Mikel Arteta Personally Calls Julian Alvarez as Arsenal Make Final Push for Atletico Madrid Star

Arteta Takes Charge of Arsenal's Pursuit of Julian Alvarez

Arsenal are not ready to give up on signing Julian Alvarez. With the transfer window entering its final stretch and Barcelona also pursuing the striker, Mikel Arteta has decided to get personally involved in an attempt to change the course of one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas.

According to El Desmarque, Arteta personally called Alvarez to explain Arsenal's project and try to convince him to return to the Premier League. The Argentine has emerged as one of the Gunners' leading targets as they look to further strengthen their attack.

The move shows just how far Arsenal are prepared to go to get a deal done. After losing last season's Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain, the coaching staff reportedly believe adding a forward of Alvarez's caliber could provide another major boost in their pursuit of the biggest trophies.

Arsenal Could Include Gyokeres in the Deal

Arsenal's pursuit is particularly striking considering Viktor Gyokeres finished his debut season in north London with 21 goals. However, the Gunners could even be prepared to use the Swedish striker as part of negotiations for Alvarez.

According to COPE, Arsenal have proposed a potential package involving money plus Gyokeres in an effort to convince Atletico Madrid to part ways with the Argentine. Such a deal would give Diego Simeone's side an immediate high-level replacement for Alvarez, potentially making his departure easier to accept. However, significant obstacles remain before any agreement can be reached.

Atletico Madrid Would Prefer to Sell Alvarez to Arsenal

Simeone wants to keep Alvarez, but Atletico's hierarchy could take a different position if the striker's departure ultimately becomes unavoidable.

Atletico would reportedly prefer to negotiate with Arsenal rather than sell one of their biggest stars to Barcelona, a direct La Liga rival. The Spanish club have even attempted to steer Alvarez toward a return to English soccer.

The biggest obstacle for Arsenal, however, could be the player himself. Reports suggest Alvarez still favors a move to Barcelona, and neither Atletico nor Arsenal have been able to change his mind so far.

Barcelona's Financial Situation Gives Arsenal Hope

Alvarez's preference for Barcelona does not necessarily mean the Catalan club will be able to complete the transfer. Barça's ongoing financial difficulties continue to complicate their transfer plans, and meeting Atletico Madrid's valuation of the Argentine represents a major hurdle.

Hansi Flick is searching for attacking reinforcements following Ferran Torres' departure for Paris Saint-Germain. Interestingly, Gyokeres himself could emerge as a potential alternative if Barcelona are ultimately unable to land Alvarez.

Victor Osimhen Emerges as Arsenal's Plan B

Arsenal are also making sure they have alternatives before the transfer window closes. With no guarantee that Alvarez can be convinced, the Gunners have reportedly started exploring a potential move for Victor Osimhen.

The Galatasaray striker represents another elite option to strengthen Arteta's attack if Alvarez continues to hold out for Barcelona.

The next few days could prove decisive. Arteta's personal call shows Arsenal are prepared to make one final push for Alvarez, but convincing the Argentine to return to England may prove to be the toughest obstacle of all.