Arsenal have been linked with Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, and they'll face hot competition if they want to sign him when the summer transfer window opens
Atletico Madrid's Argentine forward #19 Julian Alvarez (C) celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) semi final first leg football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on February 12, 2026. (Photo by Oscar DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid's Argentine forward #19 Julian Alvarez (C) celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) semi final first leg football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on February 12, 2026. (Photo by Oscar DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
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Arsenal will face competition from Barcelona in the race to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Alvarez, 26, has emerged as a target for the Gunners, who've explored the conditions of a potential deal.
The ex-Manchester City star only joined Atletico 18 months ago but could be Arsenal's marquee signing this summer. Alvarez won't come cheap, though, as the La Liga side paid City £81.5million for his services and would want to make a decent chunk of profit.
It's been speculated that Barcelona want the Argentine to succeed Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires in June. Barca witnessed the Argentine's quality when he scored in their 4-0 defeat to Atletico in the Copa del Rey earlier this month.
Now, it's been claimed by a member of Barcelona's hierarchy that the club are indeed looking for a new striker. Ferran Olive - Barca's treasurer under president Joan Laporta, who's up for re-election this month - was asked if they were in a position to sign a top striker.
"Barcelona is in a position to do so," Olive told Culemania. "In fact, Barcelona is currently looking for a top striker."
The chief was then asked if it was likely that Lewandowski will be offered a new contract. "No, not in principle," Olive replied. "I would say no."
Despite the Barcelona striker insisting that no decision has been made on his future, Oliver's comments are telling. Lewandowski's departure, potentially to MLS outfit Chicago Fire, would free up room in Barca's budget for a player like Alvarez.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Levante UD played at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium on 22 February 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Sergio Ruiz /Imago) at Spotify Camp Nou on February 22, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pressinphoto/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Robert Lewandowski is out of contract in June(Image: Pressinphoto/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
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Arsenal hope to use their sporting director, Andrea Berta, as a trump card to beat Barcelona to the 26-year-old's signature. Berta was the man to bring Alvarez to Madrid in 2024.
In October, the Argentina international said that he was 'very calm' when quizzed on his future. "People always talk," Alavrez told ESPN. "Last year, there was a lot of talk as well, but the season is just starting and my focus is on getting better every day, doing my best for the club, helping my team-mates and winning here."
After scoring 29 goals in his first season with Atletico, he's been less prolific this term. Alvarez is currently on 13 goals, but he'll be looking to increase his tally, especially when his side face Barcelona again in their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at the Camp Nou next Tuesday.