Arsenal working to 'convince' Julian Alvarez to join amid 'big' claim

Arsenal are planning to accelerate their pursuit of Julian Alvarez in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old is the Gunners' top attacking target at this stage, having missed out on previous high-profile targets including Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior.

Mikel Arteta is determined to strengthen his front line before the 1 September deadline, and views the Argentina international as a huge upgrade on his current options.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Alvarez will need some convincing to make the move to Arsenal in the coming weeks.

The forward is expected to leave Atletico Madrid and is pushing for an exit, but is currently prioritising a move to Barcelona despite the Gunners stepping up thier pursuit.

Alvarez was given a frosty reception by the Atletico fans as a result of his attempts to leave the club, and Arsenal hope to take advantage of the situation to pull off a deal.

Could Arsenal make a move to sign Julian Alvarez?

Brown told Football Insider back in June that Arsenal have been planning to step up their interest in Alvarez amid concerns about their current attacking options.

The Gunners are hopeful of adding a left-winger to their squad before the window closes, while the Argentina star's ability to play through the middle also seen as an asset.

It will be difficult for Arsenal to pull off a deal for Alvarez given the player's ambitions, but they are hopeful of beating their rivals to his signature.

"Julian Alvarez is a top player and he's shown that in the Premier League before," Brown told Football Insider.

"Since his move to Atletico Madrid, his stock has obviously risen, and he's somebody who always seems to be mentioned with the top clubs in the Premier League.

"Arsenal have been pretty clear that they want to bring in a big-name forward, they couldn't sign Vinicius Junior, so now Alvarez seems to be next on their list.

"The problem is, I'm told he's not especially keen on coming back to the Premier League, and all the talk around him is about a move to Barcelona.

"That seems to be his preferred destination, so it's about whether Arsenal can convince him that they would be a better destination and that he could achieve big things with them.

"Mikel Arteta is determined to get a big-name attacker in before the window closes, so they will be pushing to get this one done."

How does Alvarez feel about joining Arsenal?

The biggest roadblock in Arsenal's pursuit of Alvarez is about whether they can convince him to prioritise them ahead of Barcelona before the window closes.

Barcelona have so far been unable to agree terms with Atletico Madrid, opening the door for the Gunners, who have made solid moves ahead of their Spanish rivals.

However, Football Insider revealed in July that Alvarez has already made up his mind over a return to English football, and has his heart set on a move to Barcelona.

The forward is not interested in a return to the Premier League after his time at Man City, with the weather having previously been quotes as an issue for him.

Meanwhile, Atleti CEO Miguel Angel Gil has reiterated throughout the window that the club have no plans to let him leave this summer, and could block any departure.