RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (16998173av) Julian Alvarez of Argentina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. Spain v Argentina: Final - FIFA World Cup 2026, East Rutherford, United States - 19 Jul 2026
Arsenal have made Julian Alvarez one of their top attacking transfer targets (Shutterstock)
Arsenal are willing to include Viktor Gyokeres in an exchange deal with Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez, according to reports.
Alvarez has already made it clear that he wants to leave Atletico Madrid this summer.
‘I spoke with the people at [Atletico] I needed to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream,’ Alvarez said after Argentina’s win over Austria at the World Cup last month.
‘It’s not the time to talk about this, but I also can’t hide it. I try to be an honest person.’
Barcelona are Alvarez’s first-choice destination, however, Atletico have been angered by their pursuit of the Argentina international and are now refusing to sell to their La Liga rivals.
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Speaking last week, Atletico’s chief executive, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, insisted that the club would not sell Alvarez for any price this summer.
Atletico de Madrid v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg
Atletico Madrid have insisted that Julian Alvarez is not for sale (Getty)
‘I have no doubt Atletico is the place in the world for Julian and Julian is the perfect striker for Atletico Madrid,’ Gil Marin said.
‘We want to continue counting on him. We do not want to transfer him. We did not accept an offer of €100 million, and we will not accept one of €150m or €200m.’
Mikel Arteta is also a huge admirer of Alvarez and is targeting a move for the former Manchester City forward to strengthen Arsenal’s attack ahead of the new season.
According to The Times, Arsenal are ‘willing to spend big on an elite player’ this summer and are ‘willing to offer a part swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres’ for Alvarez.
Crystal Palace v Arsenal - Premier League
Viktor Gyokeres scored 21 goals in his first season with Arsenal (Getty)
Gyokeres joined Arsenal in a £64 million deal from Sporting CP last summer and scored 21 goals in his first season with Arteta’s side.
Arsenal are also in the market for a new defender with William Saliba now out for an ‘extended period’ due to a back injury.
The Premier League champions are also ready to submit a £70m bid for Bruno Guimaraes, however, Newcastle United are set to reject that offer for their captain and are holding out for a transfer fee closer to £100m.
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