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Arsenal are still interested in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
Sky of Italy’s Luca Bendoni It is reported that initial discussions have taken place between the clubs at ownership level and lines of communication are open
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta held the same role at Atleti before moving to the Emirates last year.
Atlético do not want to sell and there is a big gap between the valuations of Argentina’s international clubs.
Alvarez is believed to prefer a move to Barcelona, but Arsenal are monitoring the situation.
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Diego Simeone admitted in April that Arsenal were interested in Alvarez
What’s the latest in Barcelona’s pursuit of Alvarez?
Barcelona are not giving up on signing Arsenal target Alvarez and could increase their offer after the World Cup.
President Joan Laporta says their current bid of just £100m remains on the table – but sources in Spain suggest they could raise it to more than £110m (€130m) plus bonuses.
Alvarez is with Argentina in the World Cup
The club have yet to decide whether to extend the offer but – regardless – a new bid by Barca for Atletico is still not expected to go well. With relations between the clubs at an all-time low amid public debate on social media, Atletico are almost certain to continue their stance of refusing to sell him.
Laporta believes Atlético’s position is to lack an identified replacement, while Atlético CEO Miguel Gil Marin accused Barca of “disrespecting us”.
“I talked to Gil Marin. He told me they don’t plan on letting him go, but the offer is solid and we’re on board with it,” LaPorta said. “It remains on the table and the deal can still go through, but the offer is not open. Atletico said no because they didn’t have a replacement. We’ll see if they get one.”
Alvarez has been booked to go on holiday after finishing his World Cup campaign with Argentina. He will then return to pre-season training with Atletico while almost certainly talking to the club’s hierarchy about his future.
Sky Sports News It has already been reported that Alvarez’s dream is to sign for Barcelona – and his family are said to want to continue living in Spain. This is one of the main hurdles the likes of Arsenal and PSG – who are interested – must overcome if they are to lure the forward instead.
Privately, Atletico are understood to be more open to the idea of selling him to Arsenal or PSG – should Alvarez demand to leave the Metropolitano for either club.
Real Madrid announced last month that they had a £130m (€150m) bid for Alvarez rejected by Atletico.
Tzolis moved to explore as replacement for Trossard
Brugge’s Christos Jolis is Arsenal’s goal
Meanwhile, Arsenal are interested in Club Brugge winger Christos Jolis.
A source said Sky Sports News He is one of their primary targets to replace Leandro Trossard. Arsenal have long admired the player.
It is understood that terms of a deal have been explored but, so far, there has been no contact from club to club.
Club Brugge are believed to want in the region of £34m for Tjolis, which would be a Belgian Pro League record.
Trossard is joining Turkey’s Besiktas in a £17m deal. Morgan Rodgers is also of interest to Arsenal.
