Sources: Arsenal in “dialogue” over signing “incredible” £60m talent as Julian Alvarez alternative

The 21-year-old may well look favourably on a move to St James’ Park as there’d be a more clear opportunity to start games on a regular basis.

However, not everyone I’ve spoken to is convinced this is accelerating, and we’ve seen Newcastle miss out on deals a few times this summer with rivals hijacking them late on.

Arsenal may well be seen as the more tempting project overall, but we’re perhaps still a long way from knowing for sure if the Premier League champions will launch an official move.

There are many factors at play here, and an update on Alvarez’s situation could be crucial, while Newcastle will hope to pounce if there’s any delay there.