Stefan Borson reveals Arsenal hurdle in 'crazy' Julian Alvarez deal: 'As I understand it...'

Arsenal's move for Julian Alvarez isn't impossible this summer, but the Atletico Madrid striker could take some convincing.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that a return to England would not be ideal for the 26-year-old.

Alvarez quickly became a star at the Etihad Stadium after Man City signed him from River Plate for just £14million in January 2022, before going on to make 103 appearances.

In his two years with the Citizens, he lifted two Premier League titles, a Champions League and the FA Cup, while also winning the World Cup with Argentina.

Now, there is talk of him potentially returning to the Premier League, with alarm bells ringing after the player admitted that a transfer would be "the best thing for everyone".

Mikel Arteta's Gunners have long been linked with the move for the exciting centre-forward, but Atletico Madrid have already knocked back an eye-watering bid from Real Madrid.

England return unlikely to be on the cards for Julian Alvarez

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson believes that money is no issue for the Gunners, but staying in Spain is a far more likely outcome for the superstar.

"They can probably afford it. It depends what else they want. But the issue is, I don't think the player wants to come back to England," he said.

"Part of the reason he left City was that he didn't want to be in England and he had issues getting visas for his family, as I understand it.

"And that doesn't change going to Arsenal. Maybe London is the attraction that he wants, but it seems to me that really this is just about him wanting to move to Barcelona, possibly Real Madrid.

"But I don't think it's about being so desperate to get out of Atletico that he'd go back to England. I think this is about wanting a certain move, whatever he perceives as being his lifelong dream move.

"Whether it can happen or not, clearly it's going to need at least €150m (£129m), which is just a crazy place to be."

How much did Real Madrid offer for Arsenal's target?

A transfer saga appears to be emerging at the Metropolitano Stadium, with Real Madrid already having an offer of £129m rejected by their fierce rivals.

Atletico hit back as Real Madrid confirmed their intentions this summer, writing on social media: "You make us laugh even more than Barcelona."

If the Gunners stand any chance of agreeing a deal, it would appear that a much bigger offer will need to be conjured up, which could mean selling several assets.

He was so eager to leave Man City in 2024, so it is difficult to see the striker make the brave decision to come back to the Premier League and join their biggest rivals.