Gyökeres Dangled as Makeweight in Arsenal’s Pursuit of Álvarez

Arsenal are exploring the possibility of including Sweden striker Viktor Gyökeres as part of a deal to bring Argentina forward Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid, according to reports. The 28-year-old Gyökeres could be used as a makeweight to lower the cash outlay for the 26-year-old Álvarez, who has been a long-term target for the Gunners. Barcelona are also weighing up a fresh move for Álvarez after the World Cup and could similarly offer one of their own players to sweeten the package. Elsewhere, Liverpool have made fresh contact with Paris Saint-Germain over a potential summer move for France winger Bradley Barcola, 23. The Reds are looking to bolster their attacking options and see Barcola as a strong candidate. Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is expected to leave the club this summer, with Barcelona showing interest in the 28-year-old Argentina centre-back. The defender’s departure would mark a significant change in Spurs’ backline. In other transfer news, Arsenal are trying to offload Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus, with AC Milan among the frontrunners for the 29-year-old. Sunderland are close to sealing a deal for Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier, 34, after his exit from Lille. Liverpool have turned down an improved Inter Milan bid of around £27m for Curtis Jones, holding out for £30m. Everton have stepped up their pursuit of Genoa defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, 22, while Crysencio Summerville’s agents have met with Roma over a move from West Ham. US goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, 22, is on trial at Strasbourg with a view to a permanent switch from Chelsea.