Arsenal are leaning towards a summer move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, according to the Independent journalist Miguel Delaney.
The 26-year-old has been on Arsenal’s radar for a while, and he could be open to returning to the Premier League if they guarantee he will start every game.
However, Delaney claimed in his ‘Inside Football’ bi-weekly and members‑only newsletter for today that the Gunners will need to sell one of their big stars to fund a move for Alvarez.
The former Manchester City striker has bagged 18 goals and nine assists in 45 games for Atletico this term after ending last season with 29 goals and eight assists in 57 matches.
He previously proved himself in the Premier League with 20 goals and 11 assists in 67 top-flight games.
Alvarez helped Atletico destroy Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at Camp Nou on Wednesday. He grabbed the opener in their 2-0 victory from a well-taken free kick.
While the Argentine is primarily a number nine, he can also play as a second striker and on the wings.
Alvarez knows how to retain possession and hold on to the ball, and manager Mikel Arteta is keen on those qualities in a striker.
Arsenal must decide which of their key players they are willing to sell to make room for him, and more sales could be needed if they want to strengthen their squad this summer.
