal have already had a verbal approach worth £45m knocked back by Newcastle. The Gunners are ready to test Newcastle's resolve with an improved offer having already agreed personal terms with Guimaraes, who has informed St James' Park bosses that he wants to leave.
Alvarez is not the only World Cup star that Arsenal are targeting as they also admire England and Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers.
