Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window, and the Gunners may just have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of the Argentine.
Alvarez has enjoyed a productive season thus far at the Wanda Metropolitano, scoring 16 goals and providing eight assists for Diego Simeone’s men. After netting 29 goals across all competitions last term, the 26-year-old has clearly established himself as one of the most potent forwards in Europe.
There have been murmurings of discontent from the player’s camp about his lack of belief in the Atletico footballing project, and Arsenal are reportedly ready to swoop come the summer. Andrea Berta may look to leverage his close relationship with the Madrid club to enact a substantial deal and bring Alvarez to the Emirates.
Julian Alvarez breaks silence on Atletico future
After enjoying two exceptional seasons at Manchester City, Alvarez opted to step out of Erling Haaland’s shadow and trade the north-west of England for the Spanish capital in 2024. Clearly energised by the idea of being the talismanic figure at a big club, he then produced an outstanding debut season at Atletico.
However, with Simeone’s team now 13 points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona, and unlikely to go all the way in the Champions League, reports have emerged indicating that Alvarez isn’t overly enthused by the sporting ambition being shown at the Wanda Metropolitano.
The World Cup winner could be tempted by a move away if a suitor with greater silverware prospects were to come in for him. The player himself has failed to dispel these rumours, dropping a transfer hint when asked about his future after scoring twice against Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
“I don’t know, I don’t know, but maybe yes, maybe no. You never know,” he said, in a response that certainly won’t reassure any concerned Atletico fans.
“But I’m very happy here. You ask me a question that will end up all over the place, but I’m happy. I’m thinking about the day-to-day, I’m working to improve, to give my best here.
“I never said anything bad about the club, I’m very grateful, the people also showed me their affection, so I’m very happy.”
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| River Plate | 122 | 54 | 31 |
| Manchester City | 103 | 36 | 19 |
| Atletico Madrid | 98 | 45 | 15 |
| Argentina | 49 | 13 | 4 |
Can Arsenal beat other suitors to the signing of Julian Alvarez?
If Alvarez was fully committed to Atletico and had no plans to leave, then he would’ve affirmatively declared his loyalty to the Spanish club. The fact that he produced a somewhat uncertain response certainly hints that he’s considering an exit.
This will be music to Berta’s ears, with the Italian understood to be keen on luring the striker to North London. That said, given the calibre of player Alvarez is, the Gunners’ pursuit of him likely won’t be without competition.
Arsenal have been quoted in excess of £100 million for the Argentina international, which instantly rules out a whole host of clubs. While Barcelona might be interested, it’s unclear whether they’d be able to fork out a fee of this significance.
🇦🇷✨ Julián Álvarez has surpassed last season’s Champions League tally of 8 goal contributions, which was his career best. He is now on 10.
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) March 11, 2026
At Manchester City, he recorded 5 in his first season and 7 in his second.
Only getting better 📈 pic.twitter.com/wmkZOtXoJQ
Meanwhile, a switch to Real Madrid seems unlikely given the plethora of attackers at the Bernabeu and, of course, the Madrid allegiances. Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are always possible destinations for a player of Alvarez’s pedigree, although the presence of the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Harry Kane at those respective clubs might prompt the ex-City man to think twice about those potential moves.
In England, it’s unlikely that Alvarez would return to City after leaving to escape Haaland’s shadow, although it’s not impossible. Having spent an obscene amount of money on Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike last summer, Liverpool won’t be in the market for another number nine.
Thus, Arsenal’s main competitors for Alvarez could be Chelsea. The Blues aren’t averse to going big on players when they’re available and could certainly make a move. However, Arsenal would certainly feel as though the Emirates currently presents a more attractive destination than Stamford Bridge.
