Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has taken the extraordinary step of calling Atlético Madrid forward Julian Alvarez himself, in a bid to convince the Argentine to make the move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Spanish outlet El Desmarque reports that Arteta played his "last card" by phoning the 26-year-old directly, outlining his vision for the club. However, Alvarez is said to have reiterated his preference for a transfer to Barcelona, where he would rather ply his trade than in north London.

Alvarez's priorities and Atlético's position

Alvarez has long prioritised a move to Barcelona over any other destination, but the Spanish champions have so far been reluctant to meet Atlético Madrid's asking price — which runs into nine figures. Atlético, for their part, reportedly prefer to sell Alvarez back to the Premier League, where he won a Treble with Manchester City before joining Los Colchoneros.

Adding further complication, Atlético's CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has turned down a €150 million bid from Real Madrid, suggesting the Spanish capital club are far from the only suitors willing to spend big on the Argentine star.

According to Transfermarkt, Alvarez carries a market value of €120 million.

Alternative targets emerging

With time shrinking in the summer window and the Alvarez deal stalling, Arsenal have begun looking at other options. Victor Osimhen has emerged as a potential target, though Turkish outlet Gazete Pencere reports the Nigerian striker responded "We'll see" when pressed on a departure from Türkiye — with the Saudi Pro League also circling.

James McNicholas of The Athletic reports that Arsenal are also monitoring Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, waiting to see whether he becomes available before the window closes.

Outgoings shaping the picture

Arsenal's pursuit of a new attacker is tied closely to the club's plans to move on several forwards. Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are both being made available for transfer this summer, and a potential profit-driven sale of Ethan Nwaneri is also under consideration.

Viktor Gyokeres, signed just last year, has failed to fully convince staff at the Emirates Stadium and has reportedly been discussed as a makeweight in any deal — with interest from Barcelona and Atlético adding further intrigue around the Swede's future.

Martinelli's situation remains uncertain. Arteta did not include the Brazilian winger on the bench for Sunday's Community Shield — a signal that he may not feature in the manager's immediate plans. Arsenal open their Premier League season against Coventry City.