Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has given the green light for his side to hijack Arsenal's move to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez this summer, according to TEAMtalk.
The Gunners are understood to be ready to enter the market for another striker in the summer despite splashing the cash on Viktor Gyokeres last year, with the Swede leading their goalscoring charts this season with 21 goals in all competitions.
Alvarez is a long-term target at the Emirates Stadium, but it has emerged that a number of top clubs are keen on the World Cup winner this summer, and PSG are one of the sides ready to make a move.
Luis Enrique Wants to Hand Arsenal Fresh Blow
Julian Alvarez in action for Atletico Madrid
Alvarez, who has been described as 'extraordinary', has been a key player for Diego Simeone's side since arriving in a record-breaking deal from Man City two seasons ago, and Arsenal are desperate to bring him back to the Premier League.
Barcelona are also said to be huge fans of the Argentina international, but the finances will be problematic for them to complete any deal. That has opened the door for PSG to make a move, and they are now intensifying their interest in the 26-year-old.
It's understood that Luis Enrique has made no secret about his admiration for the forward and has given his green light to the PSG hierarchy about adding him to his squad for next season.
Atletico Madrid are understood to want around £100m, which has effectively ruled Barcelona out of the race despite them being Alvarez's preferred destination. PSG are now seen as the frontrunners for his signature, having moved ahead of Arsenal, with personal terms not believed to be an issue either.
But Arsenal will not give up on a deal for their dream target, and if he becomes available they could look to make a move to bring him in, with sales also expected this summer.
Arsenal Must Go All-Out for Alvarez
Julian Alvarez
Despite the goals that Gyokeres has scored this season, there is no doubting that he has had his struggles in the team, and there are some doubts about whether or not he fits into the squad stylistically.
Alvarez, however, would have no such issues and while he would be expensive, he would also be a huge upgrade on Gyokeres and that could help the team to improve even beyond their excellent season this time around
One way to convince him to join Arsenal over PSG would be to beat them in the Champions League final, but should they lose that game then they may well have to deal with a second blow at the hands of PSG.
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