Arsenal have received the green light to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez after making contact with his entourage, according to Cadena SER.
The Argentine has just concluded his second season with the La Liga giants, but his future is uncertain after comments from manager Diego Simeone.
Simeone previously admitted that Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are keen on Alvarez, and he has now acknowledged that the striker will make a decision over his future.
Atletico reportedly sense that Alvarez wants to leave the club, but they are likely to demand a significant fee to part ways with the World Cup winner this summer.
Barcelona have recently proposed a player-plus-deal involving Ferran Torres, but the Spaniard has no desire to join Diego Simeone’s side ahead of next season.
Their financial limitations could be good news for Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, who have enquired about Alvarez with Atletico through intermediaries.
There is a belief at Atletico that the above interested clubs have been given the ‘green light’ from Alvarez and his representatives to discuss his potential future.
Arsenal face a stern challenge to land Alvarez
The Gunners are widely expected to part ways with Gabriel Jesus when the transfer window reopens this summer. The Brazilian could be on his way to Serie A with AC Milan and Juventus interested.
Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli will enter the last year of their contracts in July, but the latter has an option for another 12 months. Trossard seems another likely candidate to head for the exit door.
This could pave the way for a marquee versatile forward to join the club. Alvarez would be a perfect signing for the Gunners, given he can operate as a striker or in an attacking midfield position.
Alvarez has had sufficient playing time as a right winger in his career too. The 26-year-old has also occasionally played on the left wing, which is where manager Mikel Arteta may see his future.
The 26-year-old, described as ‘world-class‘ by FIFA.com, has the ability to adapt due to his extreme mobility and impressive link-up play in and around the box. He has the knack for creating big chances aside from scoring his own (20 goals and nine assists this season).
Still, the Gunners may face a stern challenge to persuade Alvarez. Barcelona appear his prime choice. If the Blaugrana can’t afford him, PSG could emerge as strong contenders to land the World Cup winner.
Arsenal are in the mix too, but may not guarantee him minutes upfront with Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz in the squad. It remains to be seen whether Alvarez would accept playing out of position, considering much of his recent success has come as a specialist number nine.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com