Julian Alvarez is set to stay put at Atletico Madrid this summer, despite the speculation of Premier League interest surrounding the ex-Manchester City forward.
Alvarez had a fine first season with the Spanish heavyweights, netting 29 times across competitions after his switch from the Premier League to La Liga. His stint at The Etihad was impressive as he played a key role in Pep Guardiola's successes.
Liverpool has been mentioned as a potential destination for Alvarez as the transfer window looms, while Arsenal is also said to be keen on the World Cup winner after a fine campaign in the Spanish capital.
Yet, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has firmly stated that Atletico isn't looking to offload the Argentine ace, barely a year since they forked out big bucks to snag him for Madrid.
"Julian Alvarez is an Atletico Madrid player and will be an Atletico Madrid player," he declared to Marca on Monday.
Whether Arsenal or Liverpool will challenge this declaration with a formal bid for Alvarez remains up in the air, though rumors suggest they've got other striker targets in mind.
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)
Julian Alvarez has had a fine season in Madrid (Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Marca had previously flagged up the interest from these two clubs last month, labelling Arsenal as the 'strongest bidders', with the north Londoners eager to land a top-tier striker to help clinch a long-elusive league title.
Alvarez himself has expressed 'reservations' about a return to the Premier League, despite his successful stint at Manchester City, which sparked mixed reactions upon his departure.
Should Alvarez be unattainable, Arsenal's quest for a new striker is likely to focus on Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko. Both players have been on the Gunners' radar for some time and appear set to depart their current clubs this summer.
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Liverpool, on the other hand, is reportedly interested in Hugo Ekitike, the highly sought-after Eintracht Frankfurt forward. However, there is likely to be stiff competition from Chelsea, who are is keen on the Frenchman, despite being on the verge of signing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.
To finance a move for a new striker, Liverpool is expected to offload Darwin Nunez. The Reds are also eyeing a potential record-breaking deal for Bayer Leverkusen's attacking midfielder, Florian Wirtz while there remains interest in Bournemouth left back Milos Kerkez.