FC Internazionale Milano v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 - Source: Getty
FC Internazionale Milano v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 - Source: Getty
Arsenal are reportedly ready to break the bank to sign Barcelona target Julian Alvarez in the summer. The Gunners see him as a key player who can improve Mikel Arteta's side next season.
According to a report in SPORT (via SportWitness), Arsenal are already looking to upgrade on Viktor Gyokeres after the Sweden international failed to impress. They are looking to add Alvarez to the squad and see the Atletico Madrid star as the player they need to add in the summer.
The Argentine is reportedly available at the end of the season, as the Spanish side are looking to refresh the side. The striker is open to making a switch back to the Premier League, but face competition from Barcelona.
The Gunners hold the advantage over Barcelona in the race for Alvarez as Atletico Madrid are interested in Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian striker has just under 18 months left on his contract at the Emirates and is yet to be offered a new deal.
Barcelona are also pushing hard to sign Alvarez as they need a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who is set to leave this summer after his contract expires.
Premier League sides warned Arsenal will ease to league title if they sign Barcelona target
Gary Linkeker spoke about the Julian Alvarez to Arsenal rumors in January, saying that the Gunners will ease to the league title if they manage to get the former Manchester City star. He believes that the rumors could be social media talks but added that the Barcelona target is one of the best around and will elevate the side at Emirates. He said on The Rest is Football podcast:
"They’ve not got anyone really banging in the goals on a regular basis. Gabriel Jesus has come back and scored one or two but there was a reason they needed to sign a new No. 9 in the first place. I like Jesus and always have, he’s got a great work ethic, he chases and harries and does get a few goals. He’s a bit streaky – when he’s on he’s on but when he’s off he a bit of a confidence player."
"It’s probably complete b*** 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.”
Julian Alvarez scored 36 goals in his 103 matches at Manchester City before moving to Atletico Madrid.