Arteta Targets Alvarez as Arsenal Push for Striker Deal

Mikel Arteta has stepped directly into Arsenal’s striker hunt, personally contacting Julian Alvarez in an effort to drive through a blockbuster move before the transfer window closes, according to El Desmarque.

Arsenal have tracked the former Manchester City forward for some time and view him as their top attacking target. Now Arteta himself is fronting the charm offensive, hoping a direct appeal can shift a battle that has so far tilted towards Barcelona.

Champions League obsession driving the move

Inside the Emirates, the feeling is clear: to finally get over the line in Europe, they need a forward of Alvarez’s calibre.

Viktor Gyokeres delivered on his first season in north London, hitting 21 goals and quickly settling into life at Arsenal. Yet, for the technical staff, that isn’t the end point. They see Alvarez as the kind of all‑round, big‑stage attacker who can turn last season’s painful Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint‑Germain into the springboard for something bigger.

The idea is not to replace Gyokeres because he failed. It’s to upgrade the front line to a level they believe is required to win the trophy that still eludes the club.

Atletico caught between Simeone and the board

Diego Simeone, unsurprisingly, wants to keep his man. Alvarez has become central to how Atletico Madrid attack, and the Argentine coach has made no secret of his desire to build around his compatriot.

Behind the scenes, though, the picture is different.

The Atletico hierarchy are far more open to a sale, and if they do sell, they would rather send Alvarez abroad than hand him to a direct La Liga rival. Barcelona’s interest is strong, but the board’s preference is clear: do business with Arsenal, not strengthen a domestic challenger.

Mundo Deportivo previously reported that Atletico have actively nudged Alvarez towards the Premier League. Those efforts, however, have not yet changed the player’s stance.

Arsenal’s bold swap proposal

To break the deadlock, Arsenal have put a dramatic offer on the table.

According to COPE, the Gunners are willing to include Gyokeres in a swap deal to land Alvarez. For Simeone, that would mean losing a key figure but gaining an immediate, proven replacement: a Swedish international, already adapted to Arsenal’s high-intensity style and coming off a 21-goal campaign.

On paper, it’s a proposal that cushions the blow for Atletico.

The problem lies elsewhere. Alvarez and his camp remain firm: his preference is Barcelona.

Barca’s finances give Arsenal hope

That stance keeps Barcelona in the frame, but their finances may not keep pace.

The Catalan club are still wrestling with long‑running financial issues, and meeting Atletico’s valuation for Alvarez has become a major stumbling block. Hansi Flick wants attacking reinforcements after Ferran Torres’ move to Paris Saint‑Germain, and Alvarez would be a statement signing.

Right now, though, the numbers don’t add up.

That could swing the door back open for Arsenal. If Barcelona cannot reach Atletico’s asking price, Flick may have to pivot. Gyokeres has already been mentioned as a possible alternative target, a move that would twist this transfer saga into an even more complex shape.

Osimhen emerges as Plan B

Arsenal, aware that Alvarez’s heart is set on Barca, are not waiting around.

Talks have already opened for Victor Osimhen, currently at Galatasaray, as a high-end alternative if the Alvarez pursuit collapses. The Nigerian forward fits the profile: powerful, prolific, and comfortable leading the line on his own.

Discussions with the Turkish club took place last week, folded into broader negotiations involving highly rated teenager Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli. Arsenal are keeping multiple plates spinning, wary of being left empty-handed if Alvarez continues to hold out.

Decision time in Madrid

The next few days will be decisive.

Arsenal are waiting on a definitive answer from Madrid, with Arteta’s personal intervention underlining just how badly the club want Alvarez to spearhead their attack. The project, the money, the role — all are on the table.

The one thing they cannot control is the player’s reluctance to return to England.

If Alvarez holds firm for Barcelona and Barca still cannot pay, a brutal question looms: does he compromise on his dream, or do Arsenal walk away and turn fully to Osimhen?

For Arteta and Arsenal’s hierarchy, the window is closing fast. The striker they choose now may define how far this team can go in Europe over the next few seasons.