Arsenal are prepared to wait until the final days of the transfer window to conclude a deal to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. The Gunners began the defence of the Premier League title in commanding fashion on Friday evening, sweeping Coventry City aside and cantering to an impressive 3-0 win.
Mikel Arteta has already spent over £150million this summer, reinforcing his squad with the additions of Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa. Greece international winger Tzolis proved an instant hit on Friday evening, producing an electrifying display that drew comparisons with Leandro Trossard, the player who he has effectively replaced.
Arteta wants headline attacking purchase
Despite the multitude of options available to him, Mikel Arteta remains keen to make a headline attacking purchase in what remains of the summer transfer window. The Gunners have already seen deals for Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior fail to materialise over the course of the last few months.
Juventus, meanwhile, remain adamant that Kenan Yildiz will remain at the club and interest in Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi will have to wait until January after the forward suffered an injury during pre-season training.
Talks held but Alvarez prefers Barcelona
The prospect of Alvarez joining from Atletico has appeared to be a remote one all summer long, until the last week. Talks were held between the two clubs on Friday to ascertain the possibility of a deal, but Alvarez is still minded to join Barcelona.
Atletico, however, have maintained they will not sanction Alvarez's dream move to their Spanish rivals, but would be prepared to let him return to England should they receive a suitable offer. Alvarez is back in the Atletico matchday squad for this afternoon's game against Villarreal, having been absent from Wednesday's win over Malaga, and is expected to receive a hot reception from the home fans given his public admission that he wants to join Barcelona.
Arsenal request to be informed of change of heart
With a transfer to the Spanish champions out of the question, according to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have requested to be informed should the former Manchester City attacker have a late change of heart and be open to a return to England.
Alvarez, meanwhile, has faced abuse from Atletico supporters as a section of fans chanted against him during the 2-0 win at home to Malaga on Wednesday, while signs saying 'Julian OUT' were seen outside of the club's training ground on Friday.
Atletico CEO hits out at rival clubs
Speaking to EFE on Friday, Gil Marin insists that Atletico remain fully behind Alvarez and accused rival clubs of being disrespectful in their pursuit of the Argentina international.
'Atletico Madrid, like all great clubs, is built with great players, and I'm certain that Julian is one, as well as a great professional,' Gil Marin said. 'We must compete based on our values, with homegrown talent and the best players from outside that we can bring in.
'We are going to help Julian and continue to take care of him so that he can give us his full potential, because we need him to continue competing among the greats of Europe. We must understand that Julian has not had the best advisors around him regarding his professional career in recent months.
'We cannot allow other clubs and their affiliated media to dictate what we have to do, dictate our sporting strategy, and disrespect us. That's precisely what they're trying to do – divide us. It's clear we're not as powerful as they are but we have values. We Atletico fans won't let them corrupt us. Atleti is strong when we're all together.'
Arsenal's pursuit of Alvarez now hinges on the player's willingness to consider a return to England, with Atletico holding firm on their refusal to sell to Barcelona. The Gunners remain alert to any late developments before the transfer window closes.
