Atletico Madrid have set Julian Alvarez a deadline to sort out his future amid links with Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
The forward is expected to leave the Spanish capital this summer, two years after joining from Manchester City in a deal worth around £81million. It was Gunners’ sporting director, Andrea Berta, who negotiated that move a year before leaving Atleti for north London.
Alvarez still has four years to run on his current contract, and reportedly recently rejected the offer of an extension.
Arsenal last season reportedly weighed up a move for Alvarez before signing Viktor Gyokeres, but interest remains real heading into the summer transfer window.
However, Arsenal face stiff competition from PSG and Barcelona for his signature.
The Independent report that PSG have signalled that they are willing to pay Atleti's €125m (£108m) asking price, but it is Barca whom Alvarez most wants to join.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday that Barcelona are preparing their first bid for Alvarez, following talks with the player's agent.
Barcelona earlier this week saw a bid worth around £70million accepted by Newcastle for England international Anthony Gordon. Adding Alvarez would take their spending to close to £200m before the transfer window opens.
Wherever Alvarez ends up, Atleti wants it settled as soon as possible.
Mundo Deportivo claim that Diego Simeone is keen to get clarity to avoid negatively impacting his squad’s preparations for the new season.
There is a suggestion that Alvarez will sort out his future before the World Cup, which begins in a little over two weeks’ time.
