Arsenal land dream Julian Alvarez transfer update as Andrea Berta alerted after decision

Arsenal may have a free run at Julian Alvarez in January, as a result of Barcelona no longer looking for a centre-forward. The Gunners were up against it to sign the Argentine striker this summer, given La Blaugrana were also tailing the Atletico Madrid man. It is understood that Alvarez favoured a move to the Camp Nou rather than the Emirates Stadium, but Barca were dealt a hammer blow when the Mattress Makers refused to sell their talisman to their La Liga rivals. While that left Arsenal as the only realistic suitor for the 26-year-old, Andrea Berta failed to get a deal over the line, Alvarez remaining with Atleti for the start of the new season. However, Arsenal could opt to reignite their interest in the winter transfer window, and may be uncontested in doing so as a result of Barcelona no longer looking for a new target man. Fichajes claim that a striker is no longer a priority - as a result of Raphinha's performances on the wing - and Hansi Flick is now in need of a left-footed centre-half instead. That's due to the injury record of Andreas Christensen, as well as a lack of depth in the heart of defence. FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page The publication also claim that Barca will tail an experienced defender as they look for reinforcement, rather than a youngster who needs time to grow and develop. That's not to say that signing Alvarez will be a straightforward task for the Gunners in January. The striker was reluctant to return to the Premier League this summer, despite previously thriving with Manchester City. And elsewhere, Atleti are still thought to be incredibly reluctant to let Alvarez leave. The club are in no rush to sell the Calchin-born star, given he is under contract until 2030. However, the mentality of the player and the club could be turned as a result of an incredibly fragile relationship with supporters at present. Having been left out of Atleti's La Liga opener with Malaga, tensions were high during the following encounter with Villarreal at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano due to Alvarez's hopes of leaving the club in the summer window. The forward was relentlessly booed by home fans as he made his way to the bench for their clash with Villarreal, and while it was hoped that the frosty atmosphere would have settled in time, Alvarez saw more of the same during the Madrid Derby on Sunday. With no signs of the attitude changing, it could be a matter of time before Atleti and Alvarez agree that the best course of action is for the player to move on.