Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta holds a decisive edge in the race for Julian Alvarez, having spent 12 years working at Atletico Madrid and retaining a close personal relationship with the Argentina international's agent Fernando Hidalgo. Diario AS report that Arsenal have now entered formal negotiations, with the operation expected to cost in the region of €150m.
Real Madrid's pursuit ended in embarrassment after Atletico issued a public statement mocking their approach, declaring they were neither considering nor evaluating any offer for Alvarez. Barcelona remain interested but their financial constraints make a deal of this scale extremely difficult. Alvarez is said to be open to a move to London, and with Arsenal coming off a Premier League title and Champions League qualification secured, the Gunners are the most attractive proposition on the table.