Mikel Arteta has personally reached out to Julian Alvarez in a final effort to convince him to join Arsenal this summer, but the striker has reiterated his preference for Barcelona, according to reports from El Desmarque. The Gunners have made one last play to secure the Argentine, who remains Arsenal's leading attacking target, yet Alvarez has told Arteta he only wants to join the Catalan club if he leaves Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal's pursuit and Atletico's stance
Alvarez has been regarded as a dream signing at the Emirates, with a move first explored at the start of the year. While Viktor Gyokeres ended his first season at the club with a respectable haul of 21 goals, Arteta has been eager to further strengthen up front. The former Manchester City star has, however, revealed his hopes of making a move to the Camp Nou during the World Cup, complicating Arsenal's pursuit.
Barcelona have repeatedly angered Atletico with their pursuit of the striker, with Diego Simeone's side determined not to do business with them, having already rejected an opening bid of €100million (£86.4m). While they wish to hold onto Alvarez, Atletico would be more willing to sell him to Arsenal, with reports in Spain suggesting they have actively tried to steer him towards the Premier League, efforts that have been unsuccessful. If forced to let him go, Atletico would demand up to €150million (£130m), according to reports.
Alvarez's preference and Arsenal's alternatives
Arteta has phoned up the striker in recent days to try to talk him into the move, but Alvarez has reiterated he only wants to join Barcelona if he is to leave the Spanish capital this summer. Arsenal have also reportedly offered to include Gyokeres in a deal for the Argentine, immediately solving Atletico's need to find a replacement, but Alvarez has not been tempted by a return to England.
The Premier League champions have already begun exploring other options, with a move for Victor Osimhen discussed. A deal was discussed with Galatasaray last week as part of talks for Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli. Osimhen refused to rule out a move away from Galatasaray, but the Turkish club have so far ruled out a summer sale, even rejecting a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League.
What's next for Arsenal's attack
With Alvarez seemingly set on Barcelona, Arsenal may need to turn their attention elsewhere, but Osimhen's availability remains uncertain. The club's pursuit of a top striker continues as Arteta looks to bolster his squad ahead of the new season, with Gyokeres' future also in question after being offered as a makeweight. The outcome of these transfer talks will likely shape Arsenal's attacking options for the upcoming campaign.
