Arsenal information: £130m switch talks held in London as supervisor offers replace on ‘phenomenon’
Arsenal have had a huge update in their hunt for a world class attacking talent after Mikel Arteta’s Premier League champions got off to a dream start in the new season
Arsenal are set for major moves in the summer transfer window(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal got off to the perfect start at the weekend as the Premier League champions began a defence of their title in style – and they’ve also received hugely encouraging news in the transfer market to boot.
After demolishing Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield, the Gunners beat newly-promoted Coventry City by the same scoreline on Friday night, as goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard put paid to Frank Lampard’s hopes of getting anything from the opening day fixture.
Now, they are looking to further strengthen Mikel Arteta’s already impressive squad, as sporting director Andrea Berta continues to search for a world class attacker. Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta is loving life at Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Julian Alvarez meeting held
Fabrizio Romano reports Arsenal officials held talks with Atletico Madrid in London on Friday regarding a potential deal for Julian Alvarez.
The Argentine striker is widely regarded as Arteta’s priority target this summer, though numerous hurdles have prevented the Gunners from securing their man thus far, reports the Mirror.
The 26-year-old is keen to depart Atletico – where he has scored 49 goals in 107 appearances – but has consistently made clear his desire to join Barcelona. Atletico, however, refuse to sell their star man to a La Liga competitor.
Former Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez could be set for a return to the Premier League(Image: Getty Images)
They would demand a substantial club record fee from Arsenal should the player even consent to moving to north London. Earlier this summer, Atletico rejected a £129m Real Madrid bid for the forward.
Romano has now revealed details of the discussions that took place between Atleti and Arsenal, explaining Alvarez hasn’t turned down the English champions despite his Barcelona preference. Arsenal are said to respect this position and understand any deal would come at a premium.
The Italian journalist claims Arsenal made clear they wish to be informed by both club and player of any developments over the next seven days before the window closes, enabling them to re-enter talks should an opportunity arise.
Despite his standoff with club hierarchy, Alvarez was named in Diego Simeone’s squad to face Villarreal on Sunday. Yet the forward was jeered off the pitch by his own fans and had to be escorted down the tunnel by club staff after Atleti’s 2-2 draw.
Alvarez was led down the tunnel by staff while his team-mates went over to applaud the supporters at the final whistle. Simeone said: “It was a club decision to not let Julian Alvarez go over with his team-mates to greet the fans.”
Ahead of the match, he said: “For me, Julian is an extremely important player for us to achieve our objectives. As long as he’s with the team, I’m going to look after him.”
Kenan Yildiz rumours shut down
Arsenal are reportedly interested in Juventus star Kenan Yildiz(Image: Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)
Arsenal’s quest for a high-profile attacking star has also seen them target Kenan Yildiz, although their chances of securing the Juventus star are now reportedly dashed.
The 21-year-old Turkey international is believed to be one of Arteta’s dream signings and has been on their radar for some time.
The Gunners are even thought to be prepared to shell out £85m for his services. However, Juventus hold all the cards, given Yildiz only put pen to paper on a four-year contract extension in February. The winger has 27 goals in 132 games for the Old Lady.
Manager Luciano Spalletti has now poured cold water on the escalating speculation about Yildiz’s potential switch to north London. “I am perfectly relaxed, because dealing with Yildiz is easy for me,” Spalletti said at a press conference ahead of Juventus’ Serie A opener at Frosinone on Sunday.
“They can offer whatever they like, I want Yildiz here and will always put him on the field. He’s a perfect lad to talk to, he’s mature, and knows he doesn’t need to rush anything.
“His future is already important staying at Juventus, not because there are other clubs who want to spend €100m for him. We are all convinced that we can show the total potential of Kenan, and he is a potential phenomenon of football. The fans are convinced too.”
