Report: Arsenal now want 'fantastic' talent from league champions, despite them saying he's not for sale
Arsenal are eyeing up a swoop for Ajax holding midfielder Edson Alvarez before the summer transfer window slams shut.
Injuries to Mo Elneny and Thomas Partey may force the Gunners to alter their transfer plans so close to the deadline.
And 90Min claim that Alvarez is an anchorman they have their eye on but the Dutch champions insist he is not for sale.
Newcastle have also shown an interest in the Mexican, who can also play at the heart of defence, but their bid this month was reportedly rejected.
Arsenal want Edson Alvarez
A versatile player of the right profile may well be what Arsenal want anyway, with the injury issues just potentially accelerating the pursuit of a player already on their radar.
It seems that Alvarez may well not be the player they get through the door to ease their injury woes if Ajax stand firm.
The Dutch title holders have already made a fortune this summer selling their top talent and are under no financial pressure to sell.
Lisandro Martinez was an Arsenal target before he moved to Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag and Antony, and has hailed Alvarez.
He said: “I’m getting a little emotional now, because Edson is like a brother to me.
“In a short time we have built up a close friendship and of course it will continue to exist. But I’m going to miss Edson very much.
“I hope that we will soon play together again at a club. Edson deserves these words. He’s a fantastic person.”
