Arsenal are among the series of sides interested in securing the services of Julian Alvarez in the summer of 2026 and reports claim the Atletico Madrid forward has made his final transfer decision as the race for his signature ramps up.
One of the hottest properties on the market, many raised eyebrows at Diego Simeone’s decision to part ways with £81 million to sign the Argentine in 2024.
Any worries have since been wiped away by virtue of the fact that he’s totted up 55 goal contributions (41 goals and 14 assists) in 91 outings for the La Liga behemoths.
Two years on from his big-money move and there are plenty of top side in Europe – Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal included – that have the goal-getter on their radar. A new report, however, has produced a stumbling block in the Gunners’ pursuit of the 26-year-old.
Julian Alvarez’s ‘preferred option’ revealed amid Premier League interest
Despite signing Viktor Gyokeres in the summer, Arsenal are in the market for a new centre-forward. In fact, reports have suggested that Inter Milan youngster Pio Esposito is on their radar, though a potential move for the Italian has been met with a hands-off notice by his employers.
In terms of Julian Alvarez, who played for Manchester City between 2022 and 2024, Arsenal are joined by the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in a summer pursuit.
That’s according to Spanish publication SPORT, who claim his preference would be to remain in Spain with Barcelona in the event that he leaves Atletico in the near future.
Those close to the striker have reportedly insisted that he’d like to play for Barca – who would struggle to meet the club’s demands for the one-time Champions League winner – in the future.
Adding to that, Atletico have also tabled a new deal for the Argentine as they look to bat off any interest from some of European football’s top clubs. Already contracted to 2030, his employers are hoping to extend Alvarez’s stay at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Andrea Berta’s influence in potential Arsenal deal for Julian Alvarez
While playing for Barcelona is a dream for many, Andre Berta could be Arsenal’s trump card in a potential deal. The club’s Sporting Director joined from Atletico in 2025 and was one of the masterminds behind the striker’s England-to-Spain move – and could he repeat his behind-the-scenes role?
Not only that but Arsenal are financially stronger than Barcelona, whose current restraints complicate any move for a player who would fetch such a lofty fee.
Earlier this week, ex-Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit urged Berta and his entourage to sign Alvarez. “When Julian Alvarez was playing for Manchester City, I really liked him. He didn’t start every single game but every time he played for City, and for Atletico as well since, he has been really special.
“He can score goals and give assists, but he’s got temper, personality, and character. I think in terms of movement he is very intelligent. Physically as well, he’s a top player and technically, he’s got everything to suit the best clubs in Europe,” he said while speaking to Ignition Casino via The Metro.
Why Mikel Arteta wants Alvarez
As mentioned, it’s not only Arsenal who hold concrete interest in Alvarez – but the north Londoners are crying out for a new centre-forward. Gyokeres is still finding his feet in England and Gabriel Jesus could be on his way out this summer and the ex-City man could be the perfect antidote.
Not only does Julian Alvarez have a brilliant track record of scoring for club and country but he can play anywhere across the frontline.
Coming from the school of Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone, Alvarez is certainly a man who knows how to press from the front – and he could certainly help Arsenal will solving their issues when facing a low block.
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| River Plate | 122 | 54 | 31 |
| Manchester City | 103 | 36 | 19 |
| Atletico Madrid | 91 | 41 | 14 |
| Argentina | 49 | 13 | 4 |
Alvarez likes to stretch the space behind the last line of defence but can also operate in tight spaces, bringing others into play and opening space for the likes of Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard on either wing. Although he’d cost a pretty penny, he would be a strong addition to Arsenal’s ranks.
