Not Rogers: Arsenal set priority summer target

Julian Alvarez is Arsenal’s priority summer target, but a deal may not be possible as Barcelona and Real Madrid remain in the race.

Sami Mokbel reports for the BBC that Arsenal retain a long-term interest in Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, and the forward is the club’s priority target this summer.

But Mokbel adds that it remains to be seen whether a deal is possible this summer, and FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are also interested.

Morgan Rogers has previously been touted as Arsenal’s priority target, and Mokbel confirms that Rogers is still the club’s preferred ‘versatile forward’ addition. But it seems Alvarez is the top target for the summer overall.

Luca Bendoni reports that Arsenal have had direct contact with the Atletico hierarchy regarding a possible transfer, but there’s still a significant gap in the valuation of the player at this stage, and Barcelona remain in the race.

Football insider HandofArsenal reports that Alvarez is open to a move to Arsenal if his dream move to Barcelona fails, with Barcelona planning one final attempt to sign the player after the World Cup.

Though the Gunners are aware it would be difficult to complete a deal, they’re still positioning themselves to take advantage if Atletico continue to steadfastly refuse to sell to their La Liga rivals.

Argentina face England in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, but Alvarez will remain at the tournament until this weekend, regardless of the outcome of the match.

Win, and he’ll be involved in the final on Sunday. Lose, and Argentina will face a third-place play-off against France on Saturday.

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