Arsenal are in talks to sign Julian Alvarez in a blockbuster summer transfer from Atletico Madrid.
Spain v Argentina: Final - FIFA World Cup 2026
Julian Alvarez is desperate to leave Atletico Madrid. (Image: Getty)
Arsenal are toying with the idea of bringing in Julian Alvarez in what would be a blockbuster summer transfer. He would become the club's record signing, if the Gunners stump up and pay Atletico Madrid's £128million asking price, with the Argentinian forward desperate to leave.
There are questions about the former Manchester City man's desire to return to England and the Premier League, as he prefers a switch to Barcelona instead, though Atletico are blocking any transfer to a league rival. Here, Express Sport has debated whether Alvarez represents a smart investment for the Gunners, who are also looking to add reinforcements in wide areas, with Gabriel Martinelli expected to follow Leandro Trossard out the door...
Julian Alvarez would essentially be an upgrade on Kai Havertz, who regularly plays up front for the Gunners as a false nine. He is a very different type of player to Viktor Gyokeres and would arguably suit Arsenal's system better than the Swede.
Alvarez is also exceptionally good at football. He has managed at least 30 goal contributions in each of his last four seasons, which no current Arsenal player can match. He is also a born winner, having lifted virtually every major trophy apart from La Liga and the Spanish Cup despite being just 26.
A move for Alvarez wouldn't solve Arsenal's left-wing problem, but it would give them a truly world-class attacker who can lead by example in their quest for further silverware. If a deal can be done in the final days of the window, they should be all over it.
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Arsenal have been amassing quality that they haven't necessarily needed in recent years and it's proven to be a successful transfer strategy.
Did they need Eberechi Eze? No.
Did they need Ezri Konsa or Piero Hincapie? No.
But Mikel Arteta is building a group capable of competing on all fronts. It's not about your strongest starting XI anymore, football at the highest level is a squad sport.
Adding Julian Alvarez to an already stacked attacking department and he could be the player to finally get them over the line in the Champions League. It may be time to pull the trigger.
Atletico de Madrid v Villarreal CF - LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27
Julian Alvarez left the pitch in a strop during Atletico's last match. (Image: Getty)
After the disappointment of not signing Vini Jr, Arsenal landing Julian Alvarez before deadline day would cap off a sensational summer for the Gunners. Sure, more quality in the wing departments would be nice, but Arsenal only need that to up their offensive output.
With Alvarez, they kill two birds with one stone. They'll be able to take their forward line to the next level, while also solving the issue surrounding their striker situation, which has been a problem for some time now.