REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Atletico Madrid have now entered talks over the signing of a new striker amid intense interest in Julian Alvarez from Arsenal and others. The Gunners are hoping to convince Alvarez to return to England, but the Argentine appears to have his heart set on a move to Barcelona, which is option that is being taken off the table by his current club.
Atletico will not engage in business with Barca, and so they are telling Alvarez that they don't want to sell him, but if his is to go, he must find a club outside of Spain. An asking price of more than £130million means there are few clubs on the planet who can do a deal, but Arsenal are one of them.
The issue is that Alvarez has already won the treble in England with Manchester City, and he does not appear willing to return, perhaps preferring to wait for his Barca move by staying with Atletico a little longer.In the meantime, Atletico are looking to add a new striker, with Canadian international Jonathan David a potential signing.
Fabrizio Romano reported on X: "Atlético Madrid mantain active talks with Jonathan David’s camp and also in direct conversations with Juventus. David, one of the top three name on Atléti shortlist for new striker before the window ends. The outcome will depend on the formula."
David has struggled for Juventus since his free transfer from Lille, where he was a sensation. He scored six goal sin 35 league appearances last season, and given he arrived for free, Juve will be acutely aware of the profit they could make on a sale.
Atletico are also being tipped to sell Alexander Sorloth this summer, though it will likely be one or the other between him and Alvarez. Either way, they are likely to find themselves needing another striker, and David could fill the void, in need of a fresh start.
David opens up on Juve criticism
jonathan david
David has come under intense criticism because of his form at Juventus, though few players dodge that criticism. Now departed Dusan Vlahovic was hounded despite being more consistent, leading him to allow his contract to run down and leave for free.
Speaking to TSN in the summer about the criticism he has received, David said "So far, it’s been a journey of ups and downs. I arrived in a new environment with big expectations and I haven’t been able to have the necessary scoring consistency. When you play for Juventus, all eyes are on you.”