Former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez has Premier League suitors after starring in Spain for Atletico Madrid but the Argentina star seemingly has other ideas
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 08: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid looks on during the Spanish Super Cup Semi-Final match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on January 08, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez continues to be linked with Arsenal and Chelsea(Image: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
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Julian Alvarez would favour a move to Barcelona over a return to the Premier League despite reported interest in his services from Arsenal and Chelsea.
The former Manchester City attacker, 26, has been a huge hit since moving to Atletico Madrid last year, plundering 29 goals in his maiden season in the Spanish capital. And with interest in the Argentina star continuing to grow this year, speculation that Atletico and their star forward could part ways refuses to go away.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea have recently been touted as potential destinations for Alvarez, who impressed during his time in the Premier League despite failing to usurp Erling Haaland.
But Spanish outlet Sport claim his preference would be to remain in Spain with Barcelona if an exit from Atletico were to materialise in the near future.
It's said that those close to Alvarez have implied the striker would like to play for Barca in the future, although there is an acceptance such a move would be difficult as things stand given they would struggle to meet Atletico's demands for such a key player.
The report also reveals that Atletico have already tabled a new contract offer to Alvarez in a bid to stave off interest from some of Europe's elite. They want to tie the striker down to fresh terms despite the fact he is already contracted until 2030, though it remains to be seen if Alvarez will agree to do so.
Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring for Atletico Madrid
Alvarez has been a huge hit at Atletico Madrid(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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Manchester United are mentioned alongside Arsenal and Chelsea when it comes to Premier League clubs who would hold an interest in bringing Alvarez back to England after his two year spell with Manchester City.
Intriguingly, all three clubs spent big on new strikers last summer, with Arsenal and United bringing in Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko respectively. Chelsea added Joao Pedro and Liam Delap to their squad.
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)
It's been claimed Barcelona would be Alvarez's preferred move if he is to leave Atletico Madrid(Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
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But none have been huge hits with Pedro the highest scorer of the quartet when it comes to Premier League goals with 10, followed by Gyokeres on eight. Sesko has six league goals, while Delap has scored just once.
Alvarez notched 36 goals in his two years at The Etihad, winning two league titles and the Champions League.
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