Ricky Alvarez Deal – Inter Set To Steal Arsenal Target

Inter Milan have challenged Arsenal’s bid for Argentinian midfielder Ricardo Alvarez, soon after Roma pulled out of the race for the 23 year-old’s signature.

SkySports say that Inter Milan, the Italian giants, have placed a bid of €12 million (£10.6 million) to challenge Arsenal’s bid, which is thought to be around €10 million (£8.9 million). Arsenal were previously thought to be favourites to sign Alvarez, but Inter will have moved ahead in the race, with their bid closer to Vélez Sársfields €15 million asking price.

The news comes after Roma confirmed they had pulled out of a deal to sign the attacking midfielder, with whom they had arranged a pre-contract agreement. The Roma director of sport Walter Sabatini revealed that they were involved in a pre-contract agreement with Alvarez, but the asking price is “a bit much” considering his lack of first team experience at the top level. He confirmed:

“It’s true we had a pre-contract agreement, but €15 million for Alvarez is a bit much. I believe a player should be paid what he is worth.

“Alvarez was born in 1988 and has room for improvement, but it’s also fair to say he hasn’t played very much in the first team.”

The players agent meanwhile, Marcello Simonian, was giving nothing away as to the whereabouts of Alvarez’s future, but gave only a large hint that the player is indeed destined for a European move:

“I can only say that the footballer is prepared to play at a big European club.”

He scored 4 goals in 36 appearances last season, but it his versatility that has attracted Arsenal’s eye. Apparently he can play in any position in the midfield, and although not an immediate starter would add depth to the Arsenal.

With rumours continuing to spread relating to the future of two of Arsenal’s main mid-fielders in Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, it may be understandable that Arsenal would be looking for possible replacements. However, the fact that Arsenal were linked to a move for Alvarez before speculation begun about the future of Nasri suggests that Alvarez interests Wenger as a future regular rather than immediate starter.

Arsenal shouldn’t have to fight to hard with Velez Sarsfield to persuade them to let go of their player, with the president Fernando Raffaini saying he was ready to sell Ricardo Alvarez for “financial peace of mind” whilst stating the future of Alvarez would be down to the players own decision. Though Wenger will be wary not to involve himself in a bidding war with Inter, because we all know that is something Wenger would love to avoid.

Submitted by DBSfootball