Julian Alvarez has attracted interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool on the back of a stellar debut season with Atletico Madrid, after leaving Manchester City just 12 months ago
09:04, 28 May 2025
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - MARCH 25: Julian Alvarez of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the South of American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier between Argentina and Brazil at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on March 25, 2025 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez's stellar debut season with Atletico Madrid has caught the attention of Arsenal and Liverpool.
But the Argentine is reportedly hesitant about a Premier League return. Just a year ago, he departed Manchester City for Spain. Long hailed as a promising talent, Alvarez had made his mark in Manchester, although he was clearly second to Erling Haaland in the pecking order.
Atletico swooped in, shelling out over £80million to bring him to La Liga. City approved the sale, reaping substantial profits. But it was a move that came back to haunt Pep Guardiola, whose team imploded and looked sorely lacking in firepower for long periods of a dismal campaign, while their former man flourished.
Alvarez has swiftly adapted to life under Diego Simeone. He's been the spearhead for Atletico, netting 29 goals across all competitions this year - catching the eye of Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta as they look to revamp their squads.
Spanish publication Marca reports newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool and runners-up Arsenal have both expressed interest in the 25-year-old.
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 18: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the La Liga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Betis Balompie at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on May 18, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Arsenal could launch a blockbuster move for Julian Alvarez(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
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They suggest the Gunners are seen as the 'strongest bidder', with a striker high on their wishlist. Alvarez is familiar with the rigours of the Premier League but remains unsure about a return to England, given his smooth transition in Spain and how well he's integrated into the Atletico squad.
The Spanish publication also suggests Barcelona could offer Alvarez the opportunity to stay in La Liga, seeing him as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski. The Catalans clinched the domestic double, defeating Atletico along the way.
The World Cup winner has become a fan favourite in Madrid, expressing his devotion to the club and its supporters, reports the Mirror.
On social media, he shared: "The first season at home is coming to an end. Thank you for always being there and for making me feel like I belong from day one."
Alvarez has spent just one year of his six-year contract with Atletico, where he's seen as the key man up front. Liverpool are on the hunt for added firepower and could have a bigger transfer kitty if Darwin Nunez departs, while Arsenal's forward search hinges on securing Viktor Gyokeres.
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Atletico's president Enrique Cerezo has put to bed any speculation about Alvarez leaving, stating: "Julian Alvarez is a player of Atletico de Madrid. He's very happy here, he is our player and he will remain our player. He was raised at Atletico Madrid and he will die at Atletico Madrid."