Arsenal are among the clubs to have been linked with former Manchester City and current Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez ahead of the summer transfer window along with Barcelona
Julian Alvarez
Alvarez remains under contract until 2030(Image: Getty Images)
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Barcelona chief Deco has confirmed that the Spanish side have NOT spoken to Julian Alvarez regarding a move to the Camp Nou. The Argentine forward has a number of clubs interested in his services this summer.
Arsenal are among the clubs eyeing him, while Barcelona are thought to be plotting a move. Asked about a potential move, the Spanish side’s sporting director Deco has said that talks have yet to be opened.
He said: “We have not spoken to any club or player. This is not the time to do it, no matter how much we like them. We’ll talk when it’s time. It’s February. There are many players that we like. We’ll see. We have two strikers. This is not the time to make decisions.”
Alvarez, 26, joined Atletico Madrid in 2024 and he has gone on to score 42 goals in 94 appearances for the Spanish side. He remains under contract with the Spanish side until the summer of 2030. It has been suggested that Atleti want to bank around £167m should they choose to sell the forward this summer.
Arsenal icon Ray Parlour has already spoken out on a move for Alvarez and believes that he would be an excellent replacement for Gabriel Jesus.
“I think Jesus might leave at the end of the season, he is at that age where he wants to be playing week in, week out,” Parlour told Metro via BetMGM.
“We could lose him. We had four strikers when I played. That’s what I don’t understand. (Regardless of Jesus leaving), bring in another one anyway. That can give the other options a lift because they see the standard being set.
“For me, Alvarez would be a great addition to the squad. There will always be people coming and going in the summer because it’s a big squad and they can’t keep everyone happy. But Alvarez would be a fantastic option to have with his pace and what we saw at Man City.
Julian Alvarez
Alvarez has been linked with Arsenal and Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
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“It was always going to be difficult for him playing with Erling Haaland there but when he did start and when he did play, he was always lively.
“He’s a young man too, so if he’s available it’s a yes for me. We know how Arteta likes to work with young players to make them better so I think it would be a great addition, definitely.”
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