Arsenal have held fresh talks over Julián Álvarez, who might consider North London if his preferred move to Barcelona cannot be completed.
Arsenal have held fresh contact with Atlético Madrid over a possible move for Julián Álvarez, although the forward is only expected to become a realistic option if Barcelona fail to secure him.
Mikel Arteta sees Álvarez as a potential marquee signing who could transform the level of Arsenal’s attack.
The former Manchester City forward brings the kind of versatility Arteta wants. Álvarez can lead the line, play off another striker, or drift into wide areas.
That belief has now been followed by fresh discussions over what a potential transfer could involve.
Arsenal Roundtable understands from Hand of Arsenal and Luca Bendoni that senior figures at Arsenal and Atlético have spoken directly about a possible deal.
There remains a gap between the clubs over the valuation of the Argentina international, and the contact has not yet produced an agreement.
But the talks underline that Arsenal’s interest is real, and the club are working out what it would take if the chance arises.
Álvarez’s position remains central to the situation.
Arsenal Roundtable have been told that the 26-year-old would be open to a move to North London if his preferred transfer to Barcelona cannot be completed.
So for now, Arsenal are seen as a real alternative, but not Álvarez’s first pick.
Atlético are still firm in not wanting to sell Álvarez to Barcelona. Even so, the Catalan club are expected to make one last push for him after the World Cup.
The outcome of those discussions will determine whether Arsenal have a realistic route into the transfer.
Should Barcelona reach an agreement with Atlético, Álvarez is expected to pursue that move. Only if their final attempt fails will the Gunners be in a position to develop their contact into a serious push.
Even then, Arsenal would still need to bridge the existing valuation gap with Atlético.
Andrea Berta is currently in Madrid with his family. Arsenal Roundtable understands that the Gunners’ Sporting Director may also have used the trip to meet Atlético officials.
Bruno Guimarães Talks Yet to Advance
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s interest in Bruno Guimarães is being negotiated by intermediaries.
Formal club-to-club negotiations have still not taken place between Arsenal and Newcastle United.
Arsenal Roundtable understands from Hand of Arsenal that the only contact so far has been a phone call from Newcastle seeking clarification over Arsenal’s position.
That conversation did not establish whether the two clubs could find common ground or lead to formal negotiations.
Andrea Berta is understood to want Kia Joorabchian to handle the discussions unless Arsenal and Newcastle can first move towards a valuation acceptable to both parties.
Newcastle are looking to secure a minimum fee in the region of £80 million to £85 million.
Guimarães is sold on the Arsenal project and is happy to let his representatives and Joorabchian handle things from here.
So the player’s stance is not seen as the main hurdle.
The bigger issue remains the gap between the clubs, with Newcastle’s first call not yet indicating whether Arsenal are willing to meet their price.
Arsenal’s interest in Álvarez and Guimarães underlines the ambition behind their plans as they prepare to defend the Premier League title.
Direct contact has already taken place with Atlético over Álvarez, placing the Gunners in position to act should Barcelona fail with their expected final attempt after the World Cup. Whilst Guimarães’ situation is developing along a different route.
Neither move is at the final stages, but Arsenal have established themselves in both situations. The next steps will depend on Barcelona’s move for Álvarez and whether the parties involved in the Guimarães talks can find common ground over his valuation.