Arsenal transfer target Julian Alvarez has effectively given the green light to leaving Atletico Madrid this summer, according to reports.
Speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, journalist Pedro Fullana said the fact that agents are already enquiring about his situation suggests that the Argentinian international has “given the go-ahead” for discussions to take place:
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“There have been intermediaries with connections to PSG and Arsenal who also asked Atleti.”
“It is obvious that Los Rojiblancos know that when all this happens, it is because the agents of Julian, and therefore Julian himself, has given the go-ahead to talk about his future away from Atletico Madrid.”
Arsenal face stiff competition for the player
As Fullana mentions, the Gunners are not the only club interested in securing the services of Alvarez
While Barcelona have seemingly pulled out of the race to buy the former Manchester City player, Arsenal’s fellow Champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be interested.
The Ligue One champions will present more of a threat than Barca, too, simply because of the sheer financial resources at their disposal.
Alvarez won’t be available on the cheap
Reports suggest that Atletico are reluctant to offload a player they signed for £81m less than two years ago, and they could demand upwards of €150m (£130m) for the striker.
There is next to no chance of Arsenal spending that much. There is thought to be room in the budget for one marquee signing, but it is felt that the fee would need to be closer to the £100m mark.
A lot may depend on Alvarez and how keen he is on leaving Atletico. If he pushes for an exit, the La Liga side may have no choice but to lower their asking price and agree a sale.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here