In recent weeks, there has been a lot of speculation about Chelsea being interested in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.
Earlier this month, it was even reported that Chelsea have already made phone calls about signing Alvarez.
However, according to one journalist, there are three clubs who are currently ahead of the Blues in the race for the 26-year-old’s signature.
What deal are you doing? 🤔
Julian Alvarez for £87m OR Dusan Vlahovic on a free transfer?
Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez running and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic warming up
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As a matter of fact, he has not even mentioned Chelsea as a suitor for Alvarez.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid sits on the bench
Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Barcelona, Arsenal and PSG all pursuing Julian Alvarez
Speaking to AS, Spanish journalist Guille Casquero claimed that Barcelona, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are all in the running for Alvarez.
Casquero did not list Chelsea as a potential suitor when discussing Alvarez’s future, though.
He said: “I know that Atletico Madrid know that Barcelona, Arsenal and PSG, in that order in my opinion, are very, very attentive to Julian.”
If the Blues do not join the race for Alvarez this summer, there are alternatives.
Nicolas Jackson could be an option for Chelsea again next season! 👀
Nicolas Jackson, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Emanuel Emegha
Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern/Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC/George Wood/Mikolaj Barbanell/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
For example, it is thought that Chelsea are showing interest in Brentford’s Igor Thiago, who has impressed in the Premier League this season.
In 27 appearances, the Brazilian has scored 17 goals. Only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has netted more times than him.
He is also likely to cost far less than Alvarez. One outlet has stated that Atletico want more than £100m for Alvarez.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid in action
Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Why Chelsea could end up having no chance of beating elite trio to Julian Alvarez’s signature
Chelsea should not be ruled out of the running for Alvarez just because one journalist has not mentioned them as an interested party, especially when others have claimed that the Blues are keen.
With that being said, if the Club World Cup winners do want to sign Alvarez, they could find themselves in a position where they are not able to convince him to join them.
Chelsea are at risk of missing out on Champions League football, whereas qualification for Europe’s elite competition is pretty much guaranteed for Barcelona, Arsenal and PSG.
Alvarez will not pick a Chelsea team playing in the Europa League over any of those sides.
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