Arsenal are stepping up talks for Velez Sarsfield midfielder Ricky Alvarez.
The Daily Mail says Arsenal executive Richard Law had talks with Velez Sarsfield president Fernando Raffaini in Argentina but was unwilling to pay the £11million the South American side wanted.
Alvarez is 6ft 2in and can play across the midfield. Arsenal are in pole position but face competition from Inter Milan, Malaga, Sevilla, Roma and Schalke.
Brazil-based scout Sandro Orlandelli first alerted Arsenal to left-footed Alvarez, 23, three years ago and has followed his progress.
