Arsenal preparing mega offer for Atletico star?

Arsenal are preparing a mega offer to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez this summer, according to The Independent.

The Gunners were heavily linked with the World Cup winner earlier this summer, but did not proceed with an approach after learning about his desire to join Barcelona.

However, Atletico have made it clear they don't wish to sell him to the Blaugrana or Real Madrid, meaning Arsenal are his only route out of the Spanish side.

Meanwhile, Alvarez is open to joining the Gunners if his Barcelona dream does not materialise. The Gunners value him at around £80m, but Atletico want over £100m.

Hence, there is a difference in valuations, but there is optimism from both ends that a middle ground could be reached, with Alvarez keen on pursuing a new challenge.

Arsenal could step up their pursuit of the versatile forward once he returns from World Cup duty with Argentina. He scored a sumptuous winner against Switzerland in the quarter-final yesterday.