Julian Alvarez to Arsenal – Arsenal in talks for Julian Alvarez transfer, Edu and Arteta leading discussions…

Arsenal is reportedly interested in acquiring Julian Alvarez from Manchester City to strengthen their attacking line.

Julian Alvarez has been approached by Arsenal, with initial contact made regarding a potential transfer.

The necessary funds are being arranged, and both Edu and Arteta have expressed their positions on the matter.

According to The Mirror, the 24-year-old forward has caught the eye of the London club, with manager Mikel Arteta showing keen interest.

Sources suggest that Arsenal has initiated contact with Alvarez’s representatives, as reported by HITC.

Nevertheless, there has been no formal offer presented to City at this point, and all involved parties are monitoring the developments closely.

Arsenal has reportedly begun discussions with Alvarez’s representatives; however, Manchester City has rejected initial inquiries from Atletico Madrid, PSG, Chelsea, and the Saudi Pro League regarding the Argentine forward.

Alongside their pursuit of Alvarez, Arsenal has successfully acquired defender Riccardo Calafiori and confirmed the permanent signing of goalkeeper David Raya following a fruitful loan period.

Nevertheless, the club continues to seek a midfielder and a striker akin to Alvarez. His addition could address their attacking needs, particularly with Kai Havertz being utilized as a false 9 this season and Gabriel Jesus, a former City player, losing his place in the starting lineup.

Regarding his future, Alvarez has expressed some dissatisfaction after a season spent largely in the shadow of City’s primary striker, Erling Haaland.

The 24-year-old, who joined from River Plate in 2022, has enjoyed several successful outings with City but has indicated that he is contemplating his future, according to Football London.

Alvarez remarked: “Last season, I was among the players with the most minutes at City. However, it’s not enjoyable to miss out on significant matches; you want to make a contribution.”

“I will take the necessary time to reflect on my personal aspirations. We will assess the situation after the Games. Initially, if possible, I plan to take a few days off, and then we will make a decision.”

After securing the Copa America title earlier this summer, Alvarez is returning home from the Olympic Games in Paris following a quarter-final loss to France. Is this the moment for the young talent to contemplate his future?

Guardiola’s Response

In light of Alvarez’s expressed dissatisfaction at City, manager Pep Guardiola has swiftly addressed any speculation regarding unrest within his championship-winning squad. Known for his transparency regarding team morale, Guardiola continues to emphasize his policy of allowing discontented players to depart.

Commenting on Alvarez’s future at the Etihad after City’s 4-2 victory over Chelsea in pre-season, Guardiola stated: “There are no updates. I have nothing to report.

He will return, and I count on him, but he mentioned in the media that decisions will be made collectively. For now, he needs to rest, and when he feels prepared to return, he will do so.

“I am confident that when he comes back, I will congratulate him on his Copa America success and his participation in the Olympics, and we will begin working together. That is the reality. In the meantime, I have countless matters to consider regarding the team.

“Next week, we compete for the first trophy of the season [the Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley]. In two weeks, we face Stamford Bridge again; that is my primary focus.”

Arsenal’s Financial Moves for Alvarez

This summer, Arsenal has already made significant investments, spending £42 million on defender Calafiori and an additional £27 million to secure Raya’s transfer from Brentford, totaling nearly £70 million on these two key players.

Initially, the north London club did not intend to pursue further major signings. However, the transfer of Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham, along with Marseille’s interest in Eddie Nketiah, could generate the necessary funds for acquiring Alvarez, should he become available.

Fulham set a new transfer record by signing Smith Rowe, with the deal potentially reaching £34 million through add-ons, including an upfront payment of £27 million to Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Marseille’s pursuit of Nketiah has diminished following reports that Youssoufa Moukoko is set to join the French side from Dortmund on a loan with an option to buy, although Nketiah is still anticipated to be transferred before the window closes.

Football London has reported that Crystal Palace is considering a move for Nketiah, particularly if Eberechi Eze or Jean-Philippe Mateta choose to leave the club, following Michael Olise’s departure.

Should the 25-year-old decide to follow Smith Rowe’s example and exit Arsenal, the financial resources generated from these transfers could be allocated towards acquiring Alvarez.

Regarding Alvarez’s transfer value and Manchester City’s asking price, it raises the question of his current market worth, both from the perspective of his club and the broader transfer landscape.

Manchester City is seeking an initial fee of £70 million for Alvarez, with additional performance-related add-ons potentially bringing the total to around £80 million.

Although City acquired Alvarez for only £18 million in 2022, he has since achieved significant success, including winning the World Cup with Argentina and the Copa America twice.

He has also claimed a Champions League title and two Premier League titles, the latter being a goal that Arteta aspires to achieve with Arsenal.

Bringing in a proven league champion and top scorer like Alvarez, especially from a direct competitor, could address Arsenal’s challenges in their quest for the title. However, it is unlikely that City would be willing to bolster their closest rivals.

Other clubs besides Arsenal are interested in Alvarez. Spanish clubs and Premier League rivals are also eyeing the striker.

Atletico Madrid has shown interest in Alvarez, but City’s asking price is too high for them.

Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have also shown interest in the 24-year-old, which means Arteta will have to compete with both French champions and London rivals Chelsea to secure the striker.

Arteta might be aiming to make a strong push for the league title, with Alvarez potentially being a part of those plans.

Edu and Arteta’s position

Arsenal’s sporting director Edu is said to be a big admirer of Alvarez, as is current manager Arteta.

Both Arteta and Edu would be interested in reaching an agreement for the striker if the financial and timing aspects work out for both clubs.

However, at this point, only initial talks with the player’s representatives have occurred, with no official offer made to City.

Nevertheless, the pair are closely monitoring Alvarez’s situation and could view the striker as the answer to their attacking issues if he becomes available.