Arsenal are willing to include Viktor Gyokeres in an exchange deal with Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez, according to reports. Alvarez has made it clear he wants to leave Atletico this summer. 'I spoke with the people at [Atletico] I needed to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream,' Alvarez said after Argentina’s win over Austria at the World Cup last month. 'It’s not the time to talk about this, but I also can’t hide it. I try to be an honest person.'
Alvarez's preference and Atletico's stance
Barcelona are Alvarez’s first-choice destination, but Atletico have been angered by their pursuit and are now refusing to sell to their La Liga rivals. Speaking last week, Atletico’s chief executive, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, insisted the club would not sell Alvarez for any price this summer. 'I have no doubt Atletico is the place in the world for Julian and Julian is the perfect striker for Atletico Madrid,' Gil Marin said. 'We want to continue counting on him. We do not want to transfer him. We did not accept an offer of €100 million, and we will not accept one of €150m or €200m.'
Arsenal's interest and swap proposal
Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of Alvarez and is targeting a move for the former Manchester City forward to strengthen Arsenal’s attack. According to The Times, Arsenal are 'willing to spend big on an elite player' this summer and are 'willing to offer a part swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres' for Alvarez. Gyokeres joined Arsenal in a £64 million deal from Sporting CP last summer and scored 21 goals in his first season with Arteta’s side.
Other transfer targets
Arsenal are also in the market for a new defender with William Saliba now out for an 'extended period' due to a back injury. The Premier League champions are also ready to submit a £70m bid for Bruno Guimaraes, but Newcastle United are set to reject that offer for their captain and are holding out for a transfer fee closer to £100m.
