Arsenal news: Viktor Gyokeres swap transfer plan as Julian Alvarez signing becomes priority

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Arsenal are finally stepping up their transfer activity following a slow start to the summer window. The Gunners clinched their first Premier League title in 22 years last season, but manager Mikel Arteta is still desperate to strengthen his squad.

Their first signing of the summer was Piero Hincapie, who completed his permanent £34.5million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen . However, the defender was always expected to join after spending last term on loan at the Emirates Stadium.

Sporting director Andrea Berta has since been juggling plates by looking to agree personal terms with various targets, before making a decision on who to actually sign. Names such as Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Andria Bartishvili have repeatedly come up as potential acquisitions.

For now, Arsenal ’s only new addition has been former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who joined on a free transfer last week. Here, Mirror Football takes a look at two new developments which would represent far bigger transfer dealings than landing the third-choice shot-stopper.

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Arsenal have reportedly prioritised signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez this summer. The Gunners have been linked with Alvarez for several months, despite the Atletico Madrid star preferring to join Barcelona .

Atletico, though, have no interest in selling the Argentine to their La Liga rivals, having already rejected an £86million bid from the Catalans. They are understood to be far more receptive to the idea of losing him to the Premier League champions.

BBC Sport has now reported that the Argentine, 26, is the Gunners’ top target. The report indicates that this puts Alvarez ahead of the likes of Morgan Rogers, who is seen as a versatile attacker, and Bradley Barcola, who is a pure winger option. Any move for Alvarez or Rogers is expected only after their respective World Cup campaigns end this week.

Reports elsewhere have suggested Arteta is a huge fan of the forward, with Argentine outlet Clarin Deportivo saying Arsenal are “following every movement” and will advertise themselves as a serious alternative should Barcelona fail to agree a deal.

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Arsenal are claimed to have explored the possibility of using Viktor Gyokeres in a swap deal for Alvarez. Gyokeres had a mixed first season in north London last term.

While he scored 21 goals in all competitions and helped the Gunners end their 22-year title drought, his technical level was clearly below his team-mates and he often went missing in games. Talksport now reports that the Swede could be used in an attempt to lure Alvarez to N5.