The Gunners were not expecting to make any further big-money buys, but that could change if Alvarez is made available. The South American ticks a lot of the boxes for the Gunners.

He would also guarantee Arteta goals. He has scored 20 times in just 44 Premier League starts, despite often being deployed by Guardiola as a midfielder.

Alvarez, who joined City in a £14.1 million deal from River Plate, voiced his dissatisfaction over his manager’s reluctance to start him in big games like the Champions League Final and FA Cup Final. Alvarez’s gold medal dream was ended by France on Friday and he will now be given three weeks off by his club after virtually three years of playing without an extended break.

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