Julian Alvarez Update
If you remember, I stated there was another attacker I chose to keep anonymous. That player was indeed Julian Alvarez. The reason I said it was sensitive was because one of our players (Gyökeres) was potentially involved but let me just provide the facts for Arsenal fans. To my understanding the following statements are 100% factual.
• The players dream is Barca (personal terms agreed already)
• Barca have always wanted Julian to go public with his desire to force Atleti's position
• Atleti are adamant they will not to sell to Barca and would rather sell abroad but it wont stop Barca from trying
• PSG to my understanding left the race due to Campos / Enrique not wanting a player who doesn’t absolutely prioritise them but I wont be shocked if they return due to the players quality
• Julian has been a target for Arsenal since last summer
• After our group stage game Arteta made it clear we must atleast be in the race for the Argentine
• I can 100% confirm Atleti have interest in Viktor Gyökeres
• Andrea Berta has maintained contacts with the camp since last summer and has explored 'different structures & mechanisms' to bring Julian Alvarez to North London in the recent months…
• Reports about 'the English weather' being a reason Julian and his family would not return to England are absolutely false.
• The player would be very open to joining Arsenal and has directly told us should his dream to Barca become impossible
• Arsenal are yet to officially formalise their interest but Atleti are well aware of our interest.
The situation is chaotic but my role is to provide the absolute facts to the best of my knowledge in real time not predict the future. Its difficult enough tracking Berta and his 1000 spinning plates technique, its even harder when he silently speaks to ex-colleagues at Atleti with whom he has a lot of trust with but I have presented the facts. Genuinely feel a lot of relief talking about this all as its been exhausting to track for 14 months. I need to sleep now as I have been awake all night contacting sources 😂
Morgan Rogers Update
• Morgan Rogers has given preference to joining the English champions. Other clubs are still actively in the race but acknowledge the player's current preference.
• Morgan Rogers has respectfully communicated his desire to leave to senior figures at Villa (significant).
• Personal terms have been explored and are not a hindrance at all.
• Morgan Rogers is sold on the Mikel Arteta project and plan for him.
• Morgan Rogers was on the shortlist of attacking reinforcements Arsenal discussed last summer.
• My understanding is that Villa and Arsenal are in contact through unofficial channels regarding any potential deal. Remember my words: the fee is key to this deal. The player is fully on board.
• Andrea Berta has asked to be kept fully informed about any other club making a move for Morgan. If Arsenal do make a move, there will be another update.
Chelsea, in particular, have been pleading with Morgan to showcase their plan for him, but as of today, the response is "Arsenal." Manchester United have also explored the situation of Morgan, with Carrick being a big fan.
Bradley Barcola and one other player are also of interest to Arsenal. Details on that in due time.
Arsenal are also in direct contact with multiple midfielders, as recently as a few days ago. The likes of Bouaddi, Scott, Kone, Larsson, and two others. As I mentioned yesterday, we are yet to make contact with any club officially while Berta explores personal terms with all of them. One of these players is convinced he is joining Arsenal. It's important to remember that Livramento also felt the same way, but it highlights how strong the conversations are.
Arsenal are also monitoring the Madrid midfielder situation. Tonali was offered to us in January; talks have never surpassed personal terms as of today. These clubs are using Elliot Anderson's deal as a market scale. Newcastle want crazy money, as do Palace for Wharton.
Personally, I hope its Ayyoub Bouaddi we accelerate a move for!
Taking a very short holiday. I'll be back!
HandofArsenal
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