Arsenal remain interested in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, Yankee Scores reports.
There have been initial talks between the two clubs at ownership level and the lines of communication are still open.
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta was in the same job at Atleti before moving to the Emirates last year.
Atletico are not willing to sell and there is a huge divide in the valuations of the Argentina international by the two clubs, per Skysports.
Alvarez is thought to prefer a move to Barcelona but Arsenal remain interested in the situation.
Barcelona are not giving up on signing Arsenal target Alvarez and could increase their bid after the World Cup
The club are yet to decide if they will make an increased offer but – whatever happens – a new Barca bid is still not expected to be well received by Atletico.
The clubs have a relationship at an all-time low with a public spat on social media and Atletico are almost certain to continue with their stance of not selling him.
Laporta believes Atletico’s stance is a result of no replacement being identified.
Atletico chief executive Miguel Gil Marin accused Barca of “disrespecting us”. Their current bid of just over £100m remains on the table – but sources in Spain are suggesting they could up that to more than £110m (€130m) plus bonuses, says President Joan Laporta.
“I spoke with Gil Marin. He told me they were not planning to let him go, but the offer is firm and we stand by it,” Laporta said. “It remains on the table and the deal could still go through, but the offer is not open-ended. Atletico said no because they didn’t have a replacement. If they get one, we will see.”
