Julian Alvarez is the subject of interest from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, ahead of the Champions League final.
PSG have reportedly made a more direct approach for the Argentine international.
PSG’s Interest and Arsenal’s Strategy
Mikel Arteta is reportedly an admirer of Alvarez. Diego Simeone has revealed that Arsenal were one of his suitors. The Independent has been told that PSG have made a more direct pitch with wages, signalling they are willing to pay Atletico’s asking price of €125m (£108m).
Alvarez Prefers Barcelona
Sources close to the player say his first choice would be Barcelona. However, they do not have anything close to the funds required. Atletico are reportedly intent on digging in, which may put more pressure on Alvarez to push for any move he selects.
Arsenal Eye Other Targets
The situation may yet see both Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers end up at Arsenal, as the club seek to build on their Premier League victory. There has been progress as regards a move for Rogers, with Arsenal one of many potential buyers, including Chelsea, Manchester United and – notably – PSG.
Aston Villa’s preference would obviously be to keep their star, but there are naturally good relations between the club and Rogers, if he wanted to move on.
The Villa Park hierarchy are also mindful of the potential strategy of cashing in on Rogers and replenishing the squad to try and bring it to another level, after a few years of difficulties with financial rules.
Arsenal’s Transfer Plans
Arsenal’s new status as the champions of England has of course given them a powerful new bargaining position, too.
They are also pursuing Kroupi, who played such a key role in the eventual title win with that goal in Bournemouth’s decisive 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
Arsenal want to bring three or four players in, with the same number expected to leave. Gabriel Jesus is expected to be allowed to take up one of many offers from the Brazilian league, for a nominal fee of around £5m. The saving of his high wages would allow considerable room with financial regulations.