Arsenal news: Last-ditch Julian Alvarez transfer offer as fresh talks held to sign striker

Arsenal are not yet done improving their squad despite a commanding start to their Premier League campaign, with fresh reports suggesting a last-ditch push to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. The Gunners’ 3-0 win over Coventry City on Friday night underlined their attacking potential, but Mikel Arteta’s side remain in the market for another forward option, with Alvarez—despite his clear preference for Barcelona—still on their radar.

Why Arsenal are still chasing Alvarez

Arsenal’s opening-day victory at the Emirates Stadium showcased their attacking balance, with Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard all finding the net. Yet the Gunners are not content to rely solely on their current options, with Alvarez identified as a priority target. Spanish outlet SPORT reports that Arsenal have made a fresh offer to Atletico Madrid, proposing a package worth €80million (£68m) plus the club’s top scorer Victor Gyokeres to prise the Argentina international away from Spain. The Gunners are also prepared to offer Alvarez an annual salary of €25m (£21m), which would make him one of the club’s highest earners and effectively double his wages at Barcelona.

Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have been in “frequent contact” with Alvarez’s representatives, according to Sky Sports’ Paper Talk, despite the striker’s stated desire to join Barcelona. The renewed pursuit comes amid uncertainty over whether the Catalan club can meet Atletico’s valuation, leaving a window for Arsenal to intervene. Arsenal’s willingness to meet both financial and sporting demands reflects their determination to add a proven Premier League striker before the window closes.

Alternative routes if Alvarez stalls

Should the Alvarez deal collapse, Arsenal have contingency plans in place. French outlet Foot Mercato claims the club have already opened talks with another European striker, though no names have been disclosed. The Gunners’ refusal to rule out further incomings suggests they view the current squad as unfinished business, even after securing Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa earlier in the window.

Elsewhere in the transfer market, Arsenal’s rivals are also active. Liverpool remain locked in negotiations over Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, though reports indicate they may not meet PSG’s £140m valuation. Tottenham, meanwhile, are closing in on a deal for Cody Gakpo, with the Liverpool forward’s future under Andoni Areola in question. Manchester United, meanwhile, are pursuing Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, while also finalising a deal for Carlos Baleba.

What comes next for Arsenal

The next fortnight will be decisive for Arsenal, with deadline day looming and Arteta’s squad still a work in progress. The club’s willingness to table a headline-grabbing offer for Alvarez—one that would make him one of the Premier League’s highest-paid players—signals their desperation to add a clinical finisher. Yet the striker’s preference for Barcelona complicates matters, and Atletico Madrid may yet demand a higher fee or reject Arsenal’s valuation of Gyokeres.

If Alvarez does arrive, he would join a squad that has already added Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, reinforcing defensive depth. If not, Arteta will need to rely on Havertz, Eddie Nketiah and potentially a surprise package from their alternative targets. Either way, the Gunners’ transfer activity this month will shape their ability to compete at the highest level, with every move scrutinised under the weight of last season’s standards.

Arsenal’s transfer business is far from over. Whether through Alvarez or another striker, Arteta’s side are determined to add firepower before the window shuts. The question now is whether Atletico Madrid will blink—or if Arsenal will pivot to Plan B in the final days of the market.