Arsenal now prepared to make club-record £128m bid to sign “incredible” star

Arsenal are now growing in confidence about signing Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, with a huge offer for the striker in the works.

Kai Havertz got off to the perfect start to the new Premier League season, scoring in the 3-0 rout of Coventry City, and Mikel Arteta still has Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus at his disposal too, but signing a striker remains in the Gunners’ plans.

Alvarez could be the man capable of helping Arteta’s side take that final step and win the Champions League, considering he is experienced in the competition, picking up 25 goals and nine assists in 42 matches.

After playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland at Manchester City, the Argentinian has become the main man since signing for Atletico, with teammate Rodrigo De Paul praising him for the way he adapted to life in La Liga, saying: “When the club went after him, they knew exactly who they were getting – an incredible player. I was sure he had the right DNA to play for this team. Sometimes adaptation takes longer, but for him, it was effortless. He deserves it.”

However, things have started to turn sour for the 26-year-old in Spain, with Atletico Madrid fans making their feelings clear ahead of their 2-2 draw against Villarreal on Sunday.

The former Man City man picked up 20 goals and 10 assists for Atletico in all competitions last season, but publicly stating that he wants to leave earlier this summer was never going to go down well, especially considering his dream club is believed to be Barcelona.

Arsenal growing in confidence about signing Julian Alvarez

Reuters/Vincent Carchietta

However, with Atletico unwilling to strengthen a direct rival, Arsenal are starting to believe a deal could be possible, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states they are willing to break the bank to get a deal over the line.

The Gunners are planning a club-record £128m bid for the 59-cap Argentina international, with his current employers willing to listen to offers in that ballpark.

There could still be a late twist though, with Barcelona expected to make a final attempt to secure his signature before the September 1st transfer deadline.

Arsenal have already spent big this summer though, and there are question marks over whether another striker is required, with Havertz off to a solid start, while Viktor Gyokeres scored 21 goals in all competitions during his debut campaign in north London.