Arsenal could discover whether their pursuit of Julian Alvarez has a realistic chance of succeeding by Friday as Atletico Madrid push for the striker’s future to be resolved.
The Gunners remain interested in bringing the Argentina international back to the Premier League, with Mikel Arteta keen to add another elite attacker before the transfer window closes.
Barcelona have remained Alvarez’s preferred destination, but Atletico’s increasingly hostile stance towards selling to their La Liga rivals could leave Arsenal with a significant opening.
Atletico want Julian Alvarez decision by Friday
According to The Independent, Atletico want the Alvarez saga resolved by Friday so they have sufficient time to recruit a replacement if he leaves.
Arsenal continue to work on the transfer and believe the situation could move in their favour as the end of the window approaches.
Atletico could consider selling if Alvarez pushes for an Arsenal move and the Gunners meet their valuation.
The Spanish club’s position towards Barcelona is considerably firmer.
Atletico have told MARCA there is “0% of possibilities” of allowing Alvarez to join their domestic rivals after tensions surrounding the transfer escalated this week.
That represents another important change after ReadArsenal reported on Tuesday that Barcelona’s position had created a possible route for Arsenal.
Alvarez begins to accept Arsenal possibility
The player’s position remains crucial.
Alvarez has previously preferred to remain in Spain for both personal and footballing reasons, but that option is becoming increasingly difficult.
MARCA now reports that the forward has started to accept that Barcelona may no longer be a viable destination and that Arsenal represents his realistic route away from Atletico.
Arsenal have already made their interest clear.
ReadArsenal previously covered reports that the Gunners were willing to spend more than £100million on Alvarez, although Atletico’s demands could still exceed that figure.
The Independent reports that Atletico could listen to an offer around €150m (£128m).
There is also the possibility of Arsenal including an attacker in negotiations, with Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres both reportedly appealing to Diego Simeone.
No agreement is currently close and Arsenal have not yet met Atletico’s valuation.
Friday could nevertheless become decisive.
With Barcelona’s route increasingly blocked and Alvarez becoming more receptive to Arsenal, Arteta’s side finally have a clearer opportunity to discover whether one of the summer’s biggest transfers can actually be completed.
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