REUTERS/Albert Gea
Arsenal have made an ambitious move for Real Madrid star Endrick, as an alternative to Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez.
As things stand, it doesn't seem likely that Alvarez will arrive at the Emirates Stadium before the transfer window slams shut, with David Ornstein revealing the Argentinian has informed Mikel Arteta he's uninterested in the move.
It would be disappointing if the Gunners were to miss out on Alvarez, considering the former Manchester City man is already proven in the Premier League, picking up 20 goals and 11 assists in 67 matches in the competition, while he also has 25 career Champions League goals to his name.
Julian Alvarez's attacking numbers League appearances Goal involvements
2022-23 31 10
2023-24 36 21
2024-25 37 21
2025-26 29 12
Endrick, on the other hand, is less experienced, at just 20-years-old, but the youngster performed very well on loan at Lyon last season, chipping in with eight goals and eight assists in 21 matches for the French side.
Despite the starlet predominantly being utilised as a substitute by Carlo Ancelotti at the World Cup, the Brazil manager is also a big fan, and said during his time with Real Madrid: "He has these amazing characteristics he has shown whenever he has a chance. His accuracy is off the charts, he's quick and he still has a lot to improve with the ball."
endrick-lyon
"But, wow, his dribbling, his runs... the shot he has... he could even score a second goal easily with that great strike off the post... He is just spectacular. Very young, but a very fast learner."
As such, the Madrid forward could be a solid alternative to Alvarez, and there has now been a further update on the Gunners' pursuit, after Football FanCast sources revealed they were the frontrunners earlier this week.
Arsenal make approach to sign Endrick
REUTERS/Sam Navarro
According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal have now made an approach to sign Endrick, which was knocked back by Real Madrid, as Jose Mourinho regards him as an important player for the future.
The Brazil international isn't interested in leaving the Spanish side either, and refused to discuss personal terms, so it appears as though a transfer is off the table, with the £68,000-a-week star set to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
As such, the Gunners will have to hope Alvarez has a late change of heart, with the 26-year-old's future still up in the air, given that Atletico Madrid don't want to sell him to Barcelona and strengthen a direct rival.