Arsenal consider £80m Premier League star as shock Julian Alvarez alternative

Arsenal are considering several alternatives to Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, including a Premier League star valued at £80 million, according to reports.

After winning their first league title in 22 years last season, Mikel Arteta's side are the clear favourites to repeat the feat following an incredible transfer window.

The Gunners have bolstered their squad with improvements in key areas, including the additions of Premier League superstars Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes.

Christos Tzolis has also made an instant impression at the Emirates, assisting on his Premier League debut in the 3-0 win over Coventry City, after joining in a £34m deal from Club Brugge.

Arsenal have quality talent all over the pitch now, but Arteta isn't stopping there, as he dreams of landing Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez before the September 1 deadline.

Alvarez is pushing to leave the Metropolitano Stadium and was subject to boos from his own supporters on Sunday during the 2-2 draw against Villarreal.

Atleti reportedly value the Argentine at £128 million, and that would make him the most expensive Premier League transfer ever, just two years after leaving Manchester City for £82m.

Arsenal could be willing to smash their transfer record to sign the 26-year-old, although the lethal forward openly prefers to join Barcelona, in what he has already described as a 'dream' move.

But Atleti have already said there is 'zero' chance he moves to the Camp Nou, releasing a scathing statement on Wednesday (August 26), which may have incidentally moved the north London giants into the driving seat.

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That being said, it does seem increasingly difficult for Arteta to agree personal terms with Alvarez, and they could look to sign an alternative instead.

Arsenal and Man City in race to sign Everton's Iliman Ndiaye

Arteta's interest in Alvarez suggests he wants to sign a forward who is capable of playing in any role across the front line.

Everton's Iliman Ndiaye is also someone who ticks that box, and according to talkSPORT's Ben Jacobs, the Gunners have considered a move for the Senegalese international.

The Premier League winners are joined by Manchester City, who have shown an interest in the 26-year-old after watching him impress for the Toffees last term.

Ndiaye has been linked with an exit from the Hill Dickinson Stadium throughout the summer, attracting admirers from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal making a strong push to sign him at the start of August.

Everton, however, have held firm in their £80m valuation, with such a price reflecting the current state of the market and his incredible talent.

Ndiaye has three years left to run on his contract with the Toffees and has already impressed at the start of 2026/27, assisting Thierno Barry in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend.

David Moyes even started him in the Carabao Cup, as Everton produced a dominant display against Championship side Preston North End, securing a 4-0 victory.

When asked about the possibility of leaving before the window shuts last week, Moyes said it would take an "outrageous offer" for the club to sell him.

"No. Unless there’s something absolutely outrageous," the Scot revealed. “The words we say that ‘everyone has a price’ but he has not got a price to me. As far as I’m concerned, as long as I’ve been here, he has never been leaving, and I don’t know where the stories have come from."