Mikel Arteta is prepared to launch a £130 million ($177.2 million) bid to secure Julian Alvarez — but will require guarantees that the Argentina international is committed to joining Arsenal.
Atletico Madrid have found themselves locked in a bitter dispute with Alvarez that has seen the club's own supporters turn against the 26-year-old. Alvarez has been pushing hard for a switch to Barcelona, but Atletico are unwilling to sanction a deal with their La Liga rivals, though they may now be receptive to reaching an agreement with Arsenal.
The former Manchester City forward was jeered by Atletico supporters during their draw with Villarreal last weekend, and the relationship between player and club may be beyond repair.
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The World Cup winner has previously maintained that Barcelona is his only desired destination, and Arsenal boss Arteta would understandably need convincing that the striker would be fully committed to a move to the Emirates, as per The Mirror.
It would also require Arsenal to balance their finances, with Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli edging closer to a £50 million ($68.2 million) transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal. That would set a record sale for the Gunners, with Martinelli's initial hesitancy over a move to Saudi Arabia having eased, given that he is no longer central to Arteta's plans.
Arsenal are also looking to offload Fabio Vieira, with Hamburg pressing to finalize a deal, while Napoli have shown interest in Gabriel Jesus — though the Brazilian's wage demands have proven to be the primary obstacle.
Jesus has been keen to remain in England but is well aware that his opportunities at Arsenal will be severely limited. Whether Arsenal would even consider a deal for Viktor Gyokeres involving Atletico remains uncertain, while the prospect of landing Juventus star Kenan Yildiz looks increasingly unlikely given that the winger is facing knee surgery.
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Arsenal have already splashed the cash this window, bringing in Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimarães, and Ezri Konsa, making it a distinct possibility that further transfer activity could be limited, even if Martinelli departs.
Eberechi Eze remains an option to cover the left flank, and the club may choose to play the waiting game, but should the opportunity to land Alvarez arise and the player is open to a move, Arsenal are ready to act.
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