Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been linked with a switch to Arsenal this summer
Julian Alvarez #19 of Club Atletico de Madrid speaks to the media during the press conference ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match against Seattle Sounders FC
Julian Alvarez has been the subject of transfer speculation ahead of the summer window(Image: Getty)
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In-demand Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is said to be unsure over his future in the Spanish capital. The update comes from his team-mate Marcos Llorente and will be a boost for Arsenal, who have expressed an interest in the ex-Manchester City star.
Alvarez, 26, is said to have caught the eye of the Gunners as well as Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain following an impressive spell with Atletico. He could cost up to £90million and Spanish outlet Cadena SER claims Alvarez has indicated his wish to move on.
Llorente also conceded to El Partidazo de COPE that he doesn't know what his colleague will do when it comes to a transfer and claimed that "neither does he, as things stand today." He added: "I don't ask him. He seems fine to me, but maybe he wants to leave and we don't know."
The Argentine has scored 49 goals across two seasons in Spain and was the driving force behind Atletico's run to the Champions League semi-finals, where they were beaten by Arsenal.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid
Alvarez has been linked with Arsenal ahead of the transfer window opening (Image: Getty)
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A report from the Guardian last week indicated that Mikel Arteta will be given access to significant funds as the Gunners look to build on their first Premier League title in 22 years. It claimed the Spanish boss has made a new forward his top priority, with Alvarez among the targets.
Arsenal will have rivals for the signing, however. According to Mundo Deportivo, PSG are reportedly prepared to submit an offer in excess of £86m for the 26-year-old. PSG coach Luis Enrique is even said to have already contacted Alvarez personally in order to engineer a move. Barcelona have also entered the fray with president Joan Laporta boasting that money is no object.
Diego Simeone has also been asked about the striker's future. His response set alarm bells ringing in Madrid over the player who is under contract until 2030 and is believed to have a staggering release clause of around £433m.
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, gestures a thumbs up during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal
Arteta is said to have his eyes on new signings(Image: Getty)
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"That's not a question for me, it's a question for Julian," the Atletico boss said. "He's old enough to know what he's going to do, and I imagine he'll have made up his mind by now."
Ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal, the striker said he didn't wish to entertain rumours over his future.
"I try not to pay too much attention to what they say, because the truth is that new things come up every week," he said, adding that he cannot "come out to clarify or deny everything that comes up all the time."
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