Julian Alvarez has been outlined as an Arsenal transfer target
Arsenal have previously been linked with Julian Alvarez.
Arsenal have previously been linked with Julian Alvarez.(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Gabriel Martinelli's move to Galatasaray could boost their chances of signing Julian Alvarez. Time is running out for Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta with the Atletico Madrid star facing crunch talks with Diego Simeone as Barcelona lurk.
Martinelli is the subject of a £38.4million bid from the Turkish giants, a move - if agreed - would be a record sale for the Gunners. Galatasaray have reportedly tabled an offer for the Brazilian but face the decision over whether to replicate the sale Leandro Trossard to a Super Lig side.
An exit for the winger would mean a complete overhaul of the left-sided options at the Premier League champions. Christos Tzolis arrived in North London from Club Brugge and has made his mark in pre-season.
But from Arteta's point of view, there is more work to be done having already missed out on Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Jr with the further prospect of losing out on Bradley Barcola's signature.
Martinelli is reportedly a top priority for the Istanbul club but a departure could fuel the opportunity to sign Alvarez. The Argentine was previously reported as a main target for Arsenal as they look to add reinforcements.
For Arteta and the Gunners hierarchy, they hope to bolster the title-winning squad in order to compete at the summit again, while maintaining their place as a force across Europe in the Champions League.
But reports suggest that Alvarez is keen on a move to Barcelona, rather than a return to the Premier League where he had two trophy-laden years in the North West.
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While there is an impasse regarding his futre, Arsenal would need to act quickly and Martinelli's sale could fund a move.
However, ESPN have reported that Simeone and Alvarez were set for crunch talks on Wednesday to discuss hs future. Alvarez previously outlined his intention to leave Madrid and fulfil his wish of a move this summer, with the suggestion that Barcelona was his dream destination.
A tug-of-war is underway with Atletico insisting that the player is not for sale despite Barca president Joan Laporta confirming a bid had been made. Alvarez is viewed as the perfect successor to Robert Lewandowski after the Polish hot-shot departed for the MLS this summer.
The 26-year-old returned for pre-season this week after an extended break due to the World Cup. ESPN have reported that the forward felt compelled to discuss matters face-to-face with the iconic Atletico boss with Alvarez 'concerned' over the level of media scrutiny and speculation over his future.
Julian Alvarez #9 of Argentina celebrates after the 3-1 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri
Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move to Arsenal(Image: Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Simeone has remained steadfast on the situation. He said last weekend: "The situation is very clear.
"The club took a decision which Miguel Ángel [Gil] explained well... We are very happy with Julián. From the sporting side of things, we will help him keep growing and improving, so that he can give us what he has given us over these two years."
It was further suggested by ESPB that Alvarez was feeling 'resigned' to the situation after the meeting and had expected the response from Simeone.
However, there is no friction between the pair, with their relationship described as cordial despite some disagreements over the tactician's approach to matches.
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