Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez reportedly prefers joining Barcelona in the summer transfer window amid his links with Arsenal and Chelsea.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona are interested in Julian Alvarez. However, while the two Premier League clubs have “maintained a steady line of communication” over a possible move in the summer transfer window, the 26-year-old Atletico Madrid striker would prefer to join the Blaugrana.
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 in August 2024. While the 26-year-old encountered some teething problems in the first half of the 2024/25 season, 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 32 appearances across all competitions. Nevertheless, Alvarez’s stock is sky 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 been slow off the blocks 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 a long time. The continued interest makes sense, 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.
As for Chelsea, the West London club wanted to sign Alvarez before he joined Atletico Madrid. However, the continued interest is baffling, 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 the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner fits into the scheme of things at Chelsea.
However, Chelsea may not have a chance to sign Alvarez, who would prefer to join Barcelona in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Chelsea have “maintained a steady line of communication” over a possible summer move. So, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 26-year-old Argentine international.
