Arsenal face an uphill task to land a key transfer target this summer, according to The Mirror, as Mikel Arteta looks at options to improve the forward line.
The Gunners have been on the hunt for players who could increase the team's goal-scoring potential, with the aim of pushing for the Premier League title and the Champions League once again.
Talks are ongoing to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a deal that could cost upwards of £80 million, with the playmaker viewed as a top priority target this summer.
Arsenal are also looking at possible versatile options, with targets who could play as a centre-forward, as well as in the wide areas.
With that in mind, there is one ambitious target seemingly available, but it'll be a battle for him to end up in North London.
Arsenal Stance On Julian Alvarez
Julian AlvarezRodrigo Valle via Reuters
Arsenal have shown interest in Julian Alvarez, with the Atletico Madrid striker being among the names on the radar for the North London club this summer.
The Gunners have been somewhat quiet in their approach to the Argentina international, much more so than their rivals, as both Real Madrid and Barcelona have had public pursuits of the striker in recent months.
That's not to say work hasn't been ongoing in the background, however, as The Mirror reports that Arsenal have been pushing hard to sign Alvarez, with conversations taking place over a possible transfer switch.
Despite that, the report adds that the club were told that the 26-year-old is only considering Barcelona, and wasn't willing to consider other offers at this time.
It comes as a huge blow to Arsenal, after Alvarez was described as a "dream signing" who could bring that extra cutting edge in the final third.
That is made even more frustrating considering that the forward has made his transfer exit wishes public in the past few hours.
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Julian Alvarez Makes Transfer Plea
Julian Alvarez
Arsenal's hopes of landing Alvarez were handed a short boost when the star made his first public plea to leave Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window.
The recent public sagas surrounding the approaches from Barcelona and Real Madrid were hit out at by the Rojiblancos, but the latest admission suggests the forward is still pushing to leave.
He said, following Argentina's win over Austria: "I spoke with people at the club, with those I had to speak with and the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream.
"It's not the time to talk about this, but I also can't hide it. I try to be an honest person."
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It remains to be seen whether Arsenal could still have a glimmer of hope in proceedings, now that Alvarez has made it public knowledge that he wishes to leave Atletico Madrid.
But for now, the task shifts to landing other options, as Barcelona remain the priority destination for the former Manchester City man.