ARSENAL TRANSFER STATE OF PLAY AS PATH CLEARED TO BUY JULIAN ALVAREZ DESPITE MAN UTD FIGHT

Arsenal have been linked with a blockbuster move for Julian Alvarez.

Julian Alvarez has reportedly emerged as a potential target for Arsenal (Image: Getty)

Arsenal haven't rushed to sign players in the January window but there is still plenty of time for some late business to be done. The north Londoners are yet to welcome any new arrivals and have only sanctioned one departure, with Ethan Nwaneri joining Marseille on loan. The youngster will be hoping to gain valuable experience across the Channel before returning to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.

Several high-profile players have been linked with Arsenal in spite of their reluctance to delve into the January market. They are on course to win their first Premier League title in over two decades and could benefit from an extra injection of quality to carry them over the line. It remains to be seen if this will materialise before the window slams shut at the start of next month.

Express Sport looks at the current state of play as far as the Gunners are concerned...

Path cleared for Alvarez

Arsenal are believed to be weighing up a blockbuster move for Julian Alvarez, who has scored seven league goals for Atletico Madrid since the start of the campaign.

Barcelona have also been credited with a desire to land the former Manchester City striker, but their financial troubles could give Arsenal a free run at his signature.

According to Sport, the Catalan giants are unable to afford Atletico's asking price of around £104million, which could pave the way for the Gunners to swoop.

However, given the complexities of such a big move, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Arsenal wait until the summer to launch their pursuit.

They have been tipped to land a new striker to complete with Viktor Gyokeres, who has struggled to make a huge impact since his arrival from Sporting.

Man Utd join transfer fight

Arsenal's hopes of signing Levante forward Karl Etta Eyong could be under threat, with Manchester United said to be plotting a potential move of their own.

The striker, who represented Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, has bagged six goals and three assists in 18 league appearances since the start of the campaign.

His impressive form is said to have drawn Arsenal's attention, with GiveMeSport reporting that club chiefs are 'exploring' the idea of a transfer.

However, they aren't the only team in the race with United also mentioned as an interested party alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Only time will tell how the situation will play out, with Levante certain to demand a significant profit on the £2.6m they paid to sign him in the summer.

- Archie Griggs