Arsenal in strong position to sign striker, but defender attracting interest – latest transfer reports | OneFootball

Reports in Spain claim Arsenal have been boosted in their interest in signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.

The Argentine striker has attracted interest from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer, with Real claiming they have seen a £130m bid rejected for the forward.

Atletico have made clear their determination to keep Alvarez this summer, hitting out at their rival Spanish clubs over their pursuit of the 26-year-old.

But according to AS, Arsenal is being viewed as an alternative for Alvarez, with the north London club keen on the striker.

The report adds that Barcelona do not want to go over the 100 million euros mark, leaving Arsenal with an opportunity to move for the former Manchester City man.

The Athletic also say Arsenal have enquired about Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, but have been told he is not for sale.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are said to be interested in Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, according to Sky Sports.

Real are set to re-appoint Jose Mourinho as boss, who worked with Calafiori while at Roma, and the Spanish side have reportedly enquired about a deal for the Italian.

Elsewhere, Sky Sports also report that Tottenham remain hopeful of signing Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke this summer, while Marcos Senesi is close to completing his move to the club after leaving Bournemouth.

And Manchester United are exploring a potential deal for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, and are also weighing up a move for Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow.