Arsenal are actively pursuing a deal to sign Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez before the pre-season, with the 26-year-old striker being Mikel Arteta's primary attacking target.
Alvarez scored a superb curling goal, an extra-time stunner for Argentina in their 3-1 victory over Switzerland in their World Cup quarter-final on Saturday and is due to face England on Wednesday.
Despite Alvarez's initial preference to remain in Spain with either Barcelona or Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid are insistent on not selling him to their rivals.
A significant hurdle in the transfer is the valuation, as Atletico are demanding over £100m, while Arsenal are unwilling to exceed £90m for the player.
The World Cup has complicated and slowed down transfer negotiations, with Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, involved in discussions with his former club.