The summer transfer window is drawing ever closer and Arsenal could once again be right in the thick of the market movements
Julian Alvarez at Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham
Julian Alvarez has been linked with Arsenal(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
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Arsenal have needed to be creative this season as they deal with injuries while fighting on four fronts. Things could be made easier in the summer, though, with Julian Alvarez - a man linked with a move to north London in the past - refusing to rule out a move away from current club Atletico Madrid.
There looks like being outs as well as ins at the Emirates Stadium in the upcoming transfer window, regardless of what happens between now and May. Financial Fair Play rules have affected clubs up and down the Premier League table and another summer of big spending might only be possible if the Gunners cash in on one or two of their current charges.
On the pitch, Arsenal and closest challengers Manchester City will return to league action over the weekend following their European exploits on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta's team welcome Everton to N7 while City will also be in London as they travel to West Ham.
Our focus for the time being is on the Gunners' transfer plans as well as Arteta's role in an on-field tweak which has helped them this term. Here are Mirror Football's latest lines.
Alvarez responds to links
Alvarez insisted he is happy at Atletico Madrid for now. However, the Argentina striker, who has been linked with Arsenal and Barcelona, has refused to rule out a move in the future.
“I don’t know, I don’t know, but maybe yes, maybe no. You never know," the former City star said. "But I’m very happy here. You ask me a question that will end up all over the place, but I’m happy.
"I’m thinking about the day-to-day, I’m working to improve, to give my best here, I never said anything bad about the club, I’m very grateful, the people also showed me their affection, so I’m very happy."
Alvarez was speaking after Atleti claimed a 5-2 victory over Tottenham to put one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals. He scored twice in the win to take his tally in the competition up to seven for the season.
Norgaard opens up on Arteta talks
Arsenal have been forced to deal with a number of injury blows at the back this season. As a result, midfielder Christian Norgaard has found himself forced to drop deeper.
The Danish international, who joined from Brentford over the summer, started at centre-back against Club Brugge in the Champions League in December. He has spoken of his openness to the new role, so much so that his national team manager Brian Riemer is exploring the option of using him in the role.
Mikel Arteta speaks to Christian Norgaard in Arsenal training
Christian Norgaard has embraced his new role(Image: Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
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“It actually suits me very well,” Norgaard told Viaplay. “As a defender, you have a lot of the game in front of you. In the long run, it could be a good and suitable position for me. It’s nice to have a phase where I try it out."
He and Arteta have even discussed the change with Riemer. “It’s always nice when time is set aside for something like this,” the 32-year-old added.
“We were just talking about this potential opportunity for me to play centre-back. It was great that Brian could hear what thoughts and challenges Arsenal have had.”
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