Arsenal have been linked with various stars in the transfer market, including Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez of Argentina
Arsenal have been linked with Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Arsenal continue to focus on reinforcements ahead of the transfer deadline on September 1. Mikel Arteta is intent on helping the club defend the Premier League title, having steered the Gunners to their first league triumph in 22 years.
Arsenal are recruiting from a position of considerable strength, having secured former Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes in midfield and bolstered their wide options by adding Christos Tzolis. The north London club have also wrapped up the signing of England centre-back Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.
While the majority of this summer's arrivals are expected to immediately slot into Arteta's team, the Gunners have equally shown a commitment to long-term planning. Arsenal are reportedly pursuing a trio of young prospects who could develop into future stars at the Emirates Stadium.
Meanwhile, the club have been strongly linked with a high-profile move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez throughout the summer window. Here, football.london examines some of the biggest transfer stories surrounding the club.
Julian Alvarez transfer update emerges
Atletico Madrid have reportedly relaxed their position on the possibility of Alvarez leaving the club. The Argentine forward has been linked with a switch to Arsenal, who are claimed to have held talks in London with Atleti director Mateu Alemany to explore a potential deal.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that Atleti have "agreed" to enter negotiations with Arsenal over a move for Alvarez, marking a shift in the club's stance. However, it is added that the La Liga side have been "very clear" about their unwillingness to do business with Barcelona.
Alvarez has publicly voiced his desire to leave Atleti but is reportedly "not keen" on a move to Arsenal, despite the club's change of stance, and continues to favour Barcelona. With Atletico Madrid having precious little time to source a replacement, Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres has been mentioned as a possible option. Meanwhile, Alvarez's situation is said to be "untenable", with the former Manchester City star refusing to return to the Premier League.
Blackburn Rovers' Igor Tyjon
Blackburn Rovers' Igor Tyjon is reportedly nearing a move to Arsenal(Image: Trevor Wilkinson | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Arsenal 'closing in' on trio
Elsewhere, Arsenal are reportedly nearing a deal for highly-rated Blackburn Rovers striker Igor Tyjon. The 18-year-old attacker is one of three talented youngsters claimed to be on the verge of joining the club.
The Evening Standard reports that Arteta's side are closing in on a move for Tyjon, with an initial fee of £1million and a further £2m in potential add-ons. The teenager, who had a medical pencilled in for Friday, has long been a target for Arsenal.
Tyjon has reportedly turned down a professional contract at Blackburn, where he has made three first-team appearances, and is set to join Arsenal's U21 squad, while also linking up with Arteta's side in first-team training. Two Manchester United prospects could accompany the promising forward.
The Evening Standard adds that United defender Habeeb Ogunneye, 20, has undergone a medical ahead of joining Arsenal's U21s and training alongside the senior squad. United winger James Scanlon is also closing in on a switch to the Gunners from Old Trafford.