Mikel Arteta plays down Julian Alvarez transfer talk as Arsenal boss leaves business to 'people upstairs'
Mikel Arteta has distanced himself from reports linking Arsenal to Julian Alvarez, insisting recruitment decisions remain with the club's hierarchy.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Ank kumar
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has remained tight-lipped regarding the club's reported pursuit of Julian Alvarez as the summer transfer window approaches its conclusion. The Spaniard insisted he is disconnected from the behind-the-scenes negotiations, delegating the responsibility to the recruitment team.
I don't know. That's for the people upstairs. I've been disconnected for a day because I don't want anything related to that. My focus has to be on the game. Mikel Arteta
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Argentine forward, Arteta confirmed that Arsenal remains active in the market. The club is aiming to strengthen the squad, particularly following recent defensive fitness issues involving Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera. With the Gunners competing in four different competitions, the manager emphasized the need for substantial squad depth.
A significant hurdle in the potential deal remains the €150 million valuation set by Atletico Madrid. While funds from the departures of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus are available, the club faces a race against time to secure their primary target before the window slams shut.