Arsenal have been linked with a big-money move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez in the summer transfer window, but Chelsea want him too
Jake Bayliss Sport Writer - U35s and Neil Docking
07:13, 06 Feb 2026Updated 07:13, 06 Feb 2026
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid is wanted by Premier League giants Arsenal
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Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid is wanted by Premier League giants Arsenal
Arsenal are competing on four fronts with the possibility of securing an unprecedented Quadruple this season.
The Gunners, who this week reached the Carabao Cup final, currently hold a six-point lead in the Premier League and topped their Champions League group, while they remain on track in the FA Cup too, meaning Mikel Arteta's men could make history this season. Meanwhile, the club's recruitment team are already gearing up for the upcoming summer transfer window.
In the January window, manager Arteta chose not to make any major signings, given the squad's existing depth. However, the North London giants did sign some promising young players on deadline day and have already been linked to a high-profile summer signing. Here's all the latest news from the Emirates.
MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 25: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and RCD Mallorca at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on January 25, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
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(Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
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Obstacle in Julian Alvarez pursuit
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, 26, has been linked to a potential summer transfer to Arsenal, with a reported valuation of around £87million, reports the Mirror.
According to Spanish publication Sport, both Arsenal and Chelsea are "pushing hard" to sign the Argentina international. It's claimed the English clubs are "prepared to break the bank" for Alvarez, who has scored 40 goals in 88 games for Atletico.
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks on as he speaks to the media during a press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League 2024/25 semi final first leg match at Sobha Realty Training Centre on April 28, 2025 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are flying high in all competitions(Image: Alex Davidson, Getty Images)
However, the report suggests Barcelona is Alvarez's preferred destination. While he may need convincing to return to England, Barcelona's financial difficulties could work in Arsenal's favour.
Barcelona are reportedly balking at Atleti's price tag for their star striker. The reigning La Liga champs are bracing themselves for a tricky transfer window this summer, with seasoned forward Robert Lewandowski's contract ticking down.
Manager's cheeky 'swap' request
Evan Mooney in Arsenal training
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Evan Mooney has been training with Arsenal U21s since joining from St Mirren(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal sealed the deal for St Mirren's young talent Evan Mooney on deadline day. The 18-year-old midfielder joined the Gunners alongside Stoke City's promising Jaden Dixon.
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The winger made his move to Arsenal permanent in a deal peppered with add-ons and sell-on clauses for the Scottish side. Mooney clocked up 23 first team appearances for St Mirren and manager Stephen Robinson had a laugh saying he asked for Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes as part of a swap deal for the youngster.
"A terrific move for Evan. I have to give Keith Lasley [St Mirren COO] a special mention as well," Robinson quipped during a press conference.
"I think he's negotiated an incredible deal for the football club because the initial offer was to take him on loan with a view to a permanent. I was looking for Gabriel [Magalhaes] in return because he is a first-team player for us. I was hoping we would get Gabriel, but it didn't quite materialise."