Arsenal Transfer News: Berta Flies Abroad for Talks Over World’s Best Player

According to reports by GiveMeSport on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, with sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly travelling to Spain to hold fresh talks as the Premier League champions continue their search for a world-class forward.

The Gunners are determined to strengthen their attacking options after winning the Premier League title last season and reaching the UEFA Champions League final. Mikel Arteta is eager to build a squad capable of defending the league crown and competing for more European silverware, with Alvarez emerging as the club’s dream attacking target.

Reports indicate that Berta has travelled to Madrid to continue negotiations with Atletico Madrid as Arsenal attempt to close the gap in valuation between both clubs. While talks remain ongoing, the North London side are optimistic they can make progress once Alvarez completes his World Cup campaign with Argentina.

Barcelona have also shown strong interest in signing the former Manchester City striker and previously had a €100 million offer rejected, while Real Madrid are believed to have failed with a €150 million bid. However, Atletico Madrid are reportedly more willing to negotiate with Arsenal than strengthen one of their direct La Liga rivals.

The report also claims Alvarez is open to joining Arsenal if a move to Barcelona fails to materialise. That development has handed the Gunners renewed hope of completing one of the biggest transfers of the summer, although the final outcome is expected to depend on further negotiations between the two clubs.

Arsenal are expected to intensify their efforts after the World Cup final, where Alvarez is set to represent Argentina for the second consecutive tournament final. The club’s hierarchy believe the striker’s versatility, work rate and clinical finishing would significantly improve Arteta’s attacking options ahead of the new campaign.

Despite an impressive season that ended with Premier League glory, Arsenal have continued to search for greater firepower in the final third. While Viktor Gyokeres finished as the club’s leading scorer last season, questions remained over the team’s overall attacking consistency in crucial matches.

Former Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres has previously described Alvarez as “the best player in the world,” underlining the quality Arsenal would be adding if they manage to complete the blockbuster transfer. With Berta now personally leading discussions, the Gunners have made it clear they are prepared to do everything possible to secure one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.