Julián Álvarez is likely to leave Atlético Madrid at the end of the campaign, with the Argentina striker linked to Barcelona, among other clubs. However, the Madrid side is more interested in letting a non-La Liga side have their player, reports indicate.
With Viktor Gyökeres failing to make the kind of impact he was expected to make in his first season, and Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz remaining inconsistent and injury-prone, Mikel Arteta is looking to rope in a new forward. The former Manchester City striker has reportedly impressed the Arsenal gaffer, who may ask the board to bid for him.
Atlético Madrid expect to get at least €120 million (£102 million) for Álvarez, who is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. However, Arsenal think they should be able to get their man for €100 million (£86.3 million), TEAMtalk said in a report. The Gunners have already made the initial moves via intermediaries, the report added.
The 26-year-old is contracted to Atlético until 2030 but feels he needs a team that plays a more offensive game with the FIFA World Cup around the corner. Álvarez feels he needs a new challenge, and Barcelona are more than happy to provide one with Robert Lewandowski on his way out. However, Atleti are unwilling to let him play for a direct rival. The 26-year-old prefers to stay in Spain rather than return to England, and thus Barcelona hold the edge, provided they can meet the financial requirements, TEAMtalk said.
Gabriel Heinze, a member of the coaching staff, is leading the talks for Arsenal, TEAMtalk said. The club believe they have made progress amidst the Barca factor and have the monetary muscle to outbid other European giants who may join the race later.