Arsenal ‘pushing’ to sign Argentina star as Liverpool blown away in pursuit
Arsenal are well ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign Atletico Madrid and Argentina star Julian Alvarez this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Alvarez's future has been hotly debated in recent months as several top clubs eye a move for his services.
He has made it publicly clear that he wishes to leave Atletico this summer, with Real Madrid seeing a £130million bid rejected last month.
Arsenal have been named in the race for Alvarez's signature, while Liverpool are also reportedly interested as Andoni Iraola aims to bolster his attacking ranks.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Arsenal are still the most likely Premier League side to land the 26-year-old in this summer window.
Barcelona are believed to be lining up an offer for Alvarez after he has featured in the World Cup final for Argentina on Sunday.
Arsenal leading Liverpool in Julian Alvarez race
Alvarez registered 20 goals and 10 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions for Atleti last season.
He has only scored once at the World Cup so far, but remains in the hunt to win his second title in New Jersey this weekend.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I don't think he'd (Alvarez) be a top target for Liverpool this summer. Obviously he's a top player, there's no getting away from that.
"It does seem that Arsenal are the ones pushing if he is to come back to the Premier League, but again, that's going to be a big ask for Arsenal."
Arsenal also ahead of Spurs in chase to sign Eli Junior Kroupi
Arsenal's desire to improve their own options in the final third has also seen them register an interest in Bournemouth star Kroupi.
The French youth international scored 13 goals in 33 Premier League matches last season as he helped fire Bournemouth into the Europa League ahead of next term.
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Kroupi is more likely to join Arsenal than Tottenham ahead of next season due to the lofty fee that the Cherries are set to demand.
Recent reports have claimed that Bournemouth will want in excess of £100m to part ways with the 20-year-old.