Arsenal intends to initiate discussions with Atletico Madrid regarding a transfer for Julian Alvarez, as reported by sources in Spain.
Barcelona seems to be leading the race to acquire Alvarez during the summer transfer window, with the Argentine international reportedly favoring a transfer to the Spanish champions.
Nevertheless, Barcelona has yet to reach an agreement on a transfer fee for Alvarez, and RAC1 indicated on Tuesday that their initial offer of €100 million (£86.4m) has been turned down by Atletico.
As per AS, Atletico is dissatisfied with Barcelona’s public pursuit of Alvarez and is now ‘blocking’ the 26-year-old’s transfer to Camp Nou.
The report suggests that Arsenal has been in communication with Alvarez’s agent, and the Premier League champions are set to commence formal negotiations with Atletico, who are demanding a transfer fee of €150m (£129.6m).
Atletico has firmly stated that Alvarez is not available for transfer, and in response to Arsenal’s recent interest in the former Manchester City forward, a representative from the Spanish club informed Libertad Digital on Tuesday: ‘Two weeks ago it was PSG, last week Barcelona, now Arsenal. We are counting on Julian for the upcoming season.’
Meanwhile, Atletico is preparing for the possibility of Alvarez’s departure, and AS reports that the club has already inquired about signing Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray.
After spending a season on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, Osimhen made a permanent move to the Turkish club last summer for €75m (£63m).
Osimhen has netted 59 goals in 74 appearances over two seasons with Galatasaray.