Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is a player Chelsea know very well after his spell at Premier League rivals Manchester City.
During his time at the Etihad, Alvarez scored three goals in six games against Chelsea.
The Blues would have been glad to have seen the back of him when he signed for Atletico in 2024.
RANK: Chelsea’s striker options
Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, Marc Guiu and Tyrique George
Pedro Neto of Chelsea FC (R) celebrates with his teammate Liam Delap (L)
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
However, The Chelsea Chronicle understands that Chelsea want to bring Alvarez back to England this summer.
Julian Alvarez of Manchester City holds the trophy
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Julian Alvarez not prioritising Premier League return
Spanish publication Sport has also reported on Chelsea’s interest in the 26-year-old.
According to them, both Chelsea and Arsenal are willing to “break the bank” to sign Alvarez when the transfer window opens again.
In a blow to the two Premier League clubs, though, it is believed that Alvarez is not prioritising a return to English football.
Right now, Chelsea’s current striker options are Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu. Next season, Liam Rosenior will also be able to add Emanuel Emegha to the mix when he officially joins the club.
What more is he expecting at this stage of the season? 🤔
Darren Bent quote on Chelsea forward Joao Pedro
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse
If Alvarez does arrive at Stamford Bridge, you suspect that one or two of those names will have to leave west London in the same transfer window.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid is in action
Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Julian Alvarez’s stats this season
Interest in Alvarez is hardly a surprise. He was a dangerous forward at City and still is today.
This season, the Argentine has scored 11 goals in 31 appearances. It follows a campaign where he netted 29 times in 57 outings.
Pedro has shone at Chelsea this term, but he is unlikely to get anywhere near that figure. As for Delap, he has zero chance.
The 22-year-old has only scored twice for Chelsea in the current campaign, though that is partly because of injures. In the Premier League, Delap has made just nine starts.
Alvarez would be an upgrade on the Englishman and perhaps even Pedro, but signing the Argentina international in the upcoming transfer window is not going to be an easy task.
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