Arsenal transfer latest: Julian Alvarez’s feelings on £87m move as manager speaks out on deal

Arsenal have been touted with several deals, including Julian Alvarez, as the January transfer window continues

Arsenal could still complete several pieces of business as the transfer deadline looms. While Mikel Arteta’s squad is arguably the strongest across the Premier League, there are areas that the club could reinforce during the January window.

The Gunners sit four points clear at the top of the league table, despite their setback against Manchester United and remain in contention across all four competitions. Their focus now shifts to Wednesday’s clash with Kairat, as Arsenal chase a perfect record of eight victories from eight in the Champions League.

While much speculation will centre on potential new signings, Ethan Nwaneri’s loan spell at Marseille has already demonstrated the value of temporary moves for fringe players at the Emirates Stadium. Here is a closer look at some of the latest transfer headlines surrounding the Gunners.

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Julian Alvarez ‘stance’

Arsenal have been linked with an interest in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez during the January transfer window. The ex-Manchester City man has found the net 40 times in 86 appearances since his switch to the Spanish capital in 2024.

ESPN has reported that Arsenal are considering a summer swoop for Alvarez, who would be priced at around £87million. The Gunners already boast Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in their ranks.

However, Gary Lineker believes Alvarez would improve their options up front and shared that the forward is unhappy at his current club, suggesting a transfer could be on the cards.

“It’s probably complete b******* as most of these things are on social media but I saw they were linked with Julian Alvarez who I know is not entirely happy with life at Atletico,” Lineker said on the Rest is Football podcast. “Now that is the sort of player you know can handle the big occasion – he’s a World Cup winner for crying out loud.

“Someone like that at Arsenal would be game over. But they do need one or two of these current forwards to start scoring on a reasonably regular basis.”

Manager speaks on transfer

Ajax manager Fred Grim has addressed his side’s interest in Arsenal loanee Oleksandr Zinchenko. The 29-year-old joined Nottingham Forest on loan last summer but has seen limited action, featuring just 10 times in all competitions.

Forest manager Sean Dyche recently confirmed the club had discussed Zinchenko’s situation, with the full-back slipping down the pecking order following Ola Aina’s return from injury. Ajax are understood to be pursuing a permanent deal for Zinchenko, with Grim providing an update on the possible deal.

“I hope that (Zinchenko’s signing) will take shape soon,” Grim said. “At Ajax, we’re very busy strengthening our squad.

“It will have to be finalised in the coming week. In my opinion, there are still some possibilities then.”