Arsenal handed Julian Alvarez boost as Barcelona 'include Viktor Gyokeres replacement' in striker shortlist | OneFootball

Potentially good news for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options

Arsenal may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, with Barcelona considering potential alternatives.

Alvarez, who reported back to Atletico Madrid this week after representing Argentina at the World Cup, has been Barcelona's top transfer target all summer, with the player having repeatedly voiced his desire to move to the Camp Nou.

"I don't think it's the right moment to talk, but I also don't want to hide. I try to be an honest person," the striker told ESPN.

"I spoke with the people at [Atletico] who I needed to speak with. I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream."

However, Atletico continue to insist that Alvarez striker is not for sale - and especially not to a rival in LaLiga.

It would appear that Barcelona have finally got the message, amid reports they are looking at other options in the event that Atletico do not change their stance on the 26-year-old.

With Ferran Torres set to join Paris Saint-Germain, Robert Lewandowski already gone and Roony Bardghji successfully undergoing surgery for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, Barca look short of options in attack.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the LaLiga champions’ striker shortlist includes Sporting CP frontman Luis Suarez, who was the replacement for Viktor Gyokeres after he moved to Arsenal last summer.

Luis Suarez is reportedly on Barcelona’s radar as an alternative to Julian Alvarez

The Colombia international is said to have an €80million (£68.3m) release clause in his Sporting contract, though Barca will only consider making a move from next week - if the Alvarez deal is still off.

It remains to be seen if the door could yet be opened for Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta keen to add another dimension to his attack before the summer transfer window closes.

That said, Atletico’s official stance is that Alvarez will be staying put.

"The situation is very clear," Diego Simeone told reporters. "The club took a decision which Miguel Angel explained well. We are very happy with Julian.

"From the sporting side of things, we will help him keep growing and improving so that he can give us what he has given us over these two years at the club so far, which was a mountain of things."