Andrea Berta holds direct talks with Julian Alvarez as Atletico Madrid ready to accept Arsenal transfer
Ciaran McCarthy
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has held talks with Julian Alvarez, and Atletico Madrid could sanction a move to the Emirates, reports Caught Offside.
Alvarez is a major target for a both Arsenal and Barcelona this summer. He has told Atletico that he wants to leave the club, but thus far there's been no progress.
Barca have had attempts knocked back, with their Spanish rivals adamant they won't be selling to them.
The Gunners could be a in a good spot for Alvarez, though. It's reported Atletico could sanction a transfer to the club this summer, having told the striker's representatives as much.
They have done so to make clear that he's not going to be moving within Spain.
The Gunners' position is also helped by the fact sporting director Berta has held direct talks with Alvarez, and it's believed the Argentine is willing to move back to the Premier League after a previous spell with Manchester City.
As such, it's said Arsenal should not face major difficulties negotiating with Atleti.
However, it's also reported a €200million (£170.5m) transfer is unrealistic and the Spanish side might have to lower their asking price if Alvarez is to leave.
However, he must actively choose Arsenal and there's no suggestion that he's done so yet.
Alvarez wants Barcelona
Reports suggest it's Barcelona who Alvarez wants to move to, with his entourage feeling a commitment made months ago, stating he could move there if certain economic terms were met, has not been fulfilled.
As a result, it's been reported he is considering strike action at Atletico.
The relationship between player and club is currently a delicate one, and their refusal to entertain bids is causing him discomfort.
It seems that could change if Arsenal bid, but Atleti have made it crystal clear that a Barcelona move isn't happening.
The club's CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, said: “My position is clea. The club’s intention is clear; we have made it know to the player, the fans and Barcelona’s president. I have no doubt that Atlético is the right place in the world for Julián and that Julián is the perfect centre-forward for Atlético Madrid. We want him to stay with us.
“I recently heard comments from the [Barcelona] president saying that the offer he had made to Atlético Madrid wasn’t unlimited, and the only possible response is that our answer certainly is. We do not want to sell him, we don’t accept the €100 million offer, nor would we accept one of €150 million or €200 million.”
