Arsenal are edging closer to securing a deal for Julian Alvarez before the summer transfer window shuts, despite the Argentine striker's personal preference for a move to Barcelona, according to a report from Spanish outlet Sport.

The report states that Alvarez's future is set to be resolved within hours, with Sport declaring that "all signs point to England" — a remarkable turn given that the 26-year-old has openly expressed his desire to join Barcelona rather than return to the Premier League.

Atletico Madrid pushing Alvarez toward Arsenal

Atletico Madrid are said to be actively steering Alvarez toward a move to North London, with the club's sporting director Mateu Alemany currently in London to negotiate a separate deal for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson. Sport Witness reports that an Alvarez arrangement could also feature in those discussions.

Arsenal's standing offer is believed to be in the region of €80 million plus Viktor Gyokeres, with the package promising Alvarez the chance to double his salary at the Emirates and occupy a central role under manager Mikel Arteta.

Arteta has already phoned Alvarez personally in an effort to convince him, and Real Madrid's attempt to secure the striker this summer was firmly rejected by Atletico Madrid — reportedly at a cost of £129 million — leaving Arsenal as the most credible destination.

A crowded forward picture at Arsenal

Alvarez, valued at €120 million by Transfermarkt, would provide Arteta with a versatile option either on the left wing — potentially in place of Gabriel Martinelli, who has reportedly declined an approach from Galatasaray — or as a centre-forward alternative to Kai Havertz.

Arsenal have also been linked with Victor Osimhen, while pursuits of Vinicius Jr and Morgan Rogers have come to nothing: the former extended his contract at Real Madrid, and the latter joined Chelsea in a British record transfer.

FourFourTwo understands that Arteta is nonetheless prepared to head into the new season without signing another forward should no deal materialise in the final hours of the window.