Arsenal are running out of time to convince Julián Alvarez to leave Atlético Madrid for the Premier League, with the Argentina striker instead holding out for a move to Barcelona. The situation comes as Arsenal have agreed to sell three players collectively worth more than £70m, with Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Fábio Vieira all set to depart, freeing up funds and squad space as the club reshapes its attacking options before the transfer window closes.

Mikel Arteta spoke to Alvarez last week but was told the 26-year-old wants only Barcelona, even though Atlético insist they will not sell to a domestic rival; Barcelona have nonetheless agreed an £8.6m deal for Jesus and are said to still be pursuing Alvarez. Martinelli is expected to join Al-Hilal for a club-record £56m, Vieira looks set for an £8.6m move to Hamburg, and Arsenal, having already missed out on Morgan Rogers and Vinícius Júnior, are now monitoring alternatives such as Everton's Iliman Ndiaye, though Tottenham are reportedly further along in talks to sign him for £60m.