Arsenal have assembled a squad capable of challenging on four fronts this season, but the club is already laying the groundwork for the summer transfer window. The Gunners will be in a strong position to recruit as head coach Mikel Arteta looks to steer the team to silverware this campaign.

Currently leading the Premier League, Arsenal’s attention now shifts to the north London derby on Sunday. They’ll approach the match with caution, facing their rivals in new boss Igor Tudor’s first game as Tottenham aim to disrupt their title aspirations. Off the pitch, Arsenal are already being associated with potential new signings ahead of the next transfer window. Here, Express Sport examines some of the latest rumours surrounding the club.

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World Cup champion Alvarez recently scored against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, bringing his total to 41 goals in 91 appearances for Atletico. The Gunners are reportedly among several Premier League clubs showing interest in the 26-year-old, including Chelsea and Manchester United.

However, Spanish outlet Sport claim Alvarez would lean towards a switch to Barcelona should he leave Diego Simeone’s team. Despite attention from English sides, the forward is understood to prefer remaining in Spain.

Whilst that represents a setback to Arsenal’s ambitions of securing the striker, Barcelona’s struggles to match his transfer price tag provide the Gunners with hope. Meanwhile, Atletico have allegedly tabled Alvarez a fresh contract in a bid to ward off suitors, despite his existing agreement running through to 2030.

Transfer target set for contract offer

Inter Milan are likewise reportedly preparing to block Arsenal from pursuing young striker Pio Esposito. The 20-year-old is experiencing a breakthrough campaign at Inter, contributing six goals and six assists across 32 matches.

Esposito earned promotion to Inter’s senior side following his successful loan stint at Spezia, and the Italy international’s displays have evidently caught attention. Italian publication Tuttosport claims Inter are working towards extending the forward’s contract amid interest from Arsenal.

The Italian outfit have already demonstrated their determination to retain the highly-regarded striker. Earlier in the campaign, Inter had previously turned down an approach worth approximately £42m for Esposito from an undisclosed club.

The emerging talent has become a target for Arsenal as they seek a youthful forward to bolster their existing line-up. However, Inter are ready to triple the young player’s wages to retain him.