Arsenal trying to lure Julián Álvarez after agreeing deals to sell Martinelli and Jesus

• Atlético say they will not allow Barcelona to buy Álvarez

• Jesus poised for Barça and Martinelli for Al-Hilal

Arsenal are running out of time to persuade Julián Álvarez to join them from Atlético Madrid after agreeing to sell Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Fábio Vieira in deals collectively worth more than £70m.

Álvarez has his heart set on Barcelona despite Atlético’s insistence they will not sell to their La Liga rivals and returned to training on Sunday after being left out of their squad for the win over Sevilla. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is understood to have spoken to Álvarez last week in an effort to persuade the former Manchester City forward to return to the Premier League and to have been informed the Argentina international wants only Barcelona.

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