Arsenal have dropped out of the race to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez this summer, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
The Gunners recently confirmed the arrival of Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, but they are still aiming for a marquee forward acquisition.
Alvarez has been frequently linked with Arsenal over the past few months, but Sport claim that the Gunners are no longer exploring a move.
Atletico proposed a part-exchange deal involving Viktor Gyokeres earlier this summer, but that transfer idea has ‘collapsed like a house of cards’.
Mikel Arteta’s side have ‘changed their plans’ and now have Real Madrid attacker Vinicius as their ‘priority target’ to bolster the forward department.
For Alvarez, nothing changes with Arsenal dropping out of the race. He only wants to play for Barcelona and would like to fulfil his childhood dream.
Arsenal change priority after Alvarez’s stance
It is publicly known that Alvarez wants to join Barcelona this summer. Atletico are reluctant to do business with the Blaugrana after their unauthorised contact with the player.
Diego Simeone’s side also have no plans to negotiate with Real Madrid due to the fierce rivalry. They have turned down a £129 million bid from Los Blancos for the World Cup winner.
This has opened the door for the Gunners to discuss terms. It has been reported that Atletico are willing to do a player-plus-cash deal with Arsenal. Gyokeres has been eyed as a makeweight.
Arsenal have now changed their priority, with the prime focus on landing Vinicius. The Gunners are prepared to make a huge financial outlay and make him the highest earner in the club’s history.
The Brazilian has a contract at Madrid until June next year. Arsenal are keen to capitalise on the impasse in contract negotiations and believe they can prise the 26-year-old away from Madrid.
Los Blancos president Florentino Perez wants at least £137m for Vinicius, which may not be out of Arsenal’s reach, given they have barely spent during the ongoing transfer window.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have distanced themselves from Alvarez, who has not shown little desire to join the club. He appears hellbent on pursuing a dream transfer to the Blaugrana this summer.
Whether that happens is another matter, given Atletico’s firm stance on not selling him to them. Arsenal have finally moved away from the saga to try and secure the statement signing of Vinicius.