Arsenal are interested in a transfer swoop for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez
17:49, 03 Jun 2026
Arsenal are reportedly looking to sign Julian Alvarez this summer but face competition from Barcelona.
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Arsenal are reportedly looking to sign Julian Alvarez this summer but face competition from Barcelona.(Image: (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images))
Atletico Madrid have made it clear they don't want to sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona this summer, according to reports in Spain.
Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the former Manchester City striker, who has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances for Atleti since joining the club in 2024.
The Argentinian striker has a reported release clause of €500m(£432m) and have warned any interested parties they'll have to match their valuation.
AS claims Atleti view it 'as national importance' not to sell Alvarez to a La Liga rival this summer, with Arsenal 'set to enquire' about the 26-year-old.
Atleti's transfer stance seemingly hands Arsenal a boost, but even then, Diego Simeone's side are intent on keeping Alvarez at the Metropolitano.
Gunners' sporting director Andrea Berta is a big admirer of the Argentinian and signed him for Atleti during his time at the club.
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The now Arsenal transfer chief brokered the £81.8 million transfer with Manchester City in 2024, but despite his relationship with his former club, Atleti 'will not negotiate with any club.'
The report claims the Gunners and PSG have been in touch with the player's representatives and are hoping a deal could be struck in the region of £130m.
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez celebrates
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Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been linked with Arsenal(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Both the Champions League finalists would have the financial resources to do a deal, but Atleti have made it clear they don't want to sell.
The report also claims the former Manchester City man has not expressed a desire to leave the club and is key part of the club's plans.
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Alvarez signed a six-year deal with Atletico Madrid and his current deal runs out in the summer of 2030.
The club have recently hit out at transfer speculation linking the striker with a move to Barcelona, posting a series of tongue in cheek transfer stories on their social media channels, claiming the likes of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha were on the way to Atleti.
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