Arsenal were dealt a major blow in the transfer window after Chelsea hijacked their move to sign Morgan Rogers, but they are now pushing ahead with other targets.
Mikel Arteta has made new forwards a priority for this summer transfer window, with extra firepower seen as a necessity despite the club winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final last season.
Viktor Gyokeres led the line for the majority of the campaign, and finished as the top scorer with 21 goals in all competitions, but the manager has made it clear that his dream transfer target is a new striker, and the club have been handed a boost in their hunt.
Berta Holds Direct Talks for Alvarez
Argentina's Julian AlvarezRodrigo Valle via Reuters
According to a report by Caught Offside, Arsenal have been given the green light to progress on a deal to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez this summer.
The Argentina international is widely considered to be the 'dream' transfer target at the Emirates Stadium this summer, but Arsenal had not been given any indications that a deal was possible, with Alvarez prioritising a move to join Barcelona.
The Catalan club had a €100m (£87m) offer rejected earlier in the window, but Arsenal are still keen on getting a deal done despite the price, and it has now emerged that Andrea Berta has held direct talks with Atletico about a deal in recent days.
Atletico Madrid are adamant that Alvarez will not be sold to Barcelona or Real Madrid, despite his wishes, but they have told Arsenal that they would be open to a deal with the Gunners so long as it matches their valuation.
It's now claimed that Alvarez would be open to returning to the Premier League, but he is still prioritising Barcelona as they are his dream club. The forward is seen as a priority for Arsenal, but they will not exceed their valuation of the player to get a deal done.
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Alvarez a Gamechanger for Arsenal
Julian Alvarez in action for Atletico Madridvia Reuters
Alvarez has enjoyed two fine seasons at Atletico Madrid, and was key for Argentina at the World Cup this summer as they reached a second consecutive final, but now all attention must turn to his future.
Arsenal want a marquee name to go into their attack, and Alvarez's quality is undeniable. His link-up play, his quality in front of goal, plus the fact he already has Premier League experience, means he would be a gamechanging signing for the club, but it won't be easy to do.
Despite that, it's a deal that is clearly on the table to be done during this window, and Arsenal are in a strong position to get it done.
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