Arsenal are said to have been given a green light by another club to secure a long-term Andrea Berta transfer target. The Gunners are searching for two main priorities this summer, hoping to strengthen the left wing and the midfield, specifically by signing a new number eight.
Mikel Arteta's men are in a fine position having won the Premier League title last season, but the Spanish boss knows he needs more to be dominant domestically and on the European stage. But there is a fine balance when trying to improve an already successful squad, and there is an inherent risk of disrupting such a team with exits and arrivals.
It's for that reason the Gunners want serious upgrades above all else, and they are willing to pay to get them.
Arsenal get go-ahead to chase Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez
According to TeamTalk, Arsenal have been given the go-ahead to sign Atletico Madrid and Argentina star Julian Alvarez by the Spanish club. It's claimed Atleti are determined not to sell to Barcelona or Real Madrid this summer, but with the forward wanting out, they are willing to sell to the Premier League.
Alvarez has said he wants to leave to achieve his 'dream', and it seems he is determined to join Barcelona this summer. The report claims Alvarez is still dead-set on joining Barca, who recently agreed to sign another forward in Karim Adeyemi. With Atleti reluctant to sell Alvarez, Barca would likely have to pay well over £100million, and that would be a big ask for a club that has struggled for debt over recent years.
That could keep the door open for Arsenal, and Alvarez is said to be open to a move to the Premier League if his dream move does not come off. The report claims Arsenal chief Andrea Berta has spoken with Alvarez to verify that information, and he knows the player well from his Atletico Madrid days. Berta actually signed Alvarez for Atleti in the club's second most expensive deal of all time.
PSG are also said to be interested amid the exit of Goncalo Ramos, and the Champions League winners have reportedly reached out as well.
Alvarez an 'astonishing' player
Argentina's Julian AlvarezRodrigo Valle via Reuters
Alvarez is currently at the World Cup with Argentina, and he scored an extra-time stunner to help his nation beat Switzerland in the quarter-final over the weekend. The World Cup comes after he scored 18 and assisted nine for Atletico last season,and last year, he was praised by another former Atletico and Man City striker in Sergio Aguero.
“Atletico Madrid should enjoy having him on their side, and so should the fans," Aguero said. "I wouldn't speculate on future signings; I think this is the time to enjoy his achievements with Atletico. What Julian has achieved is astonishing. A player with the ability to move all over the pitch, he demonstrates an enormous level of sacrifice and talent.”
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