Arsenal have made a “concrete offer” for Julian Alvarez, as they look to close the signing of the Argentine as their marquee summer buy.
The Gunners are reeling from a disastrous weekend in which their lead at the top of the table was cut, with manager Mikel Arteta describing Arsenal's defeat at home to Bournemouth as a “punch in the face” to his side's title aspirations.
With Manchester City closing the gap between first and second at the top of the table to just six points and a game in hand ahead of the two sides meeting at the Etihad Stadium next weekend, the momentum may well have just shifted from London to Eastlands.
Arsenal submit offer for Julian Alvarez
Arsenal are not alone in their pursuit of Alvarez, with both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain said to be interested in the World Cup-winning forward, with Spanish outlet Sport having detailed how the former have made Alvarez their “priority target”.
Though Gunners striker Viktor Gyokeres is the club's top scorer in all competitions this term, the Swede has struggled with the physicality of the Premier League and hold-up play, with Alvarez deemed to be a better fit in terms of movement and dynamism.
In a bid to edge ahead of rivals, Media Foot have reported in France that an offer has been presented to Alvarez by Arteta's side.
The report states that Gabriel Martinelli could be the forward sacrificed as a result, with the Brazilian of interest to PSG – despite having only scored a single Premier League goal all season.
While striking terms with potential transfer targets is common practice ahead of a transfer window, FourFourTwo understands that a departure is key to getting Alvarez through the door, with Arsenal having signed eight players last summer and a need to balance the books.
Recently, Sami Mokbel of the BBC claimed that a move for Alvarez could only materialise should either Gyokeres or Kai Havertz depart the club, though Gabriel Jesus may be another outgoing this summer, with the no.9 looking a shadow of his former self after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Gyokeres' exit is currently unlikely after joining last summer, while Havertz has been used in midfield more of late.
With Alvarez's release clause said to be at €500 million, according to The Athletic, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta might have a tough time signing the star.
Berta, formerly of Atleti himself, may have to negotiate a move that could well be worth around nine figures, with the Spanish giants having spent €95m to sign the forward from Manchester City just two years ago.
Alvarez is worth €90m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal host Sporting this week in Champions League action, as the quarter-finals conclude.
