Not Arsenal: secret meeting brings Julian Alvarez closer to the Premier League

The behind-the-scenes of the big deal

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez is edging closer to a Premier League switch. Not to Arsenal, though, despite the Gunners' recent interest in the Argentina forward.

Italian journalist Nicolo Schira revealed on his official X account that Chelsea explored the terms of a possible deal for Alvarez during a meeting with Atletico officials in London last Thursday.

Schira explained: "Chelsea explored the terms of a possible deal to sign Alvarez last Thursday, during a meeting in London with Atletico Madrid. Atletico have begun talks to try to sign Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea."

Fresh developments have emerged elsewhere too. Topskills Sports UK, a platform specialising in European transfer news, confirmed that Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have flown to Spain for direct talks with Atletico officials over the Alvarez deal.

Optimism is building inside Chelsea that the move can be wrapped up this week, with the club having already agreed personal terms with the Argentine.

Atletico, the platform added, are still holding to their original 150 million euro valuation. They are prepared to drop that to 120 million euros, however, if Alvarez joins Chelsea.

The London club are working on the best possible payment structure, according to the same source, one that serves the interests of all parties.

Chelsea's push comes with Arsenal reportedly chasing hard to land Alvarez, who wants a fresh challenge and is keen to leave Atletico this window.

Atletico may be open to his exit, but they remain firm on where he goes next, especially when it comes to their direct rivals.

Barcelona are off the table entirely. Offers from other clubs are up for discussion, though, and that opens the door for a Chelsea move as the Premier League side throw everything at getting it done.