Arsenal 'seduced' by surprise Julian Alvarez alternative after new Atletico Madrid price set

Arsenal have reportedly identified a surprise Julian Alvarez replacement, having been informed a new price for the wantaway Atletico Madrid star.

Alvarez spoke of his desire to leave Atletico earlier this summer, with multiple reports claiming that he is desperate to join Barcelona.

Atleti will not sanction a sale to their La Liga rivals, who consider him their top striker target following the departure of Robert Lewandowski.

Alvarez started the new season with Atleti but was met with loud jeers from his own supporters on a number of occasions, including when he was brought on in the second half.

As a result, Atletico decided to instruct Alvarez to refrain from applauding the supporters at the final whistle alongside his teammates.

In a new update from The Athletic, citing leadership sources, it's claimed Atletico would be willing to listen to offers in the region of £128 million.

Though Arsenal recently had contact with both Atletico and Alvarez's camp, it's believed they would not be prepared to pay that fee.

However, it appears as though the club have another option on their shortlist.

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Foot Mercato say that the Premier League champions have been seduced by Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

The Ligue One side have produced a number of top talents over the years and have just sold Ayyoub Bouaddi to Manchester City for £86 million.

Fernandez-Pardo, who was part of the Belgium squad for the World Cup, is also considered to be a top talent.

The report claims that Arsenal have added him to their attacking shortlist and are "monitoring his situation very closely".

Atleti and RB Leipzig have both been unsuccessful with their offers to Lille for Fernandez-Pardo, who did refuse to play in a friendly against Everton in pre-season.

Arsenal are watching proceedings but it's said that Lille are demanding a fee of €70 million for Fernandez-Pardo.

Sporting director Sylvain Armand spoke about the player's situation at the 2-0 win over Angers and dismissed talk of him leaving.

"Matias Fernandez-Pardo is a very important player," he said on Ligue One+.

"We're counting on him. Talking about Matias leaving isn't necessarily on the table right now."

The former Gent star scored eight goals for Lille last season and has a contract until 2029.

Arsenal name price tag for Gabriel Martinelli amid transfer talks

One name who is set to leave Arsenal this summer is Gabriel Martinelli, who was omitted from the squad for the 3-0 win over Coventry City on Friday.

The treatment of the Brazilian upset former Gunners striker Ian Wright, who said he felt "uncomfortable" with what is happening with Martinelli.

The forward's departure from Arsenal is accelerating though, with The Athletic reporting that Saudi Pro league side Al Hilal are pursuing a deal for Martinelli.

Arsenal are understood to want £60 million for Martinelli, who is open to moving to Al Hilal as talks continue with all parties.