Julian Alvarez has informed Atletico Madrid that he wants to leave the club this summer, with Barcelona understood to be his preferred destination.
“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,” Alvarez said.
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“It’s not the time to talk about this, but I also can’t hide it. I try to be an honest person. It’s not known when it will be resolved,” he added.
However, Atletico are reluctant to sell to a direct La Liga rival. They have already rejected a reported £86million offer from Barcelona and pointed to Alvarez’s £432million release clause. The club also dismissed an approach from Real Madrid earlier this summer, reportedly valued at £129million.
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal remain interested in the Argentina international. Sky Italia journalist Luca Bendoni reports that initial discussions have taken place between the clubs at ownership level, with communication channels remaining open.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, who previously held the same role at Atletico before moving to the Emirates, is said to be leading the club’s interest.
Despite Arsenal’s admiration for Alvarez, Atletico have no desire to sell and there remains a significant gap between the two clubs’ valuations.
While Barcelona remain the 26-year-old’s preferred destination, Arsenal are continuing to monitor his situation closely.
talkSPORT also reports that Arsenal have explored the possibility of including Viktor Gyokeres as part of a deal during the early stages of talks with Atletico Madrid.
It remains unclear whether that proposal will progress. Although Atletico admire the Sweden international, Arsenal have yet to decide whether they are willing to sanction his departure, while club-to-club discussions over Julian Alvarez remain at an exploratory stage.
The Gunners also retain an interest in Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers, with any potential move for Alvarez understood to be separate from their pursuit of the England international.
Elsewhere, Arsenal remain in positive talks with Club Brugge over a deal for Greece winger Christos Tzolis. The developments come after Leandro Trossard completed his £17million move to Besiktas.