Arsenal are already holding talks with an ex-Man City star with Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta ready to move quickly, according to a new report.
The Gunners prepare for Thursday evening’s crucial trip to Brentford amid mounting pressure in the Premier League title race, with their six-point advantage potentially shrinking before kick-off at the Gtech.
Man City’s Wednesday night clash against Fulham at the Etihad threatens to slice Arsenal’s cushion to just three points, following their dramatic win at Anfield on Sunday which has kept the title race alive.
Arsenal’s impressive back-to-back wins over Sunderland and Leeds gift Mikel Arteta‘s men real momentum, yet Keith Andrews’ Brentford represent considerably tougher opposition.
The west Londoners sit seventh after standing out as this season’s surprise package, and victory on Thursday could lift them within touching distance of a Champions League place.
Andrews has maintained the solid defensive foundations established during Thomas Frank’s tenure, with the Bees suffering just two home defeats throughout the entire Premier League campaign.
The title race tension intensifies with each passing week following three consecutive seasons where Arsenal fell agonizingly short.
Their current lead looks commanding on paper, but only relentless consistency through tricky February fixtures will convert that advantage into tangible silverware.
Arsenal’s next five Premier League fixtures
Date
Brentford (away)
February 12
Wolves (away)
February 18
Tottenham (away)
February 22
Chelsea (home)
March 1
Brighton (away)
March 4
Off the field, Berta is already making plans to build upon this season by investing in the squad this summer.
Arsenal have already been linked with a high-profile move for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali, but he isn’t the only big name on their agenda.
Arsenal ‘holding talks’ with Julian Alvarez over summer move
According to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are already ‘holding talks’ with former Man City striker Julian Alvarez over a summer move, via his representatives.
Berta is also ‘ready to move quickly’ for the player, if given real encouragement that his preferred move to Barcelona could be off the cards.
Alvarez has grown increasingly disillusioned with life in the Spanish capital during recent months, prompting his camp to actively explore alternative destinations.
Barca sporting director Deco has made the Camp Nou the Argentine’s preferred landing spot, though presidential elections scheduled for March 15 have effectively frozen Catalan transfer activity for now.
That uncertainty creates genuine opportunity for Arsenal.
Alvarez’s camp have apparently communicated Barcelona’s pole position to all interested parties, yet acknowledge no guarantees exist that a switch will materialise.
The 26-year-old, who reportedly commands an £80 million price tag, is believed to be open to joining Arsenal as well, even if Barca stand among his priorities.
PSG are also maintaining watching briefs, though the player’s London fondness could give Arsenal an advantage over Luis Enrique’s European champions.
Atlético signed Alvarez for £82 million from City in the summerof 2024, and he’s contributed 40 goals and 13 assists across 89 appearances since.
He’s also a proven Premier League player, having netted 20 Premier League goals across back-to-back title-winning campaigns at City before his move to Spain.
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