Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly driving the club’s pursuit of Julian Álvarez personally, as the Gunners look to build on a commanding Community Shield victory.

Arsenal defeated Manchester City 3-0 at Principality Stadium to claim the 2026 Community Shield, with goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz putting the game to bed inside the first half.

Captain Martin Odegaard rounded off the victory shortly after half-time, collecting the man of the match award in the process and underlining Arsenal’s growing ambition.

The win gave Arteta’s side serious momentum heading into the transfer window, with the club now seemingly ready to push hard for major additions before the deadline.

Julian Álvarez has publicly expressed a desire to leave Atlético Madrid, stating he wants to “fulfil his dream,” despite Diego Simeone’s side insisting the 26-year-old is not for sale.

Spanish outlet AS, as cited by the Evening Standard, reports that Álvarez may have been persuaded to consider Arsenal following direct talks with Arteta himself.

Arsenal sporting director Berta is considered the driving force behind this potential blockbuster deal, having joined the club last March after a 12-year tenure at Atlético Madrid.

Berta previously negotiated Álvarez’s €95 million transfer from Manchester City to Atlético in August 2024 and retains a close working relationship with the player’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo.

That existing connection is seen as a significant advantage for Arsenal as they attempt to prise one of European football’s most in-demand forwards away from the Spanish capital.

When asked about defensive reinforcements after the Community Shield win, Arteta was candid about the club’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the squad in key areas this window.

Arteta said: “We know there are certain areas that through injuries we are weaker and we need to strengthen. We’re trying to do that and we’ve been trying to do that for weeks.”

He added: “Only when the opportunity is right for the club will we do it,” signalling that Arsenal will not be rushed into making moves that don’t meet their standards.

Notably absent from the squad against Manchester City were forwards Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Ethan Nwaneri, fuelling speculation about the futures of all three players.

Reports suggest Nwaneri and the two Gabriels could depart as part of a squad reshaping exercise designed to fund and accommodate high-profile incoming transfers this summer.

With Arteta taking a hands-on role in negotiations and Berta’s Atlético connections providing a crucial in, Arsenal’s summer could yet be defined by landing one of the game’s most exciting forwards.

The post Mikel Arteta Takes Julian Álvarez Pursuit Into His Own Hands As Arsenal Eye £130m Statement Signing appeared first on Gooner Daily.