Arsenal are prepared to offer Viktor Gyokeres as part of a deal for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, according to The Times.
The proposed Arsenal move for Julian Alvarez could see Mikel Arteta sacrifice last season’s leading scorer to secure his priority attacking target.
Gary Jacob of The Times reports that Arsenal may include Gyokeres in a part-exchange proposal. However, the clubs have not reached an agreement and Arsenal have not submitted a formal offer.
Arteta is understood to have asked Arsenal to pursue Alvarez after the club missed out on Morgan Rogers. Chelsea completed a £117million deal for the England international after Arsenal refused to match the offer.
ReadArsenal previously reported that Arsenal placed an £80million valuation on Rogers. The club have since moved towards alternative attacking targets.
Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting last summer and scored 21 goals in 55 appearances. The Sweden international finished as the club’s leading scorer during his first season in English football.
Why an Arsenal move for Julian Alvarez could involve Gyokeres
Alvarez scored 20 goals and provided nine assists in 49 appearances for Atletico last season. He also produced 10 goals in 15 Champions League matches.
The Argentina international can lead the attack or operate from the left. His movement between midfield and the forward line would offer Arteta greater flexibility than a traditional centre-forward.
Gyokeres provides a different profile. He attacks space directly and gives Arsenal a physical presence through the middle, although his involvement outside the penalty area attracted criticism during parts of last season.
Including him could also make the proposal more attractive to Atletico. Diego Simeone would receive an immediate replacement rather than having to enter the market after selling Alvarez.
However, Alvarez has reportedly favoured remaining in Spain, with Barcelona interested in signing him. Atletico are also reluctant to strengthen a domestic rival, which could leave Arsenal as their preferred destination if the forward pushes to leave.
An Arsenal move for Julian Alvarez remains at an exploratory stage. Offering Gyokeres would represent a major decision after only one season, particularly as the striker finished the campaign as Arsenal’s leading goalscorer.
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