Arsenal will reportedly aim to beat Barcelona and Chelsea in the race to sign 26-year-old Argentine international Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid this summer.
According to a report by Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona are interested in Julian Alvarez. However, while the two Premier League clubs are ready to break the bank to sign the Atletico Madrid attacker, the Gunners are the front-runners in the battle for his signature. Meanwhile, the Catalan giants have fallen behind, as they are hesitant to pay €100 million to secure his services.
How has Julian Alvarez fared at Atletico Madrid?
Julian Alvarez has established himself as one of the world’s best strikers since joining Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in a surprise big-money move last year. While the 26-year-old encountered some teething problems, he has not looked back since becoming a pivotal figure for Los Rojiblancos.
However, the Argentine international has not been at his best in the 2025/26 season thus far, scoring 11 goals and five assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. Nevertheless, Alvarez’s stock is high, with Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.
A man in demand
Arsenal may dip into the market for a versatile striker in the summer transfer window. While Mikel Arteta has three options to lead the line for the North London club, Gabriel Jesus’s long-term future is uncertain. Additionally, Viktor Gyokeres has struggled to make his mark since arriving from Sporting CP last summer. So, Alvarez has emerged as a viable target for Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez has been on Barcelona’s radar for several months. The continued interest is understandable, as Robert Lewandowski is in the twilight of his career. So, the Blaugrana should plan for life after the veteran Polish striker. Alvarez has thus reportedly emerged as the priority target for Barcelona. However, the reigning La Liga champions are hesitant to pay €100 million to secure his services.
As for Chelsea, the West London club wanted to sign Alvarez before he joined Atletico Madrid. However, the continued interest is surprising, as they signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro last summer. Additionally, Emanuel Emegha will arrive at Stamford Bridge later this year. So, it is unclear how Alvarez fits into the scheme of things unless he plays behind the central striker.
That may be the reason the Blues have fallen behind Arsenal in the battle for Alvarez’s signature. With Barcelona hesitant to pay €100 million, the Gunners are the favourites to land the 26-year-old Argentine international. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Atletico Madrid attacker.