Arsenal are making a final attempt to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez during the summer transfer window.
As reported by İdman.Biz, citing El Desmarque, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta personally called the 26-year-old Argentine in an effort to convince him to move to London.
However, Alvarez reportedly told Arteta that Barcelona would be his preferred destination if he decides to leave Atletico this summer. The player's entourage is also said to be pushing for a move to the Catalan club, where Alvarez would work under Hansi Flick.
Atletico, meanwhile, have no desire to part ways with one of their key players. The Madrid club are particularly reluctant to strengthen a direct La Liga rival and would therefore prefer to negotiate with Arsenal rather than Barcelona if Alvarez's departure becomes inevitable.
Barcelona are reportedly prepared to offer €100 million for the Argentina international as they look to strengthen their attack.
Alvarez's future could therefore become one of the major transfer stories of the closing stages of the summer window, with Arsenal attempting to change the striker's mind and Atletico determined to avoid selling him to Barcelona.
