Julian Alvarez’s uncertain future is one step closer to being resolved
Julian Alvarez has reportedly made his preferred destination this summer known(Image: Getty)
Arsenal have endured a rollercoaster week. The Gunners secured qualification to the Champions League semi-finals last Wednesday, albeit in somewhat muted fashion given they had to settle for a dull 0-0 home draw (1-0 on aggregate) against Sporting CP and only managed one shot on target.
Off the back of that performance, Mikel Arteta’s side gave a far better account of themselves away at Manchester City on Sunday in arguably their most important Premier League game of the season. But Arsenal‘s valiant efforts counted for nothing as they lost 2-1 to Pep Guardiola’s men, allowing City to match their points tally at the top of the table if they win their game in hand against Burnley.
Off the pitch, sporting director Andrea Berta is working hard on negotiating deals for this summer’s transfer window, having made eight signings in the same window last year.
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Now, Mirror Football takes a look at two of the biggest stories involving Arsenal over the past day.
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Julian Alvarez preference emerges
Arsenal target Julian Alvarez would rather join Barcelona than the Gunners this summer, according to a report. The Gunners have been heavily linked with the Atletico Madrid striker, with various reports highlighting Berta’s interest in bringing him to N5, having been the one to sign him for Atletico.
The £100million-rated Argentine has been on fire since joining Atletico from City in August 2024, scoring 19 goals this season in all competitions. However, his incredible talent has also seen Barcelona and PSG join the race to secure his signature.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo has now claimed the 26-year-old would rather join the La Liga giants, given he does not want to return to England and the Premier League.
Mundo Deportivo had previously reported that Atletico are prepared to satisfy Alvarez’s financial demands after initial hesitation, with a proposed wage packet of around €10million (£8m) annually – a rise from his current €7m (£6m) earnings. The Colchoneros were said to be optimistic he will pledge his long-term future to the club.
Alvarez will come up against Arteta’s men later this month in the first-leg of the Champions League semi-finals.
Marli Salmon deal signed
Marli Salmon has signed a pre-contract agreement which will see the teenager commit professional terms with Arsenal when he turns 17. The central defender made his first-team debut off the bench in the Champions League win over Club Brugge in December and has featured three times in the FA Cup since.
Salmon is yet to make his Premier League debut but it is clear Arteta has high hopes for the wonderkid, who captains the Gunners’ Under-21s. That same faith in the youngster has gone some way in convincing him to commit to his boyhood club.
Salmon told the official Arsenal website: “It’s a very big moment for me, for my family as well. I’m very proud. I’ve been at the academy since I was nine and I just want to give everything to the club.
“I’m an Arsenal supporter and I’ve had some great memories so far. I’m so proud to have made my debut this season, I just want to keep pushing on still, keep my levels high and try to get as much experience as I can in the first team.”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
