Arsenal have allegedly leapfrogged Barcelona in the race to rope in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez after tabling an offer to the Argentine’s representatives.
Alvarez, 26, has cemented himself as one of the best strikers in the world since his breakout 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign. Owing to his all-round performances for Atletico Madrid, he has lately drawn attention from the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Thanks for the submission!
Now, according to French publication Media Foot (h/t FourFourTwo), Arsenal have presented an initial offer to Alvarez ahead of a concrete bid for permanent transfer. They are also said to be willing to sell Gabriel Martinelli to make adequate room for the Barcelona and PSG target.
Despite Martinelli being of interest to PSG, Arsenal would have to sell either Viktor Gyokeres or Kai Havertz to land the signature of the Barcelona target this summer, according to journalist Sami Mokbel. They are also likely to part ways with Gabriel Jesus, who is in the final 15 months of his deal.
Alvarez, who is rated at £78 million by Transfermarkt, has been in notable form for Diego Simeone’s club this season. He has contributed 18 times and nine assists in 45 total matches for The Red and Whites this campaign.
In comparison, Gunners summer signing Gyokeres has also scored 18 goals in 45 overall appearances for his new club this campaign. However, he has only laid out two assists for his new teammates so far this term.
Furthermore, Alvarez also has prior Premier League experience during his spell at Manchester City between 2022 and 2024. He produced 20 goals and 11 assists in 67 Premier League matches in two seasons, acting as a backup to Erling Haaland at the ex-Barcelona manager’s team.
Pundit makes shock Premier League title prediction after recent Arsenal defeat
Speaking recently on his BBC podcast, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney backed Manchester City to defeat the Gunners 1-0 in the Premier League clash at Etihad Stadium on April 19. He said (h/t Metro):
“It’s an important game and if City win, I make them favourites to win the league and if Arsenal win, it’s there’s for the taking. It probably is a title decider. I think City will win, 1-0. It still won’t be done if that happens but it slightly gives City the advantage.”
Mikel Arteta’s side, who lost 2-1 to Bournemouth last Saturday, are atop the league standings with 70 points from 32 outings. Manchester City are in second place with 64 points from 31 matches so far.
Edited by Debkalpa Banerjee
