Arsenal must offer Viktor Gyokeres to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have told Arsenal they will only sanction the sale of Argentine forward Julian Alvarez if Viktor Gyokeres is included as a direct replacement.
The Spanish giants are completely ruling out a domestic transfer to La Liga rivals Barcelona this summer.
However, negotiations with the North London club remain a distinct possibility, provided the Swedish marksman moves in the opposite direction.
Club officials are currently prioritising incoming transfers before finalising any major departures from the Metropolitano Stadium.
Salah nears Besiktas switch after Anfield exit
Elsewhere in the market, Mohamed Salah is edging closer to joining Besiktas on a free transfer after departing Liverpool last month.
The former Reds talisman has struck an agreement in principle over a 12-month contract, which includes an option for a further year.
Besiktas head coach Vincenzo Italiano has spearheaded efforts to sign the Egyptian attacker following his immensely successful nine-year tenure on Merseyside.
Real Madrid launch massive double pursuit
In Germany, RB Leipzig have firmly rejected a €100m bid from Real Madrid for highly-rated forward Yan Diomande.
The Spanish heavyweights matched a previous proposal from Liverpool, but both lucrative offers fell short of the Bundesliga side’s steep valuation.
Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring the situation closely, having already agreed personal terms with the promising attacker until 2031.
Simultaneously, the Champions League holders are increasingly confident of securing Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
The international midfield maestro has entered the final year of his contract at Etihad Stadium and is yet to commit to a new deal.
Villa target Jackson as Watkins replacement
Finally, Aston Villa have opened formal talks with Chelsea over a permanent £65m deal for Nicolas Jackson.
Manager Unai Emery is keen to reunite with the Senegal international at Villa Park this season.
The Midlands club view the forward as their preferred successor to Ollie Watkins, who is heavily linked with a move to Turkish outfit Fenerbahce.