Arsenal brutally hijack Newcastle transfer as Julian Alvarez alternative identified

Arsenal dreamed of signing Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, but now a move to the Emirates Stadium has been ruled out; the Premier League champions are pushing to hijack one of Newcastle United's transfers.

In another incredible summer in north London, Arsenal have arguably won the transfer window once more with some top-quality additions - most notably Bruno Guimarães and Ezri Konsa from Newcastle and Aston Villa, respectively.

Mikel Arteta now wants to complete his business by adding more star quality to his attack, which explains why World Cup winner Alvarez was at the top of his radar.

That was until this weekend, when it was officially revealed by The Athletic's David Ornstein that Alvarez doesn't want to join Arsenal.

“At the time of reporting, there is a low chance that Julian Alvarez comes to Arsenal," Ornstein said in the build-up to Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest on TNT Sports.

“Atletico Madrid would do a deal with Arsenal. Arsenal are prepared to reach a club-to-club agreement, but they would want the player to want to join them.

“Alvarez has shown no indication of wanting to join at this point. He’s spoken to Mikel Arteta & said that he doesn’t want to come."

It's no secret that a return to the Premier League wasn't the 26-year-old's preferred move, as he dreamed of joining Barcelona, with that avenue also being shut down.

Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin insisted that they would “never, ever” sell Alvarez to Barcelona after the Catalans’ president, Joan Laporta, publicly confessed his desire to sign the Argentine before the end of the window.

The Spanish giants have now given their forward until Sunday (August 30) to make a final decision on his future after Diego Simeone confirmed he would be left out of his squad against Sevilla.

Arsenal hijack Newcastle's transfer for Matias Fernandez-Pardo

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal have entered into 'dialogue' with the entourage of Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who is looking to leave the Ligue 1 side this summer.

Newcastle have a long-standing interest in the 21-year-old, but have been unwilling to pay his £60 million asking price, and the Gunners could take advantage by prising him to the Emirates Stadium.

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The above report claims that Arsenal have emerged as a 'serious option' and are 'increasingly willing to negotiate' a move for the Belgian international, who would offer incredible versatility to Arteta's front line.

Fernandez-Pardo can operate as a central striker or on either flank, producing eight goals and seven assists in 41 matches in all competitions for Lille last season.

As revealed on Saturday (August 29), Liverpool also have an interest in the fleet-footed forward after closing in on a blockbuster £123m transfer for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola.

The Reds have a history of wrecking Newcastle's transfer plans, doing so last summer with Hugo Ekitike, and they can do so again with Fernandez-Pardo.

However, with Arsenal entering the fray and seeing the chance to sign the youngster as a 'smart investment', the Premier League champions could have the edge in negotiations.