Arsenal have been boosted in their bid to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid this summer as the last piece to Mikel Arteta's attacking puzzle
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Deportivo Alaves at Riyadh Air Metropolitano
Julian Alvarez is reportedly 'attracted' to Arsenal but there are certain obstacles that must be overcome(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Arsenal fans will be buoyed to hear Julian Alvarez is 'attracted' by the prospect of a move to north London this summer. The Gunners have been linked with the Argentinian for weeks as an alternative destination to Barcelona.
Los Cules have made no secret of their interest in taking the striker off Atletico's hands with a £100million offer. However, that falls significantly short of Atlet's £128million valuation.
Atletico have responded by saying they will not sell Alvarez to a direct rival, despite his wishes to join Hansi Flick's side. Those tensions between La Liga nemeses could work in Arsenal's favour as they look to add a new focus to their striker department.
Catalan newspaper Sport has reported Alvarez is 'attracted' by Mikel Arteta's project. That's despite reports earlier this summer indicating the ex-Manchester City forward was not keen on a return to the Premier League.
However, one stumbling block to a potential deal is the visa situation affecting the rest of Alvarez's family. thanks to UK immigration laws adopted after Brexit, the forward can only bring his partner, Maria Emilia Ferrero, along for the ride while his other family members would have to seek alternative routes to gain residency in England.
Alvarez, 26, currently lives with his wider family in Madrid, including his siblings. He previously had family with him in Manchester on two-year permits, though these expired after his time at City came to an end.
It adds a complicating element to the transfer saga from Arsenal's perspective. And the Gunners are under pressure to act fast if they are to sanction a move for what is likely to be a new British record signing.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta looks on during the training session one day ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026 Final at Puskas Arena
Mikel Arteta may have one more trick up his sleeve to play this summer(Image: Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Reports in Spain indicate Atletico have given Alvarez until Sunday to make a decision on his transfer future. The forward was booed by his own fans when he came off the bench in a 2-2 draw at home to Villarrreal last Sunday.
Alvarez did not join his team-mates to thank the fans at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano at full-time. Instead, he headed straight for the dressing room as his career in the Spanish capital continues to take an unfortunate turn.
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Atletico stand to make a considerable profit on a player they bought from City for £81m just two years ago. The player has also indicated his willingness to move and said during the World Cup: "A transfer is the best option."
Alvarez previously thrived for City but was hamstrung by the presence of Erling Haaland as City's first-choice frontman. Viktor Gyokeres was signed as the solution to Arsenal's striker issue last summer but could be budged out of the team despite helping lead Arteta's side to the Premier League title.
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