Arsenal have increased their interest in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. According to The Independent, the London club will not complete the transfer before the start of pre-season training.

It appears that the fight for a 26-star striker has finally died down, and Alvarez himself is now open to a possible move to Arsenal, having previously benefited from an extended career in Spain.

Suddenly the transfer money is lost in a headache. Arsenal are not prepared to pay more than ?90 million, while Atletico value their striker at less than ?100 million.

Last season, the Argentine forward played 49 matches, scored 20 goals and provided 9 assists.