- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC sources have confirmed that Arsenal have held talks with Julian Alvarez’s representatives as they have enquired about his situation.
The Gunners are in the market for a new right-sided forward and are testing the waters over a move for the 24-year-old Argentine.
HITC previously revealed that Manchester City have rejected initial enquiries for Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and the Saudi Pro League.
Julian Alvarez has made it clear to Manchester City‘s hierarchy that he is unhappy with his game time but the reigning Premier League champions are not willing to sell him this summer.
Alvarez’s agent has been engaged in talks with Atletico over a potential move, and the Spanish giants have not backed away from a deal and are still trying to progress negotiations.
Arsenal return to raid unhappy Manchester City star
Arsenal have a good track record of snapping up City stars that have fallen down Pep Guardiola’s pecking order.
Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have already made the move to reunite with Mikel Arteta at The Emirates, and the Gunners could continue their raid on City if they can lure Alvarez to London.
City have made it clear they don’t want to sell Alvarez but intermediaries are trying their best to work on a deal. It is understood that it would take at least a £70million deal plus add-ons to tempt City into an agreement.
Arteta and Edu are both believed to be big admirers of Alvarez and would be eager to strike a deal if it became possible.
As it stands, Arsenal have only made contact with Alvarez’s representatives and are yet to make contact with City or submit an offer.
But they are closely monitoring the situation and see Alvarez as an ideal solution to their right-forward spot.
READ MORE: Rising star sold by Arsenal scores on debut to justify record-breaking transfer
Arsenal are also in the market for a central midfielder as they gear up for another Premier League title challenge.
It is understood that Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Mikel Merino, with the Real Sociedad star eager to join Arteta’s side.
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