Arsenal has started ownership-level talks with Atletico Madrid over a potential transfer for Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, according to Sky Sports and Talksport.
Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta is leading the interest in the 26-year-old attacker, whom Atletico Madrid values at over £100 million.
Arsenal has explored including 28-year-old Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres as part of a player-plus-cash proposal to reduce the financial demands.
Atletico's Stance and Alvarez's Desire
Atletico Madrid previously rejected an £86 million bid from Barcelona and dismissed an approach from Real Madrid valued at £129 million, pointing to the player's £432 million release clause.
Alvarez publicly acknowledged his desire to move ahead of the decision.
"I spoke with people at the club, with those I had to speak with and the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfill my dream," said Alvarez.
The Argentine international, who scored 49 goals across his last two seasons in Spain, stressed that his immediate focus remained on international duty before resolving his future.
"It's not the time to talk about this, but I also can't hide it. I try to be an honest person.
It's not known when it will be resolved," added Alvarez.
Pundits Weigh In
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes publicly urged Premier League clubs to secure the forward despite Atletico's steep evaluation.
"If Atletico Madrid want £100m, any big club needs to go and get him," said Scholes on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.
Scholes noted that top-tier attacking players who can consistently decide matches are rare in the current market.
"Just go and get him," said Scholes.
He emphasized that Alvarez possesses versatile qualities rather than functioning solely as a traditional target man.
"There's not even a debate. I don't think there's loads of top-class centre-forwards knocking about.
I don't see him as an out-and-out centre-forward, he's more of a drifter," stated Scholes.
Highlighting recent transfer market inflation, Scholes argued that the fee remains justified for a player with Alvarez's proven track record.
"Atletico Madrid won't want to sell him to Real Madrid or Barcelona.
If he's £100m – [England midfielder] Elliot Anderson has just gone for £116m – and Alvarez is a match-winner. What a signing that would be," declared Scholes.
Former England international Nicky Butt agreed with the assessment regarding how Alvarez could fit alongside another focal point in attack.
"He would be a perfect partner for an out-and-out centre-forward like [Viktor] Gyokeres," said Butt on the same podcast.
Gyokeres' Position
Despite being linked as a potential trade asset, Gyokeres previously expressed satisfaction with his current position at the Emirates Stadium.
"Of course it's flattering to see that clubs are interested but I feel extremely comfortable at Arsenal," said Gyokeres.
The Swedish international added that he remained positive about his development following his first campaign with the North London club.
"After the season we have had, I only have positive feelings," said Gyokeres.
Parallel to their pursuit of Alvarez, Arsenal is finalizing a deal with Club Brugge for Greek winger Christos Tzolis following Leandro Trossard's £17 million departure to Besiktas, as reported by Standard Sport.
