£87m Target to Bolster Attack
Arsenal are reportedly preparing a bid for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez as Mikel Arteta seeks a top-class centre-forward before the January transfer window closes. The Gunners remain active despite holding a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League and competing in four competitions.
Alvarez has scored 40 goals in 86 appearances since joining Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 according to reports. ESPN suggests Arsenal are considering a summer swoop for the Argentine World Cup winner who carries a hefty price tag of around £87m.
Gary Lineker believes Alvarez would be an ideal addition to the Arsenal attack. On The Rest is Football podcast he said: “I know he is not entirely happy with life at Atletico. Now that is the sort of player who can handle the big occasion – he’s a World Cup winner for crying out loud. Someone like that at Arsenal would be game over.”
Arsenal already have Viktor Gyokeres Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in their ranks but Arteta wants more firepower to maintain their title challenge.
Zinchenko Update from Ajax
Ajax manager Fred Grim has addressed interest in Arsenal loanee Oleksandr Zinchenko. The 29-year-old Ukrainian defender joined Nottingham Forest on loan in the summer but has struggled for regular minutes making only 10 appearances across all competitions.
Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche confirmed discussions about Zinchenko’s future especially after Ola Aina’s recovery from injury pushed him down the pecking order.
Grim said: “I hope that [Zinchenko’s signing] will take shape soon. At Ajax we’re very busy strengthening our squad.”
The potential move could see Zinchenko return to the Eredivisie where he previously excelled before joining Arsenal.
Arsenal face Kairat in the Champions League on Wednesday aiming for a perfect record of eight wins from eight in the competition. Any late transfer activity will be closely watched as the deadline approaches.
