Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez next to the Arsenal badge - copyright TEAMtalk
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, who is an Arsenal target
Fabrizio Romano has provided his information on Julian Alvarez as Arsenal attempt to sign the Atletico Madrid striker before Barcelona.
Alvarez said in June: “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. It’s not the time to talk about this, but I also can’t hide it. I try to be an honest person.”
Real Madrid have had a €150m (£130m) bid for Alvarez rejected by Atleti, while Barca have failed with a €100m (£86m) proposal, too.
Alvarez’s ‘dream’ is understood to be joining Barca, even though Atleti do not want to sell to their LaLiga rivals.
Atleti are protected by the player’s contract, which includes a colossal €500m (£428m) release clause.
The Rojiblancos are understood to want over €150m to sell Alvarez, and potentially as much as €200m (£171m).
We have consistently reported that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta remains in contact with his former colleagues at Atleti as he watches Alvarez’s situation closely.
Arsenal know Barca will struggle to afford the goalscorer, and Berta is ready to strike if the opportunity arises. Although, we have also been told that Alvarez is still not ready to consider any move other than Barca.
Romano has confirmed that Arsenal are in touch with Atleti for Alvarez, though the 26-year-old continues to push for his dream switch to Barca.
‘Arsenal made contact with Atlético Madrid to discuss Julián Álvarez deal conditions,’ Romano wrote on X/Twitter.
Arsenal ‘tried’ but Julian Alvarez wants Barcelona move
‘Direct meeting took place in London with Atléti director Mateu Alemany.
‘Price currently too high + Julián never opened doors to England so far as wanted to join Barça… but #AFC tried.’
Victor Osimhen and Kenan Yildiz represent two alternatives for Arsenal as they seek to add a superstar forward to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
We confirmed on August 14 that Arsenal are internally discussing a possible move for Osimhen after learning he is open to leaving Galatasaray.
However, the striker would have to lower his wage demands significantly to move to the Emirates.
We also reported on Thursday that Arsenal could use Gabriel Martinelli to help bring down the cost of signing Yildiz from Juventus.
Julian Alvarez makes Arsenal transfer decision as Mikel Arteta reveals summer window plan after Community Shield win
Julian Alvarez makes Arsenal transfer decision as Mikel Arteta reveals summer window plan after Community Shield win