LONDON, England — Arsenal are increasingly confident of securing the signing of Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez before the close of the summer transfer window, with the club stepping up negotiations as manager Mikel Arteta continues efforts to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season.
Reports indicate that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has made the Argentina international one of the club’s top transfer priorities after identifying him as an ideal addition to Arteta’s frontline. While the North London club has remained active in the transfer market, Arsenal are now focusing significant attention on completing a deal for the former Manchester City striker.
The Gunners had initially explored several attacking targets during the summer, but their plans changed after missing out on other options, prompting the club to intensify its pursuit of Álvarez. Arsenal are also continuing discussions over other potential signings, including Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while maintaining interest in additional wide attackers.
According to reports, Berta has maintained regular contact with representatives of Álvarez throughout the transfer window, with personal terms not expected to present a significant obstacle should negotiations with Atlético Madrid progress successfully.
Arsenal are believed to have set aside a separate transfer budget specifically for the Argentine forward, meaning a move for Álvarez would not prevent the club from strengthening other areas of the squad. The club is still monitoring several attacking options, including Athletic Club winger Nico Williams and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, as Arteta looks to add greater depth and versatility to his squad.
The Arsenal manager reportedly views Álvarez as a player capable of making an immediate impact because of his experience at both club and international level. Having previously played in the Premier League with Manchester City, the World Cup-winning forward is already familiar with the demands of English football, a factor Arsenal believe could ease his transition back to England.
The report also suggests Arsenal have explored different structures for a possible transfer in an effort to convince Atlético Madrid to negotiate. While speculation linked Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres with a potential exchange, Atlético are reportedly unwilling to part with the forward under such circumstances. Arsenal are instead said to be open to discussing other possibilities, including involving current squad members such as Gabriel Martinelli or Gabriel Jesus if required during negotiations.
Although Barcelona has reportedly remained Álvarez’s preferred destination, the Spanish champions have yet to reach an agreement with Atlético Madrid. Atlético are also understood to be reluctant to strengthen a direct domestic rival by selling one of their key players within La Liga.
That situation has strengthened Arsenal’s optimism that they can capitalize on the opportunity and secure the striker’s signature before the transfer deadline. The club believes its financial package and sporting project could prove attractive if Atlético eventually decide to negotiate.
With Arteta aiming to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles, the addition of a proven international striker such as Álvarez would represent one of Arsenal’s most significant signings of the summer. However, any deal will depend on Atlético Madrid’s willingness to negotiate for a player regarded as one of the club’s most important attacking assets and reportedly valued at around £120 million.
