Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as the Gunners look to strengthen their attacking options this summer.
The Argentine forward has been identified as a top target, with Spanish outlet Marca naming Arsenal as Alvarez’s “strongest bidders” in the race for his signature.
Liverpool, who won the Premier League title most recently, have also been credited with an interest in the 25-year-old striker.
Alvarez made a high-profile move to Atletico Madrid at the start of the 2024-25 season, joining from Manchester City in a deal reported to be worth up to 95 million euros.
The forward had previously been a key part of Manchester City’s treble-winning squad and contributed to the club’s 2023-24 Premier League title triumph.
His debut season in Spain proved highly productive, as Alvarez registered 29 goals and seven assists across all competitions for Diego Simeone’s side.
In La Liga alone, Alvarez contributed 21 goal involvements across 37 league appearances, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most effective attacking players.
Despite the significant interest from English clubs, Atletico Madrid have made their position abundantly clear, stating they have no intention of entering negotiations over the striker’s future.
Further complicating Arsenal’s pursuit, Spanish publication Sport has reported that Alvarez himself would prefer to remain in Spain if he were to leave Atletico Madrid.
The same report suggests Barcelona would be Alvarez’s preferred destination, should a departure from the Spanish capital actually materialise this summer.
Arsenal’s need for a striker is well documented, and the club will likely need to work hard to convince both the player and his current club that a move to north London makes sense.
Whether Mikel Arteta’s side can persuade Alvarez to choose the Premier League over a potential Barcelona switch remains one of the more compelling transfer stories of the summer window.
