Arsenal have been handed a potential twist in their chase for Manchester City star Julian Alvarez in the summer transfer market.

Alvarez, 24, is attracting plenty of transfer interest so far this window, following suggestions that he could leave Man City.

The Argentinian international signed for Pep Guardiola’s side in 2022, making 103 appearances and scoring 36 goals in all competitions since.

His ability to play in several different positions with high quality makes him a desired option for a host of clubs, including Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta appears to be on the search for a new centre-forward this summer, with Dominic Solanke and Viktor Gyokeres amongst the names linked so far.

Alvarez has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, perhaps helping strengthen the Gunners while weakening their nearest Premier League rivals.

There appears to be a twist in the tale when it comes to talks surrounding a transfer though, if recent reports are to be believed.

Atletico Madrid make Joao Felix swap deal offer for Julian Alvarez

With Arsenal following a move for Alvarez, they may be shocked to learn of an offer being made for the striker.

That’s because, according to the Daily Mail, Atletico Madrid are claimed to have made a swap deal offer plus cash for the forward.

The report states that wantaway playmaker Joao Felix is being offered as a season-long loan option with a clause to make his move permanent at the end of the season.

Felix has spent the last 18 months on loan away from Atletico, joining Chelsea and then Barcelona in two separate spells.

The former Benfica man has struggled to hit the form that landed him the big-money move to the Spanish capital.

Man City are believed to value Alvarez at £75million with an extra £10million in add-ons to take his worth to £85million.

It remains to be seen whether the current Premier League champions will accept the move or not.

Arsenal face Julian Alvarez price tag dilemma

With Arsenal now knowing the price tag to sign Alvarez, and the competition around them, it leaves a clear dilemma.

Edu must either meet the large price tag of £85million, which would make the striker the second most expensive Arsenal signing of all time, or reduce the price with a player of clear quality to send to Man City.

Given the fact that the teams are rivals, the latter seems much more unlikely, not least because the teams wouldn’t want to strengthen each other.

It means a straight deal is much more likely, but with such a large fee and some capable centre-forward options in Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard, it still leaves question marks over a move.

While a decision appears to be up in the air, Arsenal would appear better off to avoid a bidding war for Alvarez.