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Arsenal representatives held a meeting with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid on Friday, as speculation over the future of striker Julian Alvarez continues to grow.
The Gunners kickstarted their Premier League campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over newly promoted Coventry City just hours after the club are reported to have sat down with Atletico in the capital to discuss the potential signing of Alvarez.
Mikel Arteta's side have been linked with a number of forward additions this summer, having seen Leandro Trossard exit the club, and Gabriel Martinelli seemingly cast aside by the Spanish boss. Alvarez, who has 20 Premier League goals to his name thanks to time at Manchester City, could be a potential option.
Arsenal want to be kept informed of Julian Alvarez's transfer situation
REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal met with Atletico on Friday and left the ball in the court of the Spanish side over a potential deal.
The Gunners are aware that the striker is keen on a move to La Liga rivals Barcelona and that the Catalan club remain first choice in his mind. The London outfit are believed to have asked Atletico to keep them informed should Alvarez's stance change.
Romano said: “Arsenal after the contact they had on Friday with Atletico Madrid meeting in London, Arsenal wanted to be informed by the player side in case something changes. In case in the next eight days Julian changes mind and says, 'Okay, I go to Arsenal,' in that case, Arsenal want to get the information in order to re-enter the deal.
"So, keep an eye still on this situation. But at the moment, Julian Alvarez position remains clear. He wants to go only to Barcelona."
"It’s not about Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Bayern, and PSG. Julian wants to go to Barcelona and this remains the position of the player."
Arsenal are aware that any move for Alvarez, who scored 20 goals last season, would not come cheap. Atletico are believed to be wanting a fee of around £130million to part with the player.
Julian Alvarez summer transfer timeline
May 28 - Reports that Barcelona agree personal terms with Julian Alvarez
May 29 - Atletico deny Barcelona interest
June 1 - Barcelona submit £85 million bid for striker, offer is rejected
June 9 - Real Madrid offer £130 million for Alvarez, bid rejected same day
June 22 - Alvarez hints that move to Barcelona is chance to 'fulfil a dream'
Atletico manager Diego Simeone had left Alvarez out of his matchday squad for the 2-0 win over Malaga on Wednesday, but that was put down to match fitness rather than as a result of transfer speculation.
The forward is expected to be handed his first minutes of the season for Atletico against Villarreal on Sunday, with Simeone confirming that Alvarez will be in the squad.
The Atletico boss added: “For me, Julian is an extremely important player for us to achieve our objectives. As long as he’s with the team, I’m going to look after him.”
The transfer saga has led to Alvarez being targeted by critical chants from a small section of Atletico fans, angered by the player suggesting that a move to rivals Barcelona would be a 'dream'.
Simeone reacted: “I respect our fans, I always have, but I don’t agree with insults or abuse. Every word is being scrutinised by people waiting to create conflict and uncertainty. There is no uncertainty. Miguel was very clear. He [Alvarez] is our player and we need him.”