Arsenal step up record obliterating Julian Alvarez transfer as key double factor fuels Berta belief

Arsenal are prepared to break the bank for Julian Alvarez, and while TEAMtalk understands hopes are growing that a deal can be done, they will only make a major move if the Argentina international confirms he wants to move to north London in the coming week.

The Gunners remain convinced Alvarez is their dream signing and are prepared to consider a package of around €150million (£128m, $174.5m) if the player gives them the encouragement they need. That fee would represent a new British transfer record, eclipsing the £125million Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last summer.

Atletico Madrid are willing to listen to a proposal at that level, but their position remains that selling Alvarez to Barcelona is not an option.

To prepare themselves for his potential exit, sources revealed the Premier League striker that the Rojoblancos have targeted as his replacement.

Barcelona are still working on one final major attempt to sign the forward and are expected to make another move early this week.

However, we understand they have indicated that this will be their final major push as they also need to address other areas of the squad, with a potential move for Marcus Rashford among the issues they are still considering.

That could ultimately be the key moment for Arsenal, and sources have explained why a move to the Gunners remains a genuine possibility in the final week of the window…

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Julian Alvarez: Arsenal have genuine transfer belief

Key to any prospective move is that TEAMtalk understands that Alvarez’s camp are now pushing the Arsenal option to the player, with the expectation that a clear indication from the forward that he is prepared to move to north London could accelerate everything.

Arsenal have maintained regular contact with Alvarez’s camp throughout the summer, after being encouraged that the forward would be willing to make the move to north London should all avenues be closed on Barcelona; a move branded his dream move.

As a result, sources insist the next few days are likely to be decisive, with Arsenal waiting for the clearest possible indication from the player before taking the next step.

Arsenal have also remained in regular contact with Atletico, with further discussions taking place last week.

To offer further encouragement, Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has a strong relationship with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, and sources can reveal that the pair have maintained frequent contact throughout the summer.

That relationship could now help facilitate a blockbuster deal, with Atletico themselves also preferring to deal with Arsenal over Barcelona, though the Gunners are not yet prepared to commit the huge money involved until Alvarez makes his preference clear.

However, we understand that Arsenal could potentially go as high as €150million, if Alvarez confirms in the coming days that he wants the move.

For the time being, the player remains focused on trying to force through a Barcelona switch, but Atletico’s refusal to sell to the Catalan club is increasing the importance of the next week – and opening the door to a prospective record-breaking Gunners raid.

Should Barcelona’s final attempt fail and Alvarez then signal he is ready to move to Arsenal, the Gunners are well placed to act decisively and tie up a deal.

The message from Arsenal is therefore clear: they are ready to break the bank for Alvarez – but only if the player gives them the green light.