Arsenal latest: Fresh Julian Alvarez transfer issue as boss asks for Gabriel 'swap' move

Arsenal face Sunderland in the Premier League this weekend and have been linked with deals ahead of the summer

Arsenal are battling on multiple fronts and could end the season with long-awaited silverware. Off the field, the club will already be casting an eye towards recruitment ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Gunners, fresh from reaching the Carabao Cup final in midweek, hold a six-point advantage at the top of the Premier League and finished first in the Champions League group phase. Boss Mikel Arteta chose not to make any significant additions during the January window, given the depth of his squad.

However, the club did bring in long-term prospects on deadline day and have already been linked with a marquee summer signing. Here are some of the latest stories surrounding Arsenal.

Julian Alvarez issue

Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez has emerged as a potential summer target for Arsenal in recent weeks. The ex-Manchester City ace has a reported price tag of around £87million.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

According to Spanish outlet Sport, both Arsenal and Chelsea are "pushing hard" for the Argentina international. The report suggests that the Premier League sides are "prepared to break the bank" for Alvarez, who has netted 40 times in 88 appearances for Atleti.

The report indicates that Barcelona would be Alvarez's preferred choice. While Arsenal face the issue of convincing the striker to return to England, the Catalan club's well-documented financial troubles could play into the Gunners' hands.

It is suggested that Barcelona would be reluctant to meet Atletico Madrid's valuation for the striker. The La Liga champions face a significant transfer dilemma this summer, with veteran forward Robert Lewandowski approaching the final stages of his current deal.

Manager jokes about Gabriel 'swap'

Arsenal wrapped up the signing of St Mirren teenager Evan Mooney on deadline day. The 18-year-old arrived at the club alongside Stoke City prospect Jaden Dixon.

The winger completed a permanent transfer to the Gunners, with the deal including add-ons and sell-on clauses for the Scottish side. Mooney racked up 23 senior appearances for St Mirren and manager Stephen Robinson jokingly said he had tried to secure Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes as part of the deal for the youngster.

"A terrific move for Evan. I have to give Keith Lasley (St Mirren COO) a special mention as well," Robinson said during a press conference.

"I think he's negotiated an incredible deal for the football club because the initial offer was to take him on loan with a view to a permanent. I was looking for Gabriel (Magalhaes) in return because he is a first-team player for us. I was hoping we would get Gabriel, but it didn't quite materialise."