Arsenal latest: Julian Alvarez update as negotiations begin for attacker

The Julian Alvarez transfer saga has taken yet another twist

The final hours of the transfer window are here and Arsenal find themselves short of the marquee signing that has eluded them all summer.

Sporting director Andrea Berta has been busy but as the 11pm deadline looms, Mikel Arteta is still without the world-class forward he has been calling out for. Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is the player Arsenal desperately want to sign as they look to retain their Premier League title this season, but the Argentine has not given them any indication that he wants to join yet.

The Gunners have otherwise completed an impressive overhaul. They have brought in five players worth a combined £200million: Piero Hincapie was signed permanently for £34.5m, Illan Meslier arrived as a free agent, Christos Tzolis for £34m, Bruno Guimaraes for £75m and Ezri Konsa joined in a £55m transfer.

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Formal offer for attacker

Fenerbahce have reportedly begun discussions with Arsenal over a deadline day transfer for Ethan Nwaneri. According to Turkish publication Fanatik, the 19-year-old has attracted interest from the Turkish club, who are looking to strengthen their midfield options.

The Super Lig side view Nwaneri as the ideal player to fill their U23s quota. It remains to be seen what type of arrangement might emerge for the Hale End product, as recent reports claimed Arsenal did not want to sell their talented youngster.

Arteta, who acknowledged earlier this month that the player requires regular first-team football to continue his progression, would prefer a temporary switch. Nevertheless, the north London club might be persuaded to consider a permanent departure if a substantial offer arrives.

The speculation surrounding Fenerbahce comes after Sky Sports revealed at the weekend that Nwaneri would rather remain at Arsenal, or secure a move to another Premier League club, rather than move overseas. This preference is thought to stem from his unsuccessful loan stint at Marseille during the latter half of last season.

Atletico pursue new striker

Arsenal received a significant boost in their pursuit of Alvarez on Sunday following reports that Atletico Madrid are preparing for life beyond the Argentine striker. The 26-year-old, whom the Gunners remain determined to secure as their record signing for around £128m, has yet to confirm to Arteta that he wishes to make the move.

However, Fabrizio Romano claims Atletico have submitted a formal proposal to sign Jonathan David on loan from Juventus, with the two clubs now in negotiations. The offer, which is understood to include an option to buy, may suggest that the La Liga outfit are viewing David as a potential replacement for Alvarez, which would be positive news for Arsenal.

Given Atleti have prevented Alvarez's preferred switch to Barcelona, Arsenal are the most likely destination for the forward should he opt to leave the Spanish capital. It was reported at the weekend that the player was given until Sunday to communicate his decision to Atletico in order to bring the saga to a conclusion.

Alvarez was absent from three team training sessions last week due to what the club described as an "indisposition", before training separately on Friday. Nevertheless, he was spotted back on the training pitch alongside his team-mates on Sunday, with no announcement yet made regarding his future.