Arsenal Transfer News: Ricky Alvarez, A Done Deal?

It has been confirmed that the South American starlet Ricardo Alvarez will be moving to Europe next season and the rumors of him joining Arsenal have been intensified with Palermo president, Maurizio Zamparini, blurting out that the Argentinean midfielder, whom the Italian club too were eying, is close to a move to Arsenal. Talking to a radio station he said -

“We did have a concrete bid for Alvarez and had him in our grasp back in January… Unfortunately, we didn’t complete the move in time, so we lost him to Arsenal.”

London calling for Ricky Alvarez

Moreover Alvarez’s current team Velez Sarsfield have already made it clear that it would be hard to keep the player with the interest growing all over Europe for the 23 year old. The club sporting director spoke about the player’s growing popularity, respecting player’s ambitions and the kind of opportunity he will get if he switches to European football all pointing towards his imminent departure and that the club wont budge with the player’s aspiration if a big club came knocking.

The news of Arsenal being interested in the lanky midfielder broke earlier this month, but nothing consolidated after that. But now it seems that Arsenal have snatched the player with a host of clubs, including the likes of Sevilla, Palermo and Roma looking for his signature. The attacking midfielder seems to have chosen Gunners as the best option. Measuring well above six feets, Alvarez will also help in bringing some height to the Arsenal midfield along with the tricks, flair and creativity that are usually connected with South American players.

The deal is reported to be in the range of 10 -12 millions. With Alvarez already possessing an Italian visa, getting the player’s permit won’t be an issue.