The Julian Alvarez transfer saga looks set to end in more frustration for Arsenal and now it appears they may need a Plan B
MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 23: Julián Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on August 23, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez looks set to stay at Atletico Madrid(Image: Angel Martinez, Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Arsenal are assessing new transfer targets in the event they are unable to sign Julian Alvarez. The Gunners have been pursuing the Atletico Madrid forward throughout the month.
Mikel Arteta's side have already seen Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior choose not to move to the Emirates Stadium, and it's becoming increasingly likely Alvarez will follow suit. Recent reports have even claimed Alvarez has informed Mikel Arteta he does not want to move to north London.
It appears Arsenal are beginning to accept Alvarez will not be leaving, as reports understand they are drawing up alternative plans.
The Guardian understands a list of alternative targets, which reportedly includes Everton forward Iliman N'Diaye, has been drawn up. The Senegal international was linked with a move to the Premier League champions earlier in the summer.
He may, however, prove equally difficult to sign, with Manchester City said to be in advanced negotiations over a £65million deal to secure his services. The reigning Premier League champions are continuing to weigh up further options.
Arsenal's forward line is beginning to look increasingly thin on the ground. Leandro Trossard departed for Besiktas earlier in the window, while Gabriel Martinelli is poised to join Al-Hilal in a club-record £56m deal.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Iliman Ndiaye of Everton looks on during the Premier League 2026/27 match between AFC Bournemouth and Everton at Vitality Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
N'Diaye is also being chased by Atletico Madrid(Image: Mike Hewitt, Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Gabriel Jesus has also agreed a transfer to Barcelona this summer, while fringe player Fabio Vieira is also expected to join Hamburg. On the left wing front, summer recruit Christos Tzolis is anticipated to lead the line, though Eberechi Eze was utilised in the role from the substitutes' bench during the 1-0 away win at Aston Villa.
One potential addition, though, is Malick Fofana from Lyon, but the £35m asking price is currently proving too high for the Gunners.
When pressed on the possibility of signing Julian Alvarez on transfer deadline day, Arteta curtly responded: "I don't know. That's for the people upstairs."
The Gunners' manager did hint that the club will look to tie up further signings on Transfer Deadline Day, saying: "We are trying to improve the squad and until tomorrow night we are going to do that.
Manager of Arsenal Mikel Arteta reacts after the match during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Aston Villa FC and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on August 31, 2026 in Birmingham, England
Arteta said the club could make some deadline day moves(Image: 2026 Molly Darlington)
View 3 Images
"I have been disconnected from the world for 24 hours because I think my energy and focus has to be on the match, but I will get back on it now."
Throughout this summer, Arsenal have splashed in excess of £200m on Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image