Arsenal to offer £11 million for Ricardo Alvarez

Arsenal is ready to make an 11 million pounds offer for midfielder Ricardo Alvarez, whom they have termed as the ‘new’ Cesc Fabregas.


A highly placed source said: "He is definitely of interest. There has been no deal with his club Velez Sarsfield but it is true the club have been looking at Alvarez."


Arsenal were in talks for the 23-year-old last month but negotiations stalled after Emirates executive Richard Law was quoted 11 million pounds by Velez president Fernando Raffaini.


But with the Gunners due to start pre-season training in 10 days, boss Arsene Wenger is set to step up the chase again, The Sun reports.


Arsenal last night insisted they had not reached a deal with Argentine outfit Velez.


Alvarez plays in the same position as Fabregas and landing him could finally see the Arsenal skipper join Barcelona.


Barcelona is set to make a second bid for Fabregas, 24; this week after their opening 27 million pounds offer was rejected.