Arsenal reportedly agree Gyokeres swap deal to land Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid

Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid to sign Julian Alvarez in a swap deal that would send Viktor Gyokeres to the Spanish capital, according to Spanish journalist Jota Jordi. Jordi, speaking on the El Chiringuito programme, claimed Atletico chief Gil Marin told Barcelona president Joan Laporta that Alvarez is not available to them — and described the Arsenal arrangement as a “done deal”.

The reported structure of the agreement would see Arsenal pay €50m (£43m) plus Gyokeres, who joined the north Londoners last summer for £55m and scored 21 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions in his debut season — a campaign that ended with Arsenal claiming their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Alvarez, 26, has been one of the most coveted forwards in Europe after two outstanding seasons at Atletico Madrid, where he has scored 49 goals in 108 games. PSG, Barcelona and Real Madrid had all been credited with interest in the Argentine World Cup winner, but Jordi’s claims suggest Arsenal have moved ahead of that field.

It is worth noting that the report originates from a single Spanish television source and has not been independently verified. Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have made no official comment.

Manager Mikel Arteta signalled his intent to strengthen in the attacking third following Arsenal’s penalty shootout defeat to PSG last month, suggesting the club needed to add more difference-makers up front. The Gunners are understood to be targeting a midfielder, a left winger and a striker before the new season begins.

Separately, captain Martin Odegaard offered a glimpse of a potential new responsibility during Norway’s 4-1 World Cup group-stage win over Iraq on Tuesday. The Arsenal skipper delivered a precise corner in the final 15 minutes that Leo Ostigard converted to make it 2-0, with the Genoa defender darting to the near post past Mustafa Saadoon and needing only the slightest touch to finish. The display has prompted suggestions that Odegaard could take on greater set-piece duties at club level next season.

Arsenal are scheduled to return to competitive action on 16 August against Manchester City in the Community Shield.