Arsenal's transfer strategy remains focused on securing high-caliber attacking options following missed opportunities earlier in the window.
"So, we have to be very attentive to Arsenal now because losing Morgan Rogers is a big blow for Arsenal, is the reality," Romano said.
The club had previously prioritized alternative targets to strengthen their frontline ahead of the upcoming campaign. "He's the player they want," Romano said.
Negotiations for the player had reached advanced stages before hitting an impasse.
"He was the number one target, and so they were pushing and pushing to get a deal done," Romano said.
Barcelona's Concerns
Reports in Spain indicate that Barcelona manager Hansi Flick suspects Alvarez's agency is leveraging Barcelona's interest to secure higher salary packages from either Arsenal or Atletico Madrid.
"The striker has several options open to him.
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He could stay at Atlético Madrid with a significant contract extension or listen to offers from other major European clubs, with Arsenal particularly interested.
In either case, keeping Barcelona in the running increases his negotiating power and allows his representatives to demand higher salaries, taking advantage of the fact that another giant is also interested in him," according to a report in Spain.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has been tasked with clarifying the forward's genuine intentions before committing transfer resources.
"The German coach continues to consider Julián one of the best possible strikers to complete his attack, but he wants certainty.
