Arsenal plot £103m January swoop for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez

Arsenal are lining up a £103 million bid to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid in January, according to Fichajes. The Gunners want another striker after Mikel Arteta has preferred Kai Havertz to Viktor Gyokeres in all three Premier League games this season.

  • Proposed fee: £103 million for Julian Alvarez
  • Buying club: Arsenal
  • Selling club: Atletico Madrid
  • Window: January
  • Alternative: Swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres also considered
  • Context: Arsenal have won all three league games this season

Deal details

Arsenal are pondering the addition of another striker as early as January and are preparing a £103 million bid for Julian Alvarez, as reported by Fichajes. The Argentine international is seen as a consistent goal-scorer and chance creator who works hard without the ball and is intelligent with his movement in the final third.

Earlier in the summer, it emerged that Arsenal were prepared to offer Viktor Gyokeres to Atletico Madrid to drive down Alvarez's price. That swap option remains viable for the winter window, though it is unclear how much value Diego Simeone sees in Gyokeres as a possible replacement for Alvarez, or whether Atletico are open to letting the player leave midway through the season following a summer-long saga over his future.

Alvarez's experience in the Premier League with Manchester City, where he won the title, is a key factor in Arsenal prioritising a move, according to the report.

Arsenal's striker puzzle: why Arteta wants Alvarez

Arsenal have started the season with three wins from three in the Premier League and remain firm favourites to secure the title, but Mikel Arteta's lack of faith in Viktor Gyokeres has been a glaring detail. The manager has opted for Kai Havertz as his striker in all three league fixtures so far, leaving Gyokeres as second fiddle.

Gyokeres' exit was discussed internally in the summer, as per Ben Jacobs, and while nothing came of it, the Swede might consider his future in the winter if he remains on the bench over the next few months. That scenario would make a January move more likely, either as a straight sale or as part of a swap for Alvarez.

Julian Alvarez would offer Arteta a different profile: a hard-working forward who creates chances as well as scores them, and who is intelligent with his movement to trouble opposition defences. His previous Premier League experience with Manchester City is viewed as a key factor in Arsenal's decision to prioritise a swoop for the Argentine international.

Whether Alvarez is open to joining Arsenal or remains firm on his Barcelona dream will be interesting to see. Atletico's willingness to sell mid-season after a summer-long saga over his future is also uncertain. If Arsenal succeed, they would have secured a forward who fits Arteta's pressing and positional game, potentially pushing Havertz out wide or into a deeper role.

Talking points

  • Should Arsenal spend £103m on Julian Alvarez when Kai Havertz has started all three league games up front?
  • Would Viktor Gyokeres as a makeweight in a swap deal be good business, or should Arsenal sell him elsewhere?
  • Is Alvarez's Manchester City experience enough to justify the fee, or is he too similar to what Arsenal already have?
  • If Alvarez still dreams of Barcelona, is a January move to Arsenal just a temporary stop?

What happens next

Arsenal will continue to monitor Julian Alvarez's situation at Atletico Madrid, with a £103 million bid reportedly being lined up for January. The club's next Premier League fixture will give Viktor Gyokeres another chance to impress if selected, but his long-term future could hinge on whether Alvarez arrives. Atletico's stance and Alvarez's own preference will determine if a deal progresses.

Frequently asked questions

How much are Arsenal bidding for Julian Alvarez?

Arsenal are preparing a £103 million bid for Julian Alvarez, according to Fichajes.

Could Viktor Gyokeres be part of the deal?

Yes, a swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres was considered in the summer and could be a viable option in the winter to drive down Alvarez's price.

Why do Arsenal want to sign Julian Alvarez?

Arsenal want another striker because Mikel Arteta has preferred Kai Havertz to Viktor Gyokeres in all three league games this season. Alvarez is viewed as a consistent goal-scorer and chance creator with Premier League experience from his time at Manchester City.

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