Arsenal information: Massive Julian Alvarez £100m switch replace as pre-contract is signed
Arsenal have been busy behind the scenes with big transfer news doing the rounds, as the Gunners are entering the final straight of the season
Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his Arsenal squad again this summer
Premier League leaders Arsenal have experienced a turbulent week as the season approaches the final straight.
The Gunners booked their place in the Champions League semi-finals last Wednesday, with a tedious 0-0 home stalemate (1-0 on aggregate) against Sporting CP, in which they managed one effort on target. Following that display, Mikel Arteta’s team produced a much improved showing away at Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League title race.
But their efforts proved futile as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Pep Guardiola’s outfit, enabling City to draw level on points at the top of the table should they triumph in their game in hand against Burnley. Away from the action, sporting director Andrea Berta is grafting away on securing agreements for this summer’s transfer window. Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates.
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Julian Alvarez preference emerges
Arsenal target Julian Alvarez would prefer to join Barcelona rather than the Gunners this summer, according to a report.
The Gunners have been strongly linked with the Atletico Madrid forward, with numerous reports emphasising Berta’s desire to bring him to N5, having been the one to recruit him for the Spanish side.
The £100million-rated Argentine has been sensational since moving to Atletico from City in August 2024, netting 19 goals this season across all competitions. Nevertheless, his remarkable ability has also attracted Barcelona and PSG to enter the hunt for his services.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has now suggested the 26-year-old would prefer to join the La Liga heavyweights, given he has no desire to return to England and the Premier League.
Mundo Deportivo had earlier revealed Atletico are willing to meet Alvarez’s financial requirements after initial reluctance, with a proposed salary package of approximately €10million (£8m) per year – an increase from his current €7m (£6m) wages.
The Colchoneros were reported to be confident he will commit his long-term future to the club. Alvarez will face Arteta’s side later this month in the first-leg of the Champions League semi-finals.
Marli Salmon deal signed
Marli Salmon has penned a pre-contract arrangement which will see the teenager agree professional terms with Arsenal when he reaches 17, reports the Mirror.
The centre-back made his senior debut from the substitutes’ bench in the Champions League triumph over Club Brugge in December and has appeared three times in the FA Cup since.
Salmon is still awaiting his Premier League bow but it is evident Arteta holds great expectations for the prodigy, who leads the Gunners’ Under-21s.
That same confidence in the youngster has played a part in persuading him to pledge his allegiance to his childhood club. Salmon told the official Arsenal website: “It’s a very big moment for me, for my family as well. I’m very proud. I’ve been at the academy since I was nine and I just want to give everything to the club.
“I’m an Arsenal supporter and I’ve had some great memories so far. I’m so proud to have made my debut this season, I just want to keep pushing on still, keep my levels high and try to get as much experience as I can in the first team.”
