Arsenal given Julian Alvarez hope in push to sign Atletico Madrid forward before transfer deadline

Arsenal are optimistic about the possibility of signing Julian Alvarez before the transfer deadline, as the Premier League champions continue their pursuit of the Argentina forward. Atletico Madrid is demanding €150m (£128.4m) for Alvarez, who delivered a stellar World Cup performance with Argentina, including a crucial extra-time goal against Switzerland.

Arsenal is actively trying to reduce the price while the Kroenke ownership is willing to back a significant move, similar to their strategy with Vinicius Junior. However, Alvarez's preference to join Barcelona remains a sticking point, and Atletico are resolute in their refusal to sell to their rivals. Nevertheless, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is focused on bringing in a left-sided attacker to bolster his squad, with Alvarez being the top choice after Vinicius Junior.

The club is also considering Kenan Yildiz as an alternative option, though Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti insists that the player wants to stay with the Turin-based side. Other potential signings, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli, may also be part of Arsenal's plans to strengthen their roster.