Arsenal failed with £105m bid for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez

Arsenal saw a club-record £105m bid for Julian Alvarez rejected by Atletico Madrid last summer before turning their attention to Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports in Spain.

The Gunners were reportedly willing to make the Argentina international one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League to secure his return to English football.

Despite the failed pursuit, Mikel Arteta’s side have enjoyed a prolific campaign after strengthening their attack with alternative options.

Ambitious approach rejected

According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, Arsenal identified Alvarez as their primary target following his impressive debut season in La Liga.

The former Manchester City forward scored 29 goals in 56 appearances for Atletico Madrid last term, drawing high praise from club legend Fernando Torres.

Reports suggest the north London club tabled a massive offer worth £105m during the Club World Cup in a bold attempt to lure the striker away from the Metropolitano Stadium.

The package allegedly included a five-year contract worth £400,000-a-week, a salary that would have shattered Arsenal’s wage structure.

However, the Spanish giants immediately rejected the proposal, with the club hierarchy determined to retain their star forward.

Atletico forced to act

The aggression of Arsenal’s interest has reportedly forced Atletico Madrid to expedite contract talks with the World Cup winner.

To ward off future interest from the Premier League and Barcelona, Diego Simeone’s side are expected to offer Alvarez fresh terms matching the salary proposed by the Gunners.

While the player currently has no intention of leaving Spain, reports indicate that both Arsenal and Barcelona remain monitoring his situation ahead of the next transfer window.

Success with Gyokeres

Following the rejection, Arsenal pivoted their transfer strategy to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, alongside Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.

The change in targets has seemingly paid off, with the Swedish international netting 13 goals across all competitions since his arrival at the Emirates.

Those reinforcements have propelled the club to the top of the Premier League table and into the latter stages of the Champions League and domestic cups.

While Alvarez offers a versatile, creative profile that differs from Gyokeres’ role as a traditional focal point, Arsenal’s current form suggests the failed transfer has not hindered their title ambitions.