Arsenal hold talks over shock Real Madrid star transfer as Julian Alvarez alternative identified

Arsenal have reportedly held talks with Real Madrid over the transfer of a highly rated attacker as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad.

Despite already welcoming marquee signings Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa and Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, as well as making Piero Hincapie’s loan move permanent, it appears Arteta wants to add further to his squad before the September 1 deadline.

Arsenal began their Premier League title defence with a clinical 3-0 win over Coventry City at the Emirates on August 21 but will face tougher tests as the season progresses, with the Gunners set to compete on four fronts – the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

And to deal with the hectic schedule, Arteta needs all the help he can get, with his squad likely to be pushed to its limits should the Gunners reach the latter stages of the three cup competitions.

Arsenal have already tried and failed to sign Vinicius Junior this summer, with the Brazilian recently penning a new long-term contract to extend his stay at Real Madrid, while the English side continue to be linked with fellow La Liga star Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid.

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However, on Friday (August 28), talkSPORT reported that Arsenal have now turned their attention to signing Real Madrid youngster Endrick.

The outlet claims the north London club have already held talks with Los Blancos over the 20-year-old Brazilian, with several clubs around Europe impressed by his loan stint at Ligue 1 side Lyon last term.

Despite Real boss Jose Mourinho making it clear that the prodigy is not for sale, Arsenal are supposedly willing to make an official offer for the South American before the end of the transfer window.

Endrick joined Real Madrid from boyhood club Palmeiras in 2024 on his 18th birthday, having agreed to join the Spanish giants in 2022 when he was still just 16.

The forward, who is under contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2030, has struggled to maintain a starting spot under several Real managers, including Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, and has registered just eight goal contributions in 40 appearances.

Aston Villa, Liverpool and Roma have also shown interest in Endrick so far this summer.

Jose Mourinho makes feelings clear on Endrick

Speaking earlier this week, Mourinho made it clear that he would prefer Endrick to stay at Real Madrid.

“He's a player I like a lot and who has had many contacts from clubs that wanted him on loan or transferred,” he said.

“I didn't want to loan or sell him because I like the player, and I'd like to work with this young player who has important talents.”