Barcelona, Arsenal In Striker Chase As Al Hilal Bid €55m For Martinelli

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will hold talks with sporting director Deco this week over the possible signing of a new striker before the summer transfer window closes.

Flick revealed his plans after Barcelona thrashed Elche 5-0 in LaLiga on Sunday, August 23, with the Catalan club continuing to explore options in the final days of the transfer market.

Asked about the prospect of Barcelona bringing in a new striker, Flick said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano: “I will speak to Deco, and we will see. Let’s see what happens this week.”

One of the forwards attracting interest from Barcelona is Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, although Arsenal have also received encouragement in their pursuit of the Argentina international.

According to AS, Atletico are now willing to sell Alvarez to Arsenal, despite previously rejecting the idea of letting him leave. The Spanish club reportedly turned down interest from Barcelona and rejected about £130m offer from Real Madrid.

Arsenal have maintained a long-standing interest in Alvarez, who has scored 49 goals in his first two seasons at Atletico following a successful spell at Manchester City, where he won back-to-back Premier League titles.

The Gunners signed Viktor Gyokeres for £64m last summer, with the Swedish striker scoring 21 goals in his debut campaign as Mikel Arteta’s side won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final. Arsenal remain pleased with Gyokeres but believe Alvarez could further strengthen their attack.

Alvarez initially preferred a move to Barcelona, but AS reports that he has softened his stance and is now willing to consider a move to north London. The 26-year-old reportedly likes Arteta’s sporting project.

The situation appeared to turn hostile on Sunday when Atletico supporters booed Alvarez during their 2-2 draw with Villarreal. The Argentine came on as a second-half substitute, with sections of the crowd chanting: “Tell him to leave, let him leave forever.”

Alvarez headed straight down the tunnel after the final whistle, adding further uncertainty to his future at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have also received a €55m offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal for winger Gabriel Martinelli, according to The Times journalist Gary Jacob.

The Saudi club hope to convince Arsenal to sell the 25-year-old Brazilian before the transfer window closes on September 1. However, the Gunners have not accepted the offer, which remains below their reported £60m valuation.

Martinelli also attracted interest from Galatasaray earlier in the summer, with Arsenal understood to be open to his departure if a suitable offer arrives.