Man City open talks to hijack £130m Arsenal transfer before deadline day

Manchester City have enquired into a stunning move to re-sign Arsenal target Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.

Alvarez left the Etihad Stadium after two-and-half years in Manchester in 2024, joining Atletico for £82million.

His future in the Spanish capital has been in doubt throughout the summer with Barcelona and Arsenal eager to sign him. A move to the Camp Nou remains Alvarez’s clear preference but Atletico are adamant that move won’t happen, refusing to do business with the Catalan giants.

Atletico are willing to sell to Arsenal who remain interested in taking the 26-year-old to the Emirates in a deal that could be worth a staggering €150million (£130m).

Alvarez missed training for a third consecutive day on Friday having been booed off the pitch by his own fans last Sunday.

And amid a tense stand-off between Alvarez and Atletico with Arsenal and Barcelona watching on from the sidelines, City have entered the race in a stunning development to the saga.

Marca report Enzo Maresca’s side are exploring the move and have made initial enquires into a reunion with the Argentine in the final days of the transfer window.

A loan arrangement has been suggested by the publication although negotiations between the clubs are still to formally begin.

Alvarez’s only options as it stands are to leave the Estadio Metropolitano for the Premier League or reconcile with Atletico.

Marca claim however City could face the same challenges as Arsenal with Alvarez very reluctant to return to England.

Alvarez joined City from River Plate for a modest £14million in January 2022, helping Pep Guardiola’s side win the Treble in his second season in Manchester. He scored 36 times in 103 appearances for the club.

Arsenal meanwhile are still prepared to make an offer for Alvarez but will only do so if they are given sufficient encouragement by the player’s camp, which has not been forthcoming at this stage.

However, reports in Spain this week have suggested Alvarez has been made increasingly aware that a move to the Emirates may be his only option this summer if he wishes to leave Atletico.