- Arsenal are actively pursuing a deal to sign Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez before the pre-season, with the 26-year-old striker being Mikel Arteta's primary attacking target.
- Alvarez scored a superb curling goal, an extra-time stunner for Argentina in their 3-1 victory over Switzerland in their World Cup quarter-final on Saturday and is due to face England on Wednesday.
- Despite Alvarez's initial preference to remain in Spain with either Barcelona or Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid are insistent on not selling him to their rivals.
- A significant hurdle in the transfer is the valuation, as Atletico are demanding over £100m, while Arsenal are unwilling to exceed £90m for the player.
- The World Cup has complicated and slowed down transfer negotiations, with Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, involved in discussions with his former club.
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