Arsenal remain interested in Atlético Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and could reportedly explore a swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres during the January transfer window.
Spanish newspaper Sport claims the Gunners are closely monitoring Alvarez’s increasingly uncertain situation in Madrid.
The report suggests Arsenal would be willing to include Gyokeres in negotiations, with the Swedish striker allegedly no longer considered central to their long-term plans.
However, there is currently no confirmation of a formal offer, direct negotiations or an agreement between Arsenal and Atlético.
Arsenal monitor Alvarez situation
Arsenal explored a possible move for Alvarez during the summer, but the Argentina international was reportedly reluctant to return to England after his previous spell with Manchester City.
His preferred destination was Barcelona, although Atlético refused to negotiate with their LaLiga rivals following a bitter public transfer dispute.
The 26-year-old ultimately remained in Madrid but has endured a difficult start to the season. His playing time has been limited, he has yet to score in LaLiga and he was jeered by sections of the Atlético support following the summer saga.
According to the latest report, Arsenal remain “very interested” and believe they could offer Alvarez a realistic route out of Atlético if he becomes willing to return to the Premier League.
Gyokeres could enter negotiations
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to discuss using Gyokeres as part of any proposed deal.
The Gunners signed the Sweden international from Sporting CP, but the latest claims suggest he is not viewed as an essential part of their future plans.
Atlético have previously been linked with Gyokeres, potentially making an exchange attractive if they reluctantly agree to sell Alvarez.
Similar swap claims emerged during the summer, including suggestions that Arsenal and Atlético had already reached an agreement. Those reports were subsequently played down, with no deal in place.
Any January move would therefore require significant negotiations. Alvarez remains under contract until 2030, and Atlético are unlikely to accept a cut-price departure.
The reported €150million (£130m) valuation has not been publicly confirmed by the Spanish club, while Alvarez’s contract is understood to contain a far higher release clause.
Alvarez changes representation after failed transfer
Alvarez has ended his long-standing professional relationship with agent Fernando Hidalgo following the unsuccessful attempt to secure a summer departure.
Former Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina midfielder Javier Pastore is the leading candidate to become his new representative, with talks reportedly at an advanced stage.
The change has fuelled expectations that Alvarez’s future could again become a major talking point before January.
Barcelona retain an interest in the striker, but their options are complicated by Atlético’s refusal to sell to them and the Catalan club’s financial position.
That could leave Arsenal as one of the more realistic destinations should Alvarez decide that leaving Spain is necessary.
Reports predicting “movement in the coming weeks” should still be treated cautiously. Arsenal’s interest appears to be continuing, but there is no evidence yet that a January transfer or Gyokeres swap is close to being agreed.
