Arsenal ‘get green light’ for Julian Alvarez transfer after swap deal rejected | Football | Sport
Julian Alvarez is said to be an Arsenal target and has expressed his desire to leave Atletico Madrid. (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal target Julian Alvarez has reportedly given the green light to depart Atletico Madrid this summer. The former Manchester City forward has drawn interest from the Gunners, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain after establishing himself as a pivotal figure for the Spanish outfit.
According to Spanish broadcaster Cadena SER, Alvarez has indicated his intention to leave the club, triggering a scramble among Europe’s top sides to secure his signature. It has been reported that Barcelona approached their La Liga rivals with an offer of Ferran Torres plus cash for the 26-year-old, only to be swiftly rebuffed by Atletico.
Diego Simeone’s men are said to be demanding a hefty price tag for the Premier League and World Cup-winner. A further report from Cadena SER has suggested the club are already mapping out their plans for next season, with Alvarez — who has no shortage of admirers — firmly at the centre of their thinking.
Simeone said: “It’s not a question for me, it’s a question for Julian. It’s his decision, and he’ll have to make it.”
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It proved to be a deeply disappointing conclusion to the campaign for Atletico, who were comprehensively beaten on their travels. Villarreal ran out 5-1 winners over the club as they limped to a fourth-place finish.
The club’s sporting director, Mateu Alemany, is now steering the next phase of development at the Wanda Metropolitano. There will be fresh targets to pursue, and Alvarez’s potential sale, coupled with Antoine Griezmann’s departure, could provide considerable funds to finance that ambition.
A report from The Guardian last week claimed that Mikel Arteta will be given significant transfer funds as Arsenal look to build a dynasty following their first Premier League title triumph in twenty years.
The Spaniard is said to have made a new forward his top priority, with Alvarez amongst the names under consideration. There are funds in place to enable the newly-crowned champions to splash out on a high-profile acquisition.
The Gunners stormed to the summit of English football with their triumph secured before the final day, as Manchester City dropped points at Bournemouth.
Barcelona tried to use Ferran Torres to sign Julian Alvarez. (Image: Getty Images)
The lengthy wait to lift the trophy came to an end after they rounded off a magnificent campaign with a 2-1 victory, and they have the opportunity to cap it all off on Saturday by adding a European Cup to their collection.
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Arteta said: “It’s very difficult to put it into words, but what a moment. A lot of emotions, a lot of joy, pride. I think the manner in which it was done represents what these guys are feeling and the reason why this magic happened.
“I’m the same one, but I’m happier and relieved. Obviously, throughout this journey, we have made some massive steps. We have accomplished a lot of things that, in my opinion, have a lot of value.
“But at the end of the day, we are here to win major trophies. That was the ultimate goal and we were very close. On these three occasions, we fell short at the end, and that was very painful.
“But I think that’s what has driven all of us to find new ways to show what we are made of. That’s why I said that the manner in which we’ve done it, it makes it even better.
“It is different. It was magical the other night and what we’ve done this afternoon here, I would say it’s even better because all the staff are there, everybody is touching it.
“You see the joy of the players, our supporters, the way they are behaving with the team, and of course, the families are around as well and it brings something else.”
