Arteta personally contacts Alvarez over Arsenal transfer

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has personally contacted Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez in a final attempt to persuade him to join the Premier League champions this summer. The move represents a significant push by the club to secure a top-tier attacking reinforcement before the transfer window closes, though the player has reportedly reiterated his preference for a move to Barcelona.

The pursuit has intensified in recent days, with Arteta calling Alvarez to outline his vision for the player at the Emirates Stadium. According to reports, the Argentine forward, who is 26 years old, has made it clear that his priority remains a switch to the Spanish champions. This stance complicates Arsenal's efforts, as Atletico Madrid have firmly stated that Alvarez is not for sale and have already rejected a substantial bid from Real Madrid.

Atletico's position was reinforced by manager Diego Simeone, who stated that the club's ownership has been categorical about retaining the player. "If the club owner has spoken so categorically, then there's nothing more to say," Simeone explained. He also addressed Alvarez's absence from Atletico's opening La Liga fixture, attributing it to the...