Julian Alvarez to Arsenal ignites as major first-team star offered in swap proposal
Arsenal are reportedly ready to offer Viktor Gyokeres in a swap proposal to sign top striker target Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid during the remaining days of the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta remains on the hunt for a new No.9 before the window shuts, with Alvarez still his top target, while links to Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen also remain.
Despite Viktor Gyokeres scoring 21 times in all competitions last season, Arsenal still feel they need an upgrade to take them one step further in the Champions League, not to mention the defence of their Premier League crown.
While Alvarez has made it clear that Barcelona remains his favoured next destination, Atletico are not keen on selling to their LaLiga rivals, who may not have the funds for a £100m-plus signing anyway due to their ongoing financial constraints.
READ: Juventus reach decision on selling Kenan Yildiz to Arsenal for €100m
That leaves the door open for an Arsenal raid for the former Manchester City star, with transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano recently revealing that talks over a potential deal have taken place in London.
And it appears things may have ramped up a level on that front, with a report from Spanish outlet Diario Sport stating that the reigning Premier League champions have put a swap proposal on the table involving Gyokeres in their efforts to snare Alvarez.
According to the report, Arsenal are willing to part ways with the Sweden international just one season after he joined from Sporting in a deal worth £55million.
The report suggests that the Gunners are willing to offer a £68.5million plus Gyokeres to secure Alvarez, with the ‘player’s head said to have turned towards Emirates Stadium’, given Atletico’s reluctance to sell Barcelona, even if that could find the funds.
Financial details would not be a problem for either party, with Alvarez expected to double his wages if a deal is agreed.
Alvarez the final piece of Arteta’s Arsenal jigsaw
Following Arsenal’s convincing 3-0 win over Coveentry in their Premier League opener on Friday night, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville commented on the impact Alvarez could have on an already thriving Arteta side.
He said: “We think that Alvarez wants to go to Barcelona, but if Arsenal could get Alvarez somehow that is going to light this place up, because then you have a world class striker to go with all the other world class defenders and midfield players.
“They’d become not just Premier League title winners, but you’re then thinking that they can go that extra step and win the Champions League as well.
READ NEXT: Ian Wright slams classless Arsenal for mistreatment of ‘big moments’ player – ‘makes me uncomfortable’
“He does need that little bit of magic up front that when you don’t play well they’ll go and win a big game for you.
“Has he got enough of that? I’m not sure.”
Arsenal are back in Premier League action on August 31 when they head to Aston Villa, with Ezri Konsa in line to take on his old club.
