Arsenal are interested in signing one of La Liga’s leading strikers this season, according to El Chiringuito.
The Gunners are poised to bolster their frontline this summer, and a new centre-forward is one of the top priorities.
The club have been linked with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres in recent weeks, but El Chiringuito reveal something else.
The Spanish outlet claim that Arsenal are one of the clubs keen on signing Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
It is added that meetings will be held with interested teams next week.
Alvarez would be an outstanding signing
The Argentina international joined Atletico from Manchester City for an initial £64 million last summer. The deal could rise to £81.5m with add-ons.
Alvarez has proved a fantastic acquisition for Diego Simeone’s side, registering 29 goals and six assists from 53 appearances across all competitions.
The River Plate graduate has a shot-to-goal conversion of 24 percent in La Liga. He has been brilliant with his finishing and has missed just seven big chances.
Aside from this, the 25-year-old has impressed with his distribution and quick movement in the final third.
Alvarez is obviously weak in the air but makes up for the same with his terrific positioning in and around the box. He is a striker with a keen eye for goal.
He would be an outstanding signing for the Gunners, but the big question is whether the club can persuade Atletico to part ways with the Argentine.
It could take a figure beyond the £100m mark to test their resolve. If they can find an agreement, Arsenal may not have a tough time negotiating personal terms.
Alvarez earns around £114,000 per week at Atletico, and the Gunners could be willing to double his wages to bring him back to the Premier League this summer.
Sporting director Andrea Berta could play a huge role. He was Atletico’s sporting director for eight years and could use his close association to pull off a deal.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com, Sofascore.com & Capology.com
