Arsenal may have to give up on Julian Alvarez dream
Arsenal are preparing to return from the international break this weekend, as they're going to face Leeds United, hoping to get back to winning ways after the 3-0 defeat to Brighton last month.
The international break is always a worry for domestic sides, as there's the potential for their top players to suffer injuries, something that has bitten the Gunners in the past. It seems to have bitten again too, as Kai Havertz had to return from duty with Germany early with a hamstring injury.
It isn't understood to be serious, but it could mean that he misses the Leeds game. Mikel Arteta may be forced to play Viktor Gyokeres, who has struggled for form at the Emirates this season. Although, Gyokeres has scored twice whilst on international duty with Sweden, so it could be the boost he needs.
Either way, Arsenal may regret not signing a striker in the summer, as their options are relativley limited. They were heavily linked with Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, but failed to get a deal done, and it now seems like they may have lost out on him completely.
Alvarez wants a move to Barcelona
According to a report by Football Insider writer Pete O'Rourke, Alvarez is open to leaving Atletico Madrid amid interest from Arsenal; however, the Emirates is not his preferred destination. The report claims that Alvarez wants to join Barcelona for his next move.
The Argentine is yet to score in La Liga this season, but remains a key target for Arsenal; however, based on the reports, it may be that the Gunners have to look elsewhere for a new striker.
Who could Arsenal target instead?
If it isn't Alvarez, then the Gunners could go for a slightly younger and cheaper option instead. Two players stand out from recent transfer rumours for Arsenal, and the first is Borussia Dortmund's Maximilian Beier.
The 23-year-old has impressed in the Bundesliga this season, scoring one goal and two assists in four games. He is quickly becoming one of Niko Kovac's first choices in attack. Beier is a very similar style of player to Havertz, but that's almost more of a reason to sign him, as Havertz has excelled under Arteta's system.
Inter Milan's Pio Esposito is another name touted for a move to North London. TeamTalk claim that Arsenal have been scouting the Italian and have added him to their list of targets for 2027. If the Gunners decide to move for a striker in January, Esposito could be one to watch out for.
He's scored two goals and provided one assist in five Serie A games this season, and already has two goals in the Champions League too.
