Arsenal have surprisingly put a new name on the block – while Julian Alvarez was booed by his own fans at the weekend.
The Alvarez wave is turning
Julian Alvarez spoke loudly earlier this summer about a desire to leave Atletico Madrid. Several sources reported that the Argentine was desperate to go to Barcelona – but Atleti refuse to sell to their bitter La Liga rivals, especially since they see him as their absolute top priority after Robert Lewandowski left Camp Nou.
Now someone at Old Trafford has to call Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Then Alvarez started the new season in an Atleti shirt. But it was to be a dramatic opening.
Several times during the game, he was met with loud beeps from his own supporters – including when he was substituted in the second half. After the game, the club even asked him not to applaud the supporters along with his teammates.
Not exactly a warm welcome.
£128 million – and Arsenal withdraw
According to The Athletic’s management sources, Atletico are now willing to listen to bids of around £128 million for Alvarez.
Arsenal have recently been in contact with both club and player – but the sum is simply too high. The Gunners are not willing to go that far. – Especially not when the Argentine striker doesn’t really want to.
….. But they have another ace up their sleeve.
New Belgian gem on the radar
Now, Foot Mercato reports that Arsenal have been completely seduced by Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
The Ligue 1 club has nurtured countless talents over the years – and has just sold Ayyoub Bouaddi to Manchester City for a staggering £86 million.
Fernandez-Pardo, who was part of Belgium’s World Cup squad, is considered the next man out.
Sources claim that Arsenal have put him on their offensive wish list – and are following the situation very closely.
Bidding war for the Belgian
Both Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig have already had bids rejected for the 20-year-old, who even refused to play a friendly against Everton recently.
The problem? Lille are demanding 70 million euros to release him.
“Matias Fernandez-Pardo is a very important player for us,” sporting director Sylvain Armand said after the 2-0 win over Angers.
“We have great faith in him. Talking about a sale is not necessarily relevant right now.
The former Ghent star scored eight goals for Lille last season – and has a contract until 2029.
Martinelli on his way out – Saudi club ready
While Arsenal are chasing new blood, a familiar face could be on his way out.
Gabriel Martinelli wasn’t even in the squad when Arsenal beat Coventry 3-0 on Friday – a decision that surprised former striker Ian Wright.
“What is happening with Martinelli makes me uncomfortable,” he said.
Now, The Athletic reports that Saudi Arabian Al Hilal are chasing the Brazilian – and Arsenal expect to get around £60 million for him.
Martinelli is said to be open to the transfer, and the parties continue talks.
So while one door closes, another – with a Belgian phenom in tow – can stand wide open.
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