Arsenal explore Viktor Gyokeres swap in talks over possible Julian Alvarez deal

Arsenal are alert to the possibility of signing Julian Alvarez this summer, talkSPORT understands.

The Argentina star has publicly informed Atletico Madrid that he wants to be sold.

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Barcelona are his preferred destination, but Atletico are reluctant to do business with their LaLiga rivals having already rejected an £86million bid and pointed towards his £432m release clause.

Atleti were also left furious by a seemingly insincere £129m bid from Real Madrid earlier in the summer.

talkSPORT can reveal Arsenal explored the possibility of offering Viktor Gyokeres as a makeweight during initial talks with Atletico.

It is unclear whether anything will develop as although Atleti hold an interest in the Swedish striker, Arsenal have not decided if they are open to a sale and club-to-club talks for Alvarez are still exploratory.

The Gunners remain interested in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and any move for Alvarez would be considered separate.

Elsewhere, talkSPORT understands Arsenal remain in positive talks with Brugge over a move for Greek winger Christos Tzolis.

It comes after Leandro Trossard’s £17million move to Besiktas was confirmed.

Alvarez ‘perfect’ for Arsenal

talkSPORT’s European football expert Andy Brassell has tipped the former Manchester City striker for a Premier League return instead of a move to Barcelona.

“Arsenal have held a long-term interest, longer than Barcelona, so to see them back in the picture makes total sense,” Brassell told talkSPORT.com last month.

“Arsenal went out and bought their No.9, and I think Viktor Gyokeres is sometimes looked at in the wrong way, as the guy to take them to the next level.

“He kind of did in a way, by offering them something different, not by being the best striker in the world or anything like that.

“Now that is more Alvarez’s territory – he’s someone who can really lead a team.

“He has heart and soul; he gives everything in every game. He does so much running… can create on his own, score from within the penalty box, from range, can set up others.

“That is really why he’s a player so many managers will want.”

He added: “Arsenal would be a great spot for him, not just because they’re current Premier League champions and Champions League finalists.

“But he is someone who will be going into a really stacked squad and get a chance to shine at the right moments, not to play every game.

“It would be a terrific spot for him. It would be a plus for Arsenal as well, I don’t think they have a player like him, there aren’t many players in football quite like him either.”