Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has confirmed that Arsenal are one of the European clubs interested in signing Julian Alvarez during the summer transfer window.
The Gunners strengthened their striking department with Viktor Gyokeres last summer, and he has fared well with 18 goals across all competitions. The Swede is the club’s leading scorer this season.
Despite this, Arsenal are open to adding another marquee striker to their ranks, particularly with Kai Havertz struggling with persistent injury concerns over the past one-and-a-half years.
Gabriel Jesus also looks poised to leave the club as he enters the last year of his contract.
Alvarez has been linked with the Gunners on multiple occasions. Simeone has now personally acknowledged that the Argentine is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
He said: “I’m not inside Julian Alvarez’s head. It’s normal that an extraordinary player like Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona.”
Arsenal could make a massive swoop for Alvarez
The Gunners spent more than £250 million on new signings last summer. Piero Hincapie was also recruited on loan. He is poised to join for £45m at the end of the season.
The focus could once again be on strengthening the attack later this summer. A marquee left winger will be prioritised, but there could be a huge budget reserved for an elite striker too.
Alvarez would be a fantastic acquisition. The 26-year-old has managed 28 goal contributions from 47 appearances for Atletico this term and has also caught the eye with his distribution and mobility.
Alvarez, described as ‘world-class‘ by FIFA.com, has the knack for dropping into an attacking midfield position to link up play and the ability to score from outside the box, similar to Eberechi Eze.
Hence, he would be a perfect striker signing for manager Mikel Arteta.
Atletico signed Alvarez from Man City for a total package of £82m in 2024. The La Liga giants now value him at £130m, which should not be out of the Gunners’ financial capacity.
With most positions covered, Arsenal could be prepared to spend the majority of the budget on a marquee left winger and a centre-forward during the next transfer window.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com