David Ornstein delivers final verdict on Julian Alvarez & Arsenal links

With the transfer window drawing to a close, David Ornstein delivers a message on where Julian Alvarez will ply his trade next season.

Arsenal’s approach to improving the front line has been consistent: recruitment of elite, game-changing talent or remaining with what already delivered silverware last season.

The club has explicitly targeted game changers after Mikel Arteta admitted players who PSG boast in greater numbers were the direction Arsenal should head too.

Speaking after the Champions League final, the boss reflected: “They are a superb team and I congratulate them. Individual quality they have.”

To bridge that gap, Morgan Rogers became the first top target to address the fact a mere 33 per cent of attacks came down Arsenal’s left last season.

After Chelsea agreed a British record fee for the Villa man, instead of panicking, Andrea Berta bided his time and set North London as the only destination for Vinicius Jr should negotiations over a new contract fail with Real Madrid.

The same playbook is in motion for Alvarez.

The Argentinian returned to training as he continues to consider his options after missing three sessions earlier this week and not featuring during his side’s 3-1 victory over Sevilla on Saturday night.

Arsenal remain front-runners in the race to sign the Argentine, who was given an ultimatum by the La Liga giants. Atletico are claimed to have given Alvarez until Sunday to decide his future, with a move to North London or remaining at Atletico being his only options.

Read more: Gabriel Martinelli to Al Hilal: David Ornstein confirms Arsenal close to €70m club-record transfer AFTV

Ornstein Latest On Alvarez

And now, David Ornstein has set the record straight.

“At the time of reporting, it’s a low chance that he will come to Arsenal, because he’s had his heart set on Barcelona.”

“Atletico have closed the door to Barcelona, that won’t happen. They would do a deal with Arsenal. Arsenal are prepared to reach an agreement club to club, but they would want the player to want to join them and he’s shown no indication of wanting to at this point.”

“He’s spoken to Mikel Arteta and said he doesn’t want to come. That could change – could he soften in the days ahead? These situations are always moveable feasts, so I don’t want to pin my colours to the mast and say it won’t happen, but right now it’s not developing in the way that some have suggested.”

With recent outgoings, coffers are full enough to invest; the squad has space, and expectation among the fanbase for reinforcements remains high.

Gabriel Martinelli is on the verge of a move to Al-Hilal for a club record £55.7 million. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus is Barcelona-bound as Fabio Viera secured his long-awaited permanent transfer to Hamburg.

If Atletico’s wantaway star does take on Arsenal’s project at the 11th hour, it is reported that a Barcelona clause may pave the way, allowing Alvarez the opportunity to secure his preferred move down the line while satisfying all parties in the present.