Arsenal can provide Barcelona competition in the chase for Atlético Madrid’s Julián Alvarez for the summer window.
Two months ago, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that Arsenal are in the mix to sign him.
The striker has been leading the Madrid club’s attack since joining them from Manchester City for €95m in August 2024.
He has enjoyed a good run so far, scoring 47 goals and contributing 17 assists from 102 matches and 18 goals and seven assists are from 45 matches this season.
His La Liga stats this season are as follows:
- Appearances: 29
- Starts: 22
- Total minutes: 1,902
- Minutes per game: 66
- Goals: 8
- Assists: 4
- Expected Goals: 7.7
- Expected Assists: 5.13
- Big chances created: 10
- Big chances missed: 8
The Argentina international is attracting interest from Arsenal, Barcelona and other clubs.
Gunners hovering around Alvarez
Sport have a detailed report on Barcelona’s efforts to try and sign Julián Alvarez and also mention Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
Hansi Flick’s side have made the 26-year-old their priority target and are in constant contact with his agent throughout this season via telephone.
Barca sporting director Deco and the World Cup winner’s representatives want to avoid a meeting in public to avoid annoying Atlético.
For now, Los Rojiblancos are refusing to sell and if there’s a sale, the talks will be held directly with clubs, without intermediaries’ involvement.
Despite this, the Camp Nou side aren’t giving up. Their former sporting director, Mateu Alemany, is now in Madrid, and Barca remain hopeful their good relationship with him could help them in the Alvarez operation.
Diego Simeone’s side, for their part, intend to offer the South American an extension. They know it won’t be easy, probably because of interest from Barcelona, Mikel Arteta’s side and PSG.
Atlético are ‘fully aware’ his agent is listening to offer from other clubs and is in talks with Deco.
Sport immediately mentions Arsenal and the Ligue 1 winners, as these two clubs are still on the lookout. It isn’t clear whether these two teams have submitted proposals with his agent.
Barcelona are keen on signing him but are well aware a potential move will depend on their own finances. That won’t be the case for the Gunners and PSG.
Sport end their report by stating that this soap opera is ‘far from being resolved anytime soon, has only just begun.’
Contract, value and agent info
Julián Alvarez will have four years left on his contract at the end of this season. His value, as per Transfer marketis €90m. Agent Fernando Hidalgo is representing the former Manchester City star.
Last month, the frontman said “may yes, may no” when asked whether he will continue at Atlético Madrid after this season. This should give Arsenal, Barcelona, PSG and his other suitors hope to sign him in the summer.
