Arsenal are preparing to face Sunderland in the Premier League this weekend and have been linked with moves ahead of the summer transfer window
Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid
Julian Alvarez was linked with Arsenal during the January transfer window(Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
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Arsenal are competing across multiple competitions and could end the season with several trophies. Away from the pitch, the club will already have one eye on recruitment and the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Gunners, who reached the Carabao Cup final in midweek, have a six-point lead in the Premier League and finished top of the Champions League standings. Manager Mikel Arteta opted not to make any major signings in the January window, given the squad depth already at his disposal.
However, the club did recruit long-term prospects on deadline day and have already been linked with a marquee summer signing. Here are some of the latest headlines surrounding Arsenal.
Julian Alvarez stumbling block
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been touted with a potential summer move to Arsenal in recent weeks. The former Manchester City star is reportedly valued at around £87million.
Spanish publication Sport claims that both Arsenal and Chelsea are “pushing hard” for the Argentina international. It is added that the English clubs are “prepared to break the bank” for Alvarez, who has scored 40 goals in 88 games for Atleti.
However, the report states that Barcelona would be Alvarez’s preferred destination. While he may need convincing to return to England, the Spanish club’s financial issues could work in Arsenal’s favour.
It is claimed that Barcelona would be unwilling to meet Atleti’s asking price for the striker. The reigning La Liga champions are set to face a tough transfer decision in the summer, with experienced forward Robert Lewandowski currently nearing the end of his contract.
Manager requests Gabriel ‘swap’
Arsenal completed the signing of St Mirren youngster Evan Mooney on deadline day. The 18-year-old joined the club on the same day as Stoke City prospect Jaden Dixon.
The winger sealed a permanent move to the Gunners in a deal that includes add-ons and sell-on clauses for the Scottish club. Mooney made 23 first team appearances for St Mirren and manager Stephen Robinson joked that he requested Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes to be included as part of a swap deal for the teenager.
Evan Mooney in Arsenal training
Evan Mooney has been training with Arsenal U21s since joining from St Mirren(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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“A terrific move for Evan. I have to give Keith Lasley (St Mirren COO) a special mention as well,” Robinson said during a press conference.
“I think he’s negotiated an incredible deal for the football club because the initial offer was to take him on loan with a view to a permanent. I was looking for Gabriel (Magalhaes) in return because he is a first-team player for us. I was hoping we would get Gabriel, but it didn’t quite materialise.”
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