Arsenal are reportedly preparing to hold talks over a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Argentina international has impressed during his time in La Liga and previously demonstrated his quality in the Premier League with Manchester City.
Both Arsenal and Barcelona have been credited with interest in Alvarez, according to Spanish publication AS, despite some slightly underwhelming scoring numbers.
However, Atletico Madrid are said to have been angered by the manner in which Barcelona have approached their pursuit of the 26-year-old striker.
That frustration has reportedly led Atletico to block Barcelona from pushing forward with a deal, potentially handing Arsenal a crucial advantage in the race for his signature.
Arsenal are now said to be planning to open discussions over a transfer, giving the Gunners fresh momentum as the summer window approaches.
BBC Sport have also previously mentioned Arsenal’s interest in Alvarez, but reported that the former Manchester City man could cost as much as £120 million.
That figure raises serious questions about value, given Alvarez managed only eight league goals across 29 La Liga appearances during the season just gone.
He performed considerably better in the Champions League, scoring 10 goals in 15 appearances, while also contributing four assists in that competition.
Arsenal could look to strengthen their attack this summer, but spending the bulk of their budget on Alvarez may not represent a significant upgrade on Viktor Gyokeres.
Despite winning the Premier League title, Arsenal did not always produce vintage football, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard both falling below their usual standards.
That inconsistency raises the question of whether Alvarez would be able to truly flourish in a team that struggled for fluency throughout much of the season.
The Premier League has also seen a shift towards more defensive tactical approaches recently, which could make life difficult for an attacking player adjusting to a new club.
Whether Arsenal ultimately push through with a formal offer remains to be seen, but the reported blocking of Barcelona gives the Gunners a clearer path to a deal.
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