The powers that be at the Emirates have set their sights on a formidable attacking reinforcement, and the man at the centre of the chessboard is none...
The powers that be at the Emirates have set their sights on a formidable attacking reinforcement, and the man at the centre of the chessboard is none other than Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez. Sources close to the situation have informed GoalZaza that Mikel Arteta has personally placed a telephone call to the Argentine international, making clear Arsenal's burning desire to bring him back to English football at the close of the current campaign. Alvarez, who previously gave a good account of himself in the Premier League with Manchester City, has maintained a clinical edge in La Liga, contributing 28 goals and assists in the scheme of things this season. The North London hierarchy are now prepared to invest heavily in his signature, though the lion's share of the battle will be convincing the player to leave the Spanish capital. Atletico Madrid are not expected to part ways with their stalwart forward cheaply. Any negotiation will likely begin in the region of. ��128 billion (. ��80 million) given the current conversion rate of. ��1600 to one dollar. Arsenal are aware that they must meet the valuation if they are to land their primary target. It must be noted that Viktor Gyokeres remains at Arteta's disposal, but the Gunners' boss is intent on adding further depth to his attacking arsenal. The Nigerian connection in this narrative is unmistakable. Were Arsenal to secure a striker of Alvarez's pedigree, it would mean fewer minutes for the Premier League's Nigerian contingent, including the likes of Victor Boniface at Leverkusen who has been linked with a move away. However, for the Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, the arrival of a player of Alvarez's calibre at the top of the Premier League would only heighten the competition and the drama that Nigerian fans thrive on. At the end of the day, this is a transfer saga with many moving parts. The coming weeks will reveal whether Arsenal's secret call can turn into a full blown agreement. In Lagos, at the popular viewing centres in Surulere and Ikeja, the talk will be filled with passion. Fans will argue into the night about whether Alvarez is the right fit for the team, some pointing to his Premier League experience while others will insist that the money should be spent on a younger player or a proven Super Eagles star. The debate will rage on over bottles of malt and suya, with everyone agreeing that Arsenal cannot afford to miss out on European qualification again. The tension in the air will be as thick as the evening harmattan, for this is a move that could define the entire transfer window.
