Arsenal have made a concrete opening move in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, with the club holding talks with the Argentine’s representatives over personal terms ahead of a potential summer approach.
The 26-year-old World Cup winner has become Mikel Arteta’s primary attacking target for the upcoming window, with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly receiving weekly updates on Alvarez’s situation since February.
Atletico Madrid are expected to demand in excess of €120 million for the forward, who has contributed 18 goals and nine assists in 46 appearances this season including nine Champions League strikes.
Arsenal are prepared to use a Kai Havertz sale to fund the deal, with Bayern Munich understood to be open to signing the Germany international as they strengthen in the number ten role.
The complication for Arsenal is Alvarez’s positional demands — the striker has made it clear to suitors he wants to operate exclusively through the middle rather than across the front line.
Initially, Arsenal had viewed him as a versatile option capable of playing across the attack, but they are now adjusting their approach to accommodate his preference, a shift that makes Havertz’s position at the Emirates increasingly difficult to justify.
Barcelona remain Alvarez’s preferred destination and have been the leading suitors for months, but their financial situation is widely acknowledged to be a major obstacle in meeting Atletico’s asking price.
Chelsea are also circling and can offer him a central role, though their likely failure to qualify for the Champions League represents a significant deterrent for a player accustomed to competing at the highest level.
PSG have additionally entered discussions, making this one of the defining transfer sagas of the summer before the window has even opened.
Arsenal’s interest carries a particular edge given the two clubs are set to meet in the Champions League semi-finals later this month, a clash that will put Alvarez directly in front of Arteta’s recruitment team in the most meaningful context possible.
Gabriel Jesus is also expected to leave the Emirates in the summer, potentially freeing up additional wages to support a deal that would represent close to a club record fee.
The timing of Arsenal’s move is deliberate — getting the player to agree personal terms before opening formal negotiations with Atletico is designed to prevent a public bidding war with Barcelona that the Gunners would likely struggle to win on sentiment alone.
The post Arsenal Step Up Julian Alvarez Pursuit With Havertz Sale Planned to Fund £100m Deal appeared first on Gooner Daily.
