Newly crowned Premier League champions Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their preparations to defend their title, with top target Julian Alvarez reportedly preferring a move to a European rival.
Daily Mail Sport reported last month that Arsenal have a serious interest in the Atletico Madrid star, with staff having been gathering data on the Argentine since January to assess whether he would fit the team’s profile.
The data collected – which included his injury record, physiological numbers and playing output – emphatically suggested he would fit the requirements of Mikel Arteta’s side, with Arsenal keen to sign him this summer.
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone had conceded there was interest in the forward from multiple clubs, including Arsenal, last month.
‘I am not in Julian Alvarez’s head,’ Simeone said. ‘I suppose it is normal that an extraordinary player like Julian is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona. It’s normal because he’s very good.’
Alvarez has reportedly now informed Atletico Madrid that he wants to leave the club, after opting against signing a new contract.
Arsenal have reportedly suffered a blow in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez
The Argentine forward is claimed to have set his sights on a move to Barcelona this summer
Marca stated that Alvarez has made it clear that he specifically wants to join Barcelona, with the former Man City forward viewing the reigning LaLiga champions as offering him a more ambitious project than Atletico.
Alvarez, who has scored 49 goals in 106 matches for Atletico, reportedly believes Barcelona will offer him a better chance of silverware.
The 26-year-old currently has four years left to run on his contract, which contains a €500 million (£430m) release clause.
Alvarez’s agent Fernando Hidalgo increased speculation over his client’s possible move to Barcelona after sharing a post on social media of him travelling into the city.
Atletico Madrid, the report claims, will demand £130m to consider the sale of Alvarez and believe Barcelona will be unable to produce a suitable offer.
It could offer an opportunity for Arsenal, whose sporting director Andrea Berta had signed Alvarez for Atletico back in 2024.
Berta is understood to rate Alvarez highly, with Arteta understood to be even more keen due to the forward’s background.
The Spaniard places an emphasis on family-orientated characters who are grounded and won’t be distracted by the trappings of money or fame.
