Arsenal and Chelsea will provide competition to Barcelona in the chase for Atlético Madrid star Julián Alvarez in the summer.
Thursday’s edition of Sport covers Arsenal and Chelsea in a report focusing on Barcelona.
Last week, El Desmarque covered Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in the striker. The same source reported Mikel Arteta’s side are the favourites to sign Alvarez, valued at over €100m. There was no mention of Chelsea.
Sport now report Arsenal and Chelsea are ‘pushing hard’ for the 26-year-old. His agent, Fernando Hidalgo, recently travelled to the UK, where he may have had contact with the two London clubs.
The newspaper adds the pair are ‘prepared to break the bank’ to try and sign him after this season.
Alvarez spent two years at Manchester City and left the Etihad for the La Liga side in August 2024. He isn’t prioritising a return to the Premier League.
Julián Alvarez aware of Barca finance troubles
Julián Alvarez
Julián Alvarez
Sport claim the Argentina international has dropped hints about wanting to join Barca. This is based on him never hiding his preference to join the Camp Nou club and praising Barca’s Pedri in a recent interview. That may be a stretch.
Coming back to the World Cup winner, he has managed 11 goals and five assists from 31 matches this season. The South American has failed to score for close to two months. This may be down to Simeone’s tactics.
Sport state: ‘On more than one occasion, he has appeared frustrated by Atlético’s style of play and the team’s inability to overcome their opponents.’
Barca, who first need to decide on Robert Lewandowski’s future, are refusing to match Los Rojiblancos’ starting price of €100m.
Alvarez seems to be aware of their financial situation. This gives both Arsenal and Chelsea hope to try and sign him in the summer.