Atletico Madrid and Arsenal are reportedly considering a potential swap deal involving Julian Alvarez and Viktor Gyokeres.
Atletico have already rejected Barcelona’s €100 million (£86.2 million) offer for Alvarez, while Real Madrid stated earlier this month that their €150 million (£129.4 million) proposal was also rejected.
Alvarez is now trying to force Atletico after admitting on Monday night that he wants to leave Diego Simeone’s team before the transfer window closes.
‘I spoke with the people I needed to speak with and the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream,’ Alvarez said after Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria.
Spanish radio station COPE as claimed by The Metro, Atletico are trying to work with Arsenal on a deal for Alvarez instead of negotiating a deal with Barcelona and Madrid.
Atletico Want Gyokeres Plus €60m For Alvarez
According to the report, Atletico’s proposal would see Alvarez join Mikel Arteta’s team for €60 million (£51.7 million) including Gyokeres.
Gyokeres is reportedly viewed by Atletico as a “pure and simple centre-forward” who would be a better fit for Simeone’s team. Alexander Sorloth’s departure would also be made possible by the Sweden international’s arrival, as Juventus and Napoli are interested in the Norway striker.
Gyokeres, 28, scored 21 goals in his first season with Arteta’s team as they won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final after signing with Arsenal from Sporting CP last summer for a reported fee of £64 million.
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Michael Owen stated last month that Gyokeres’ would not please Arsenal completely and that the Gunners should invest in a top striker this summer.
“Arsenal would love to find another centre-forward – they’re not happy with Gyokeres really. They’re not happy with a couple of positions,” Owen said.
“If someone comes available that’s top, if a Thierry Henry becomes available again, they’d move heaven and earth to get somebody like that in.”
