Arsenal have received a major boost in their quest to sign Atletico Madrid striker, Julian Alvarez, according to AS.
The Gunners have maintained a long-standing interest in Alvarez, the Argentine international who has participated in two World Cup finals.
Last summer, Arsenal invested £64 million to sign Viktor Gyokeres, who netted 21 goals in his debut season at the Emirates Stadium, helping Mikel Arteta’s team win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final.
While Arsenal’s management are satisfied with Gyokeres, there is a consensus that he could be complemented by a player of Alvarez’s calibre.
Alvarez has scored 49 goals in his first two seasons with Atletico Madrid, following a successful spell at Manchester City, where he won consecutive Premier League titles.
At the beginning of the summer transfer window, Arsenal showed interest in signing Alvarez, but Atletico initially dismissed the possibility of allowing the Argentine to leave.
Atletico responded with frustration to Barcelona’s inquiries regarding Alvarez and also turned down a nearly £130 million offer from Real Madrid.
However, it was reported last week that Atletico Madrid believe the current circumstances are untenable and are now prepared to sell Alvarez, but exclusively to Arsenal and not to any La Liga rival.
The primary obstacle for Arsenal was Alvarez’s strong inclination to join Barcelona. However, Spanish outlet AS reports that the forward has softened his position and is no longer entirely dismissing a move to north London.
Although Alvarez still prefers to join Barcelona, he has not completely ruled out Arsenal and is interested in Mikel Arteta’s sporting vision.
During his appearance as a second-half substitute in Atletico Madrid’s 2-2 draw against Villarreal on Sunday, Alvarez was subjected to significant jeering from the crowd.
At one point, the fans chanted: “Tell him to leave, let him leave forever.”
Following the match, Alvarez went straight down the tunnel.
Transfer: Alvarez makes Arsenal decision after Atletico Madrid agreement