Arsenal and PSG set to battle over Julian Alvarez signing after Champions League final | OneFootball

Julian Alvarez is at the centre of another battle between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain before the Champions League final, with the French champions having so far made a more direct pitch for the Argentine star.

The situation may yet see both Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers end up at Arsenal, as the club seek to build on their Premier League victory.

Mikel Arteta is a known admirer of Alvarez, with Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone having already revealed that Arsenal were one of his suitors. The Independent has since been told that PSG have made a more direct pitch with wages, and have signalled that they are willing to pay Atletico’s asking price of €125m (£108m).

Atletico are intent on digging in there, which may put more pressure on Alvarez to push for any move he selects. Sources close to the player say his first choice would be Barcelona, but they do not have anything close to the funds.

Arsenal do but, as with last summer, want to properly consider how to maximise their budget. There has been progress as regards a move for Rogers, with Arsenal one of many potential buyers, including Chelsea, Manchester United and – notably – PSG.

Aston Villa’s preference would obviously be to keep their star, but there are naturally good relations between the club and Rogers, if he wanted to move on.

open image in gallery

Aston Villa’s resolve to keep Morgan Rogers looks set to be tested (Getty)

The Villa Park hierarchy are also mindful of the potential strategy of cashing in on Rogers and replenishing the squad to try and bring it to another level, after a few years of difficulties with financial rules.

Arsenal’s new status as the champions of England has of course given them a powerful new bargaining position, too.

They are also pursuing Kroupi, who played such a key role in the eventual title win with that goal in Bournemouth’s decisive 1-1 draw against Manchester City.

As reported in our Inside Football newsletter on Friday, Arsenal want to bring three or four players in, with the same number expected to leave. Gabriel Jesus is expected to be allowed to take up one of many offers from the Brazilian league, for a nominal fee of around £5m. The saving of his high wages would allow considerable room with financial regulations.