Arsenal continue to be linked with Julian Alvarez - who Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest in during this summer transfer window
Julian Alvarez running during an Atletico Madrid training session
Julian Alvarez is training with Atletico Madrid, but Diego Simeone says the forward is not ready to play yet(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Julian Alvarez remains a player of interest to Arsenal with barely a fortnight remaining before this summer transfer window closes at 11pm on September 1.
Alvarez, 26, did not feature for Atletico Madrid in their La Liga opener against Malaga on Thursday night. They won 2-0 in his absence, and their head coach, Diego Simeone, acknowledged in his pre-match press conference that the Argentina international was "not in condition to play in this match".
Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest in Alvarez since the end of last season. Below is a round-up of the latest...
Alvarez 'open to Arsenal'
Spanish sports journalist Pedro Morata claims that Alvarez will decide today (Friday) whether to negotiate with Arsenal or stay at Atletico. The Gunners have apparently offered £103million (€120million) plus £4million (€5million) for Alvarez, but his employers are said to have requested £129million (€150million).
It is said that the former Manchester City forward is open to joining Arsenal. That is despite having many doubts and not wanting to return to England.
Morata claims the situation is 55 per cent in favour of staying at Atletico, with the remaining 45 per cent reflecting his openness to the north London club. Barcelona have apparently ruled themselves out.
Arsenal 'meet' Atletico director of football
Atletico director of football Mateu Alemany has met with Arsenal in London to discuss the conditions of doing a deal for Alvarez, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners are said to have tried, but the price is apparently too high at this stage, and Alvarez has never been open to returning to England because he wants to join Barcelona.
Alemany also apparently spoke about Nicolas Jackson while in the capital, who could potentially replace the Argentine. Aston Villa are also credited with an interest in the Chelsea striker.
Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich. However, he previously played for Villarreal in La Liga.
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Barcelona reach striker agreement
Lautaro Martinez's representative, Alejandro Camano, reached an agreement in principle with Barcelona for his client's potential contract, according to El Chiringuito. His agent is said to have done so at a meeting in Madrid last week with football co-ordinator Bojan and sporting director Deco.
The latter and head coach Hansi Flick are said to be very keen on the Argentina international. Barcelona are now apparently preparing an opening offer for the Inter captain that will not exceed £86million (€100m).
Inter, however, are not considering selling their skipper this summer. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, no amount will change that.
Atletico U-Turn
Mundo Deportivo claim Atletico are willing to open negotiations with Arsenal over Alvarez, but not Barcelona. However, these reports conflict with what Morata has said, with the Catalan publication stating that the striker has allegedly turned down any move to north London.
They are also apparently open to doing business with Arsenal because they would be keen on replacing the Argentine with Viktor Gyokeres. It is said that Atletico acknowledge the situation with Alvarez is becoming unsustainable, hence this softening of their stance.
MD, however, make clear that he continues to veto any move that is not Barcelona. They claim he is still their priority.