Arsenal Target Julian Alvarez as Martinelli Exit to Al-Hilal Moves Closer

Arsenal are considering a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as Gabriel Martinelli edges closer to leaving the Premier League champions for Al-Hilal.

The Gunners are continuing negotiations with the Saudi Pro League club over Martinelli's transfer, with recent reports suggesting progress has been made towards an agreement on the fee.

Martinelli is also understood to be seriously considering the move, potentially bringing an end to his time at Arsenal and prompting Mikel Arteta's side to accelerate their search for a new attacking option.

According to reports, Alvarez remains Arsenal's preferred target, although the Argentina international's situation at Atletico Madrid makes a deal complicated.

Martinelli's Arsenal Exit Could Trigger Alvarez Move

Arsenal's pursuit of Alvarez has gained momentum as Martinelli's proposed departure moves closer.

The Brazilian winger has been linked with Al-Hilal throughout the summer, and negotiations between the clubs have reportedly advanced in recent days.

Arsenal are also expected to seek a sell-on clause worth up to 20 per cent of any future profit from Martinelli's subsequent transfer.

Should an agreement be reached, the Gunners would have to decide how best to replace the Brazil international, with Alvarez emerging as their leading option.

Arsenal have also been linked with Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, but an injury to the young attacker could complicate any potential move.

Arsenal Waiting for Alvarez's Decision

Arsenal have long viewed Alvarez as an ideal addition to their attack, but the forward's preference for Barcelona has prevented the Gunners from making a straightforward approach.

Alvarez reportedly wants to leave Atletico Madrid and has made Barcelona his preferred destination. However, Atletico have repeatedly refused to sanction a transfer to the Catalan club.

That situation could ultimately open the door for Arsenal.

The Gunners are understood to have stepped up their interest after it became increasingly clear that Atletico would not allow Alvarez to join Barcelona.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are reportedly aware that signing the former Manchester City forward remains difficult, particularly because Alvarez has not yet indicated that London is his preferred destination.

However, there are signs that his position may have softened slightly in recent days.

Atletico Demand Huge Fee for Alvarez

Atletico Madrid are reportedly seeking around €150 million (£128 million) for Alvarez.

Arsenal are understood to be confident they could finance such a deal if the player gives the green light.

The Gunners' situation is therefore relatively straightforward: if Alvarez decides he is willing to move to north London, Arsenal believe they can move quickly to complete the transfer before the deadline.

Arteta is also reportedly comfortable with the possibility that Alvarez's initial motivation would be the lack of a viable move to Barcelona.

The Arsenal manager is believed to be confident that the Argentine would eventually become fully committed to the club's project.

Why Alvarez Wants to Leave Atletico

Alvarez's relationship with Atletico has become increasingly strained during the summer.

The 26-year-old reportedly believes a transfer is the best solution, while his camp has been unhappy with how Atletico have handled his situation.

His desire to leave became particularly public during the World Cup, when he indicated that a transfer could be the best option.

The situation has also affected his relationship with Atletico supporters.

Alvarez was booed by sections of the home crowd during Atletico's 2-2 draw with Villarreal, highlighting the extent of the tension surrounding his future.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo, meanwhile, has insisted that the striker remains an important player for the club and expressed confidence that he could win the supporters back.

Barcelona Move Remains Alvarez's Dream

Barcelona remain Alvarez's preferred destination, but Atletico's refusal to sell to the Spanish champions has left the striker's options increasingly limited.

Atletico have previously made their position clear and have publicly pushed back against Barcelona's pursuit of their player.

Barcelona remain interested, but their inability to reach an agreement with Atletico has forced them to consider alternative attacking targets.

If Barcelona eventually move on to another striker, Alvarez could be left with a major decision to make.

Arsenal would then represent one of the few realistic routes out of Madrid before the transfer window closes.

Alvarez Could Be Arsenal's Martinelli Replacement

A potential move for Alvarez would represent a significant change to Arsenal's attacking options.

Martinelli has been an important part of Arteta's squad since joining the club from Brazilian side Ituano, but his recent decline in goals and reduced role have fuelled speculation over his future.

Alvarez, meanwhile, would offer Arsenal a proven forward capable of operating in several attacking positions.

The Argentine joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 after winning six major trophies during his time at the Etihad Stadium, including the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League Treble in 2023.

He scored 36 goals in 106 appearances for City before moving to Madrid.

At Atletico, Alvarez has continued to produce goals, scoring 49 times in 107 appearances, although he is yet to win a trophy with the Spanish club.

Arsenal Face a Race Against Time

With the transfer deadline approaching on 1 September, Arsenal now have limited time to resolve both sides of the situation.

Martinelli's potential move to Al-Hilal could provide the Gunners with the opportunity to reshape their attack, while Alvarez's uncertain future at Atletico has created a potential opening.

The biggest obstacle remains the Argentine's preference for Barcelona.

If Alvarez changes his mind and decides that leaving Atletico is more important than waiting for his preferred move to Camp Nou, Arsenal appear ready to act.

For now, the decision rests largely with the Argentina international.

If Martinelli leaves and Alvarez becomes available, Arsenal could make one of the biggest attacking moves of the final days of the summer transfer window.

Key Takeaways

• Arsenal are considering Julian Alvarez as Gabriel Martinelli's potential replacement.
• Martinelli is reportedly edging closer to a move from Arsenal to Al-Hilal.
• Negotiations between Arsenal and Al-Hilal have reportedly progressed over the transfer fee.
• Arsenal are expected to seek a sell-on clause of up to 20 per cent of future profit from Martinelli's sale.
• Alvarez's preferred destination remains Barcelona, but Atletico Madrid are refusing to sell him to the Catalan club.
• Atletico are reportedly demanding around €150 million (£128 million) for Alvarez.
• Arsenal are prepared to move quickly if Alvarez agrees to join them.
• The transfer deadline is 1 September.

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