Arsenal’s chances of signing Julian Alvarez have received a significant boost after Atletico Madrid made contact over a potential replacement for the Argentina international.
The La Liga club have enquired about the possibility of signing Victor Osimhen, according to reports from AS, as they prepare for the possibility of Alvarez’s departure.
Despite publicly insisting that Alvarez is not for sale, Atletico Madrid appear to be making behind-the-scenes preparations should the right offer arrive for the forward.
Osimhen, 27, has attracted interest from a number of clubs heading into the summer window, with Manchester United also among the sides monitoring his situation.
The Nigeria international is currently under contract with Galatasaray until 2029 and is valued at approximately £64.8 million by the Turkish club.
Galatasaray made Osimhen their most expensive signing in the club’s history and are not expected to make his departure a straightforward process for any interested party.
His salary demands could also present a challenge, with the striker currently earning £13 million per season net, a figure that may test the budgets of potential suitors.
Osimhen was in impressive form last season, scoring 22 goals in 33 appearances across the Turkish Super Lig and Champions League combined.
After facing Atletico in the Champions League, Osimhen made his admiration for the club clear, saying: “I like them. I’ve always been a fan of their coach. I’ve met him a couple of times. They play aggressively and have a strong identity.”
He added: “The coach has been there for many years, so the players are used to the way he wants them to play. That’s why I’m so impressed with our performance.”
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo appeared to publicly dismiss any suggestion of an Alvarez exit earlier this week, stating: “Julian Alvarez is an Atletico de Madrid player and not just for this season but for many others. We work continuously to bring the best players to our team.”
Cerezo also noted: “And until August when the league starts, there’s still a lot of time to search, see, and bring them in.”
Atletico have grown frustrated with Barcelona’s attempts to lure Alvarez away from the club, though Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are also understood to be interested in securing his signature this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain made contact with Atletico earlier this year, but neither the club nor the player is said to be fully convinced by that particular move at this stage.
It is also reported that a Premier League return does not currently appeal to Alvarez, a factor that could complicate Arsenal’s pursuit of the forward ahead of the summer transfer window.
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