Arsenal latest: Wonderkid signing agreed as £100m transfer update emerges

Arsenal have been working hard behind the scenes on signings

Arsenal have endured a turbulent week. The Gunners booked their place in the Champions League semi-finals last Wednesday, though the manner was somewhat subdued after managing just a goalless draw at home (1-0 on aggregate) against Sporting CP with just one effort on target.

Following that display, Mikel Arteta's side delivered a significantly improved performance at Manchester City on Sunday in what was arguably their most crucial Premier League fixture of the campaign. However, Arsenal's valiant display proved insufficient as they fell 2-1 to Pep Guardiola's men, allowing City to draw level on points at the summit if they win their game in hand against Burnley.

Behind the scenes, sporting director Andrea Berta is working hard on negotiating deals for this summer’s transfer window, having made eight signings in the same window last year.

football.london now takes a look at two of the most significant developments concerning Arsenal from the last 24 hours.

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

Marli Salmon deal agreed

Marli Salmon has put pen to paper on a pre-contract agreement that will see the teenager sign professional terms with Arsenal when he reaches 17. The centre-back made his senior debut as a substitute in the Champions League victory over Club Brugge in December and has since appeared three times in the FA Cup.

While Salmon is yet to feature in the Premier League, it's clear that Arteta has high hopes for the wonderkid, who captains the Gunners' Under-21 side. That same confidence in his abilities has played a huge role in persuading him to pledge his future to his boyhood club.

Salmon told the official Arsenal website: "It's a very big moment for me, for my family as well. I'm very proud. I’ve been at the academy since I was nine and I just want to give everything to the club.

"I'm an Arsenal supporter and I’ve had some great memories so far. I’m so proud to have made my debut this season, I just want to keep pushing on still, keep my levels high and try to get as much experience as I can in the first team."

Julian Alvarez preference emerges

Arsenal target Julian Alvarez favours a move to Barcelona over the Gunners this summer, according to reports. The north Londoners have been strongly linked with the Atletico Madrid striker, with several sources highlighting Berta's keen interest in bringing him to N5, having previously signed him at Atletico.

The £100million-rated Argentine has been in sensational form since his move from City to Atletico in August 2024, netting 19 goals across all competitions this season. His brilliant performances have also attracted interest from Barcelona and PSG.

football.london understands that Arsenal are interested in signing the Argentine striker and are well-positioned to do so should an opportunity arise.

However, Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo has now claimed the 26-year-old would rather join the La Liga giants, as he has no desire to return to England or the Premier League.

The same publication had earlier claimed Atletico are prepared to meet Alvarez's salary expectations after some initial reluctance, proposing a deal worth around €10million (£8m) per year - up from his current €7m (£6m) package. The club were said to be hopeful he would commit his long-term future to them.

Alvarez will face Arteta's side later this month in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.