Atletico de Madrid v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg
Arsenal are ready to make a move to sign Julian Alvarez (NurPhoto via Getty)
Arsenal plan to open talks with Atletico Madrid over a deal for Julian Alvarez, according to reports in Spain.
Barcelona appear to be the frontrunners to sign Alvarez in the summer transfer window with theArgentina international understood to be prioritising a move to the Spanish champions.
However, Barcelona have been unable to agree a fee for Alvarez so far and RAC1 reported on Tuesday that their opening bid of €100 million (£86.4m) has been rejected by Atletico.
According to AS, Atletico have been unhappy with Barcelona over their publicised pursuit of Alvarez and they are now ‘blocking’ the 26-year-old’s move to Camp Nou.
The countdown is on
Our seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we've got everything you need to know. Sign up now.
The report claims that Arsenal have been in contact with Alvarez’s agent and the Premier League champions will now begin formal discussions with Atletico, who are holding out for a €150m (£129.6m) transfer fee.
Arsenal FC v Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg
Julian Alvarez’s preference is to join Barcelona this summer (Getty)
Atletico have been adamant that Alvarez is not for sale and in a response to Arsenal’s latest link with the former Manchester City forward, a source from the Spanish club told Libertad Digital on Tuesday: ‘Two weeks ago it was PSG, last week Barcelona, now Arsenal. We count on Julian for next season.’
Atletico, meanwhile, are preparing for Alvarez’s exit and AS report that the club have already made an enquiry to sign Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray.
After spending one season on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, Osimhen permanently joined the Turkish club last summer for €75m (£63m).
Osimhen has scored 59 goals in 74 appearances in two seasons with Galatasaray.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Xabi Alonso urged to replace £25m Chelsea star: ‘He’s a danger’
MORE: Chelsea told they will make £20m transfer loss on star who ‘offers nothing’
MORE: Manchester United make decision over Hayden Hackney transfer after Everton approach
In The Mixer’s World Cup special
Previews of every single World Cup team in your inbox, featuring the players to look out for, games you shouldn’t miss and Metro’s big England predictions.