Arsenal interested in unexpected Julian Alvarez option after Atletico Madrid sets new price
Arsenal have reportedly found a surprising replacement option for Julian Alvarez after learning about Atletico Madrid’s new price for the star player. Alvarez made it clear earlier this summer that he wants to leave Atletico, and many reports say he really wants to join Barcelona. However, Atletico won’t sell to their La Liga rivals, who see Alvarez as their top striker target after Robert Lewandowski left.
Alvarez started this season with Atletico but was often booed by his own fans, even when he came on in the second half. Because of this, Atletico told him not to applaud the supporters at the final whistle with his teammates. According to The Athletic, Atletico might listen to offers around £128 million. Arsenal has been in touch with both Atletico and Alvarez’s team, but they probably won’t pay that much.
It seems Arsenal have another option to consider. Foot Mercato says the Premier League club are interested in Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Lille has a history of producing great players and recently sold Ayyoub Bouaddi to Manchester City for £86 million. Fernandez-Pardo, who played for Belgium in the World Cup, is also seen as a rising star. Arsenal is keeping a close eye on him and has added him to their attacking shortlist.
Both Atletico and RB Leipzig have tried to sign Fernandez-Pardo, but Lille hasn’t accepted their offers. The player even refused to play in a friendly against Everton during pre-season. Arsenal is watching closely, but Lille wants around €70 million for him. Lille’s sporting director, Sylvain Armand, said after a 2-0 win over Angers that Fernandez-Pardo is very important to the team and there are no plans for him to leave right now. Last season, the former Gent player scored eight goals for Lille and has a contract until 2029.
Meanwhile, one player who looks set to leave Arsenal is Gabriel Martinelli. He wasn’t included in the squad for the 3-0 win over Coventry City, which upset former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who said he felt “uncomfortable” with how Martinelli is being treated. Martinelli’s exit seems to be moving quickly, with The Athletic reporting that Saudi Pro League team Al Hilal is interested in signing him. Arsenal wants around £60 million, and Martinelli is open to a move as talks are ongoing.