Julian Alvarez has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal in the summer and Gary Lineker has shared what he "knows" about the situation, offering some encouragement
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid
Julian Alvarez is reportedly unhappy at Atletico Madrid(Image: Oscar J. Barroso/Getty Images)
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Arsenal could have a chance of signing Julian Alvarez because he is unhappy at Atletico Madrid, according to Gary Lineker. The Gunners have been credited with an interest in the Argentina star, who has a fantastic goal scoring record.
The 25-year-old forward has contributed 40 goals and 13 assists in 86 appearances for Atleti since joining from Manchester City for £81.5million in August 2024. He returned 36 goals and 19 assists in 103 games for City and is once again attracting transfer interest.
Arsenal are understood to have lodged an informal enquiry for Alvarez ahead of a potential £87m summer move, while Barcelona have been continually linked with him. Atleti manager Diego Simeone has reacted angrily to questions about his star forward, but Arsenal have been offered some encouragement from Lineker, who hinted at insider information.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “It's probably complete bull**** as most of these things are on social media but I saw they were linked with Julian Alvarez, who I know is not entirely happy with life at Atletico.
“Now that is the sort of player you know can handle the big occasion – he's a World Cup winner for crying out loud. Someone like that at Arsenal would be game over. But they do need one or two of these current forwards to start scoring on a reasonably regular basis.”
Arsenal already have Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz as options up front, but have been struggling for goals from their front line recently. Their reliance on goals from set pieces has emerged as a real issue for Mikel Arteta’s side of late and a move for Alvarez in the summer could be a solution.
The Gunners have strong links to the club in the form of sporting director Andrea Berta, who joined the Premier League side last year after 12 years with Atleti. Nevertheless, Alvarez is under contract until 2030 with Atleti and has a whopping €500m (£433m) release clause.
Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez has been linked with both Arsenal and Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
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Simeone is also not in the mood to consider his exit. Asked on the weekend about Alvarez’s future, he replied: "Seriously? Are you seriously asking me that? The truth is that Julian Alvarez speaks for himself, because of the name he has, the authority he carries, and the career he’s built, right?"
Alvarez himself has dismissed the speculation, stating recently: “Look, it doesn’t bother me. I try not to pay much attention, but I know what’s being said. It’s all over social media. I think it’s more what’s being said online than what’s actually happening.
“I’m very focused on this season, on what lies ahead with Atletico Madrid. So, I try to tune it out and think about myself, about continuing to grow as a player, and about winning.”
Meanwhile, his agent Fernando Hidalgo has said : “Any club interested in Julian should contact Atletico Madrid’s management, as the player is under contract and committed to the club. It’s not true, I haven’t met with Deco or anyone from Barcelona during the current period.”
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