Simeone wants Julian Álvarez to stay at Atlético, but Arsenal are reportedly leading the chase as European giants circle the World Cup winner.
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 24: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the LaLiga match between Atletico de Madrid and Rayo Vallecano at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 24, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images
Julian Alvarez may have become the heartbeat of Atletico Madrid‘s attack, but his performances in Spain have not gone unnoticed in north London. According to Marca, Arsenal are now the most aggressive suitor for the 25-year-old Argentina international, with the forward emerging as a priority target ahead of what is expected to be a decisive summer window for Mikel Arteta’s side.
While Diego Simeone has publicly declared that Alvarez is central to his plans for both the immediate and long-term future, Marca report that Arsenal have moved to the front of the queue for a player who has flourished since leaving Manchester City.
Barcelona and Liverpool are also monitoring the situation, though the former are not expected to make a move until 2026 due to financial constraints, and the latter are yet to make a concrete offer. “It is now Arsenal who are bidding the strongest for his services,” they write.
Marca claim that Arsenal‘s intent is clear, with Andrea Berta, the club’s recently-appointed technical advisor, and former Atletico man, identifying Alvarez as a key name on the club’s recruitment shortlist.
MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Alvaro Morata of Club Atletico de Madrid poses for a photo with Enrique Cerezo, President of Club Atletico de Madrid (R) and Andrea Berta, Sports Manager of Club Atletico de Madrid (L) during the Club Atletico de Madrid player presentation of Alvaro Morata at Wanda Metropolitano on January 29, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
The club are said to be prepared to pay a premium, although Atletico remain unthreatened by Premier League wages and are determined to retain the forward, who is currently on a contract worth around €7 million net per season, plus bonuses.
Alvarez has scored 29 goals in all competitions this season and has assumed a leadership role in Atletico’s attack, particularly following the decline in influence of Antoine Griezmann. Though he is said to be happy in Madrid, there is acknowledgment that the scale of Premier League interest could prove persuasive if backed by a suitable financial package and a compelling sporting project.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: William Saliba of Arsenal is tackled by Julian Alvarez of Manchester City during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
As Marca outline, Barcelona remain long-term admirers of Alvarez and see him as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski in the 2026–27 campaign, but their immediate focus is elsewhere. Atletico, for their part, are adamant they will not be drawn into a salary bidding war.
Alvarez faced Arsenal four times when he was with City, failing to score or assist a single goal. He is currently valued at €90m
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