Arsenal face fight for Alvarez

INTER MILAN are attempting to hijack Arsenal’s move for Velez Sarsfield starlet Ricardo Alvarez with a €12m bid.

The highly-rated Argentine midfielder has been strongly linked with Arsene Wenger’s side and, until now, Arsenal had been clear favourites for his signature. The Gunners are believed to have tabled a bid worth €10m, with the 23-year-old destined for Europe this summer.

Argentinian outfit Velez are holding out for around €15m, but will have been encouraged by Inter’s offer, which propels the Italians to the front of the queue.