At a Glance:
Arsenal are looking to make a major signing this summer.
They are prepared to aggressively pursue Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez
However, the Gunners will face significant competition from one club for the Argentine’s signature.
Arsenal are set to rival a European giant for the signature of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
Mikel Arteta’s men were crowned Premier League champions on Tuesday night when Manchester City were held by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The result saw City move four points behind the Gunners with one match left to play, meaning Pep Guardiola’s side can no longer mathematically usurp the North Londoners.
Despite this success, sporting director Andrea Berta isn’t prepared to rest on his laurels. The Italian is intent on providing Arteta with a new marquee signing, and it appears Alvarez may be the primary target.
The Arsenal. Your Premier League champions. pic.twitter.com/gNnfzesrhP
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 19, 2026
Arsenal set to rival PSG for Julian Alvarez
Arsenal are eager to reward Arteta for his success this season with a bumper new contract, as well as a handful of new additions in the transfer window. A striker, a left-winger, a right-back and a central midfielder are all areas which could be addressed, with at least one of these prospective purchases expected to be an expensive acquisition that comes close to the £100 million fee they paid for Declan Rice in 2023.
According to Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk, Arsenal are prepared to aggressively pursue Alvarez this summer, although they’re set to face significant competition from Paris Saint-Germain for his signature.
While Atletico are said to be determined to keep hold of their prized possession, the Argentine striker has reportedly informed those around him that he is actively considering a move away from the Wanda Metropolitano. Barcelona have been mooted as a potential suitor, although the Catalan giants now look unlikely to be in the mix due to the financial outlay signing Alvarez would require.
Despite the number nine supposedly viewing the Nou Camp as his dream destination, he’s not believed to have ruled out a move elsewhere. PSG view him as an elite-level attacker who can provide real value to their squad, and discussions behind the scenes have ‘intensified’ in recent weeks.
TEAMtalk suggest that Atletico would be open to a player-plush-cash proposal, and Arsenal have mooted the possibility of including Gabriel Martinelli in a prospective deal.
Arsenal should be better placed than PSG to sign Alvarez
PSG already have a plethora of superstar attackers at their disposal. Luis Enrique can pick between Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Goncalo Ramos on any given matchday.
Meanwhile, the front end of Arsenal’s squad is significantly less star-studded. While Bukayo Saka carries the load off the right, the rest of the Gunners’ attacking cohort are workmanlike and functional.
Thus, there is more room for Alvarez to slot in as a superstar at Arsenal. At PSG, not only will he merely be another star added to a squad filled with marquee names, he also may not be guaranteed minutes in the same way he would be at the Emirates.
This should ultimately give Arsenal an advantage in the race to sign Alvarez, although it could ultimately come down the financial side of the deal, rather than potential status in the squad.