While Arsenal continue their battle with Manchester City for the Premier League title, the Gunners are also making plans for the summer transfer window.
Several players have been linked with a move to Mikel Arteta’s side, so Sports Central takes a look at four of the latest transfer updates making the rounds.
Julian Alvarez – Atletico Madrid
Arsenal are one of several clubs keeping an eye on Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
The Gunners have already gotten a first-hand look at the World Cup winner following their Champions League semi-final 1-1 draw against Atletico.
Alvarez was a handful for the Arsenal defenders. Aside from a 56th-minute penalty that earned Atletico a draw, the Argentine striker also created one big chance and recorded three progressive carries.
He was forced off injured late on but certainly gave a good account of himself, and Atletico will hope he can shake off the knock in time for the tie decider at the Emirates Stadium.
Meanwhile, Arsenal must have seen enough to decide whether or not they’re going to launch a summer move for the former Man City striker.
Alvarez won’t come cheap, especially with Atletico reluctant to lose their marksman.
His penalty against Arsenal took his tally to 20 goals in 48 games across all competitions this season. He has also weighed in with a further nine assists.
Eli Junior Kroupi – Bournemouth
Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Bournemouth forward Eli Kroupi Junior following an impressive breakthrough campaign.
The 19-year-old has made a name for himself as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League, placing him on the radar of several top clubs.
Kroupi has been in sensational form for the Cherries this season, playing a crucial role in their pursuit of European qualification.
The talented teenager has scored 11 Premier League goals despite starting in just 17 of his 29 appearances in the league.
Those numbers gave him a place in the history books, becoming the first teenager to hit double figures in their first Premier League season.
It has also helped to push Bournemouth up to seventh in the Premier League table, just one point behind Brighton & Hove Albion, who occupy the Europa League qualification slot.
Bournemouth are aware of Arsenal’s interest in their teenage prodigy, but it’ll take a significant proposal for them to sanction a summer exit.
Maximiliano Araujo – Sporting CP
Arsenal are also plotting yet another raid on reigning Portuguese champions Sporting CP this summer.
After snapping up Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres following a dramatic transfer saga, the Gunners are now eyeing a move for left back Maximiliano Araujo.
The 26-year-old has been a mainstay in the Sporting backline this season, racking up 43 appearances across all competitions.
He has returned six goals and four assists, with three goal contributions coming in 11 Champions League games. Araujo’s campaign hasn’t gone under the radar.
The Uruguayan defender has created three big chances in the league, while averaging 1.1 key passes per 90 minutes. He has also won an impressive 51% of his total duels.
Araujo impressed when Sporting faced Arsenal in the Champions League, and that audition was enough to convince Mikel Arteta to sanction a summer move.
The defender has a £69m release clause in his contract, so negotiating a fee with Sporting could be tricky.
Endrick – Real Madrid
Arsenal have also been linked with a surprise move for Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick.
The Brazilian has struggled to break into the Los Blancos starting XI despite being one of the finest talents to emerge from South America in recent years.
Endrick has spent the second half of the season on loan at Olympique Lyon, where he appears to have finally found his feet.
The teenage prodigy has regained his confidence, notching seven goals and seven assists in 17 games across all competitions.
He has also bagged four goals and six assists in 13 Ligue 1 games. He has also created eight big chances, while averaging 1.7 key passes per 90 minutes.
It remains to be seen if Madrid will be open to a permanent sale this summer, but Arsenal will be keeping an eye on the teenager’s situation.
