Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a stunning deal for Julian Alvarez, while Martin Odegaard could be set for a role change
Arsenal continue to make progress in the summer transfer window while the World Cup 2026 unfolds.
Fifteen of Mikel Arteta’s players are currently competing across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with several already impressing with outstanding performances.
But, behind the scenes, Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are working diligently to strengthen the squad ahead of next season. The Spaniard alluded to this in his post-match comments following the agonising penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain last month, where he claimed the club needed more game-changers in attack.
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The Gunners are believed to be targeting a midfielder, a left winger and potentially a striker this summer. Arsenal officially resume competitive action on August 16, when they face Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Now, football.london examines two of the latest developments regarding the Premier League champions.
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Alvarez ‘swap deal’
Arsenal have reportedly agreed a remarkable swap deal for Julian Alvarez, which would see Viktor Gyokeres move in the opposite direction. Alvarez has been heavily linked with an Atletico Madrid exit in recent months, following his exceptional two campaigns in Spain, where he has netted 49 goals across 108 appearances.
European champions PSG have made their interest in the Argentine known, while Barcelona and Real Madrid have also thrown their hats into the ring to land his signature this summer. However, it has now come to light that the Gunners are at the front of the queue to sign the 26-year-old, having already made significant progress by reportedly reaching an agreement with Atleti.
Journalist Jota Jordi recently claimed on the El Chiringuito programme, via Sportbible, that Atletico chief Gil Marin told Barcelona president Joan Laporta that Alvarez is not for sale. Jordi went further, declaring it a “done deal” for Alvarez to put pen to paper at Arsenal.
However, the supposed arrangement is not a straight transfer, with Jordi claiming the agreement is structured as €50m (£43m) plus Gunners forward Gyokeres. Gyokeres joined the north Londoners last summer for a fee of £55m, going on to net 21 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal ending a 22-year Premier League trophy drought.
Odegaard’s new role
Martin Odegaard could be handed a new responsibility at Arsenal after catching the eye in corner-taking duties for Norway. The Gunners skipper led his nation to a 4-1 victory over Iraq on Tuesday as they kicked off their World Cup campaign in impressive fashion.
With 15 minutes remaining, Odegaard teed up Leo Ostigard from a corner to double Norway’s lead. His perfectly-weighted delivery found the Genoa defender as he darted beyond Mustafa Saadoon at the near post, requiring only the slightest touch to divert the ball into the far corner.
Odegaard posed a persistent danger through his set-piece deliveries throughout the match. While he doesn’t typically take corners for Arsenal, his ability to consistently pick out teammates in the box may well have given Arteta food for thought.
At present, Declan Rice shoulders the responsibility on the left side while Bukayo Saka takes them on the right — though the left-footed Odegaard could emerge as a viable alternative on that side.
