Arsenal boost as Barcelona ‘end Julian Alvarez hunt and turn attention to stunning Lautaro Martinez transfer from Inter’

ARSENAL have reportedly been handed a golden opportunity to land Julian Alvarez – after Barcelona threatened to pull out of the race for a deal. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wants to add more firepower to his squad despite ending a 22-year wait to be crowned Premier League champions last season. Arsenal want to sign Julian Alvarez Credit: Getty Barcelona could make a move for Lautaro Martinez instead Credit: Getty And Alvarez, 26, was identified by Arsenal as a potential marquee signing earlier this summer. The Gunners have now been given a huge boost as they aim to convince the Atletico Madrid striker to join. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! El Desmarque report fellow admirers Barcelona have started looking at alternatives to Alvarez. A stunning move for Inter Milan marksman Lautaro Martinez could be on the cards instead. The lethal finisher, 28, hit the winner as Argentina came from behind to beat England in the World Cup semi-finals. Martinez also bagged 22 goals in all competitions to spearhead Inter to Serie A and Coppa Italia glory last season. He is seen by Barcelona chief Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco as an ideal fit. And the LaLiga title holders are considering a swoop after Atletico insisted they will not sell Alvarez to their domestic rivals. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS But it will still be difficult for Arsenal to bag their top target before the transfer window slams shut. Atletico boss Diego Simeone has warned the Gunners that Alvarez is not for sale after also rejecting a monster £130MILLION bid from Real Madrid. Arsenal have earmarked the Argentina frontman as their No1 attacking target while there have been doubts over Viktor Gyokeres’ future. Gabriel Jesus could also be on his way through the exit door after emerging as a target for Napoli. Gabriel Jesus’ future is up in the air Credit: Getty Alvarez got his name on the scoresheet 20 times in 49 appearances for Atletico last season. He publicly admitted his desire to quit the Spanish giants while at the World Cup. Comment now