Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta
Arsenal could have some surprise competition on their hands over the signing of Julian Alvarez. Manchester City are now being linked with a move for their former striker, who remains unsettled at Atletico Madrid having made it clear he wants to leave.
Specifically, Alvarez wants to join Barcelona this summer, but Atleti are not willing to do business with their LaLiga rivals, both because they are league rivals and because they have shared a public spat this summer.
With the Argentine superstar having been highly productive for Atletico since his big-money move from City, he will likely cost more than £130million this summer, which could be a problem. Arsenal are desperate for an elite left-winger this summer, and they are willing to spend big, but that would be a particularly big fee. There is also the problem of Alvarez having to be willing to play out of position, given he prefers to play centrally.
The Gunners don't yet know whether a transfer is possible, with Alvarez holding out for a move to Barcelona that does not look likely, but according to The Guardian's Manchester football correspondent Jamie Jackson, who was speaking on GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness podcast, there are whispers of Man City making a move for their former frontman.
He said: "Yeah, I mean, I heard today that that maybe Alvarez might be of interest. Or might be offered to City, Julian Alvarez, which is an interesting one, just because, you know, he was obviously at City, and why would you come back to a situation where you're behind Erling Haaland? But that's obviously because of Marmoush leaving, there is a gap."
With Marmoush joining Tottenham on a season-long loan, City need a back-up striker, but like at Arsenal, Alvarez would likely find much of his game time on the wing at City if he was to make the move.
“Julián is 25 years old, he’s an extraordinary player, with hunger, with enthusiasm, with humility, with work, with goals, with hierarchy... How could everyone not want him? And Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool... the best have to want him.” - Diego Simeone in the summer of 2025
Alvarez spent around two years at City, scoring 20 times in 67 league appearances, winning the Premier League twice and forming part of the treble-winning team that won the Champions League.
It would be a surprise if Alvarez returned to City now, given he has won all there is to win there, while it would also be post-Pep Guardiola, which carries a risk of a lack of success. Alvarez wants to join Barcelona because of who the club are, yes, but also to win top titles, and it's unclear whether City will be able to kick on under Enzo Maresca and truly challenge at this early stage. Barca, meanwhile, are back-to-back LaLiga champions and strong contenders to retain their crown.
Alvarez's impressing honours list by team
River Plate: Argentine Premier Division, Copa Argentina, Supercopa Argentina, Trofeo de Campeones, Copa Libertadores
Man City: Premier League (2), FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup.
Argentina: FIFA World Cup, Copa Ámerica (2)
What has been said about Alvarez's Atletico future
Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez
Ultimately, Alvarez could be priced out of a move away from Atletico this summer, and he may not want a Premier League move in any case. Atleti boss Diego Simeone has kept the door open to a stay, most recently saying: "I understand that all the questions will be about Julian. The club has been very clear about what will happen.