Viktor Gyokeres has struggled during his debut season with Arsenal since a move to Sporting Lisbon and that has reportedly seen the Gunners renew their interest in Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez
Arsenal remain interested in a deal for Julian Alvarez(Image: Getty Images)
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Arsenal are reportedly mulling over a move for former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez. The Gunners are long-term admirers of the Argentine forward, having considered a move for him in the summer.
Arsenal eventually opted to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, but the Swede has struggled for consistency in North London. He has scored just five league goals so far during his debut season at the Emirates.
That form has reportedly seen Mikel Arteta decide to bolster his frontline once more, with Alvarez seemingly among his targets. According to ESPN, Arsenal are considering a summer move, with current sporting director Andrea Berta having strong links to Atletico Madrid.
He negotiated Alvarez’s original move to Spain from Manchester City and retains a close relationship with the striker’s agent Fernando Hidalgo. It is reported that Alvarez has a €500million (£433m) release clause written into his contract, albeit Atleti are expected to be open to offers in excess of €100m (£86.7m).
Alvarez remains under contract with the Spanish giants until 2030. Informal enquiries have been lodged by the Gunners to determine whether a deal would be possible later this year.
Asked about his future earlier this season, Alvarez said: “Look, it doesn’t bother me. I try not to pay much attention, but I know what’s being said. It’s all over social media. I think it’s more what’s being said online than what’s actually happening.
“I’m very focused on this season, on what lies ahead with Atletico Madrid. So, I try to tune it out and think about myself, about continuing to grow as a player, and about winning.”
Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres has struggled for form with Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
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Alvarez, 25, scored 36 goals in 103 appearances for Man City before moving to Madrid, where he has netted 40 times in 85 outings.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has already shared his verdict on why Gyokeres hasn’t quite managed to hit top form for the club just yet. He said: “It's a lot of things that have to happen to consistently be able to produce those performances and numbers.
“But we have different relationships around him as well because Kai is a player that can play in two attacking midfield positions, so we can vary in relation to the opponent, their behaviour and the game that we want to play, so that's very good.”
Arsenal are back in action this weekend as they welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium.
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