Arsenal are growing confident of securing a January deal for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, with the Argentine's situation at the Metropolitano deteriorating rapidly since the summer.

The Gunners pursued Alvarez aggressively during the summer window, only for the 26-year-old to choose a move to Barcelona — a transfer that ultimately collapsed after Atletico Madrid refused to sell to their La Liga rivals. With Hansi Flick's side pivoting to Raphinha as a centre-forward to extraordinary effect — the Brazilian has scored 14 goals in just eight games this season — Barcelona have since moved on, leaving Alvarez in a difficult position in Madrid.

A striker left on the margins

Alvarez has started just once for Diego Simeone since the FIFA World Cup — a UEFA Champions League opener against Liverpool — with Atletico Madrid opting to pair summer signings Kang-in Lee and Jonathan David in attack when winning the Madrid Derby at the weekend. The Argentine's diminishing role has not gone unnoticed at Arsenal.

According to Fichajes, Barcelona have deprioritised the signing of Alvarez, shifting focus to reinforcing their defence. That shift opens a path for Arsenal, who remain in the market for a forward after a summer in which they lost Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard — replacing the trio with only Christos Tzolis.

Arteta's attacking concerns laid bare

The urgency was underlined at the weekend when Arsenal suffered a 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex — their first loss of the season after six consecutive wins in all competitions. Manager Mikel Arteta lacked pace in his frontline, and Kai Havertz spurned a late one-on-one that could have salvaged a consolation goal.

Viktor Gyokeres, once linked as a long-term solution, is yet to start a Premier League match this season and has failed to convince in cup appearances. Teenager Max Dowman was handed a bench role ahead of Noni Madueke on Saturday, though a loan move for the youngster remains a possibility — one that could shape Arsenal's options in January.

FourFourTwo understands Arsenal are assessing all available routes into the winter window. A loan deal for Alvarez — whose market value stands at €120 million per Transfermarkt — could offer a practical short-term fix while potentially rehabilitating a player whose stock has fallen sharply. Arsenal return to Premier League action against Leeds United after the international break.