Arsenal have been linked with various deals ahead of the summer transfer window
Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring for Atletico Madrid
Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move to Arsenal(Image: Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Arsenal have built a squad aiming to compete on four fronts this season but the club will already be planning for the summer transfer window. The Gunners will be recruiting from a position of strength as manager Mikel Arteta aims to guide the team to silverware this term.
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League and their focus now turns to the north London derby on Sunday. They will be wary of facing their rivals in new boss Igor Tudor’s first game as Spurs look to derail their title bid.
Julian Alvarez stance
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has reportedly made his transfer preference clear. The former Manchester City star was linked with a move to Arsenal last month and is reportedly valued at around £87million.
World Cup winner Alvarez recently scored against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, taking his tally to 41 in 91 appearances for Atletico. The Gunners are said to be one of several Premier League clubs interested in the 26-year-old, alongside Chelsea and Manchester United.
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However, Spanish publication Sport claim Alvarez would favour a move to Barcelona if he were to leave Diego Simeone’s side. Despite interest from English clubs, it is said that the forward would prefer to stay in Spain.
While that is a blow to Arsenal’s hopes of signing the striker, Barcelona’s difficulty in meeting his transfer valuation offers the Gunners encouragement. Meanwhile, Atletico have reportedly offered Alvarez a new contract in an attempt to fend off interest, despite his current deal running until 2030.
Transfer target set for contract offer
Pio Esposito celebrates scoring for Inter Milan
Pio Esposito has impressed at Inter Milan(Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
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Inter Milan are reportedly similarly planning to prevent Arsenal from making a move for young striker Pio Esposito. The 20-year-old is enjoying a breakthrough season at Inter, registering six goals and assists apiece in 32 games.
Esposito was promoted to Inter’s first team after his productive loan spell at Spezia and the Italy international’s performances have seemingly not gone unnoticed. Italian outlet Tuttosport reports that Inter are working to renew the forward’s contract following interest from Arsenal.
The Italian club have already shown their commitment to keeping the highly-rated striker. It was reported earlier in the season by La Gazzetta dello Sport that Inter had previously rejected an offer of around £42m for Esposito from an unnamed club.
Tuttosport now claim the rising star has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal as the club search for a younger striker to complement their current options. However, it is said that Inter are prepared to triple the youngster’s salary to keep him at the club.
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