Arsenal and Chelsea in talks with 'world-class' £82m La Liga star Julian Alvarez as Barcelona face issueplaceholder image
Arsenal and Chelsea in talks with 'world-class' £82m La Liga star Julian Alvarez as Barcelona face issue | Getty Images
Arsenal and Chelsea have held talks about signing a former Premier League star who is becoming increasingly frustrated with his time in La Liga
Arsenal and Chelsea have both held talks with intermediaries about the possibility of signing Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez.
The 25-year-old striker from Argentina has been with Atletico since 2024, after joining the Spanish club in an £82m deal from Manchester City.
A report from TEAMtalk claims the player is becoming frustrated with his current club and is being eyed by Barcelona. A move to the north east of Spain is his preference but Barca’s continued financial restraints mean they could struggle to get a deal done.
Because of that, other clubs have been sounded out with intermediaries making contact with outside teams after extensive dialogue with Alvarez’s camp.
Two of those sides are the Gunners and the Blues, with the Argentine international open to living in London as ‘a sensational return to the Premier League’ is being considered. The report adds that Chelsea and Arsenal have been admirers of the player since his days at River Plate.
It goes on to say: “Despite heavy spending in recent windows, both clubs remain opportunistic when elite talent becomes available, and we’re told they both view Alvarez as a world‑class forward capable of elevating their attacking options.”
Arsenal spent big on Viktor Gyokeres last summer while Chelsea also signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. Although those two deals only cost them a combined £90m, a relatively-cheap outlay in today’s market.
The biggest problem for either of the London outfits looks set to be Alvarez’s price tag. He joined Atletico for £82m in 2024 and remains under contract with the club until 2030. It puts the Spanish outfit in a strong position to command a big transfer fee.
This season, he has made 28 appearances for Atletico with 11 goals and five assists. In his first campaign at the club, he played 57 times with 29 goals and eight assists to his name.
In the Premier League, he has 20 goals and 11 assists in 67 games with Manchester City.
Speaking about the player earlier this season, Sergio Aguero said: “Atletico Madrid should enjoy having him on their side, and so should the fans. I wouldn't speculate on future signings; I think this is the time to enjoy his achievements with Atletico.”
He added: “What Julian has achieved is astonishing. A player with the ability to move all over the pitch, he demonstrates an enormous level of sacrifice and talent.”
Speaking on Sky Sports transfer show, journalist David Ornstein revealed Alvarez was a player tracked by Arsenal in the summer. He said: “Arsenal were considering Julian Alvarez in the summer, his name came up. You could see that sort of player coming into Arsenal. If there’s going to be outward manoeuvring, then there is definitely scope for an arrival [in attacking positions].”
A player Arsenal clearly admire but with Chelsea now interested, his future is one to watch.
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