Arsenal will sanction the departures of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz to make room for 26-year-old Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez this summer.
According to a report by Caught Offside, Julian Alvarez is the subject of interest from Arsenal. Chelsea and Barcelona are also keen on signing the Atletico Madrid striker in the upcoming transfer window. However, will aim to get ahead of the curve by selling Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz before launching a quick move for the 26-year-old attacker, with Los Rojiblancos demanding €120 million to part ways with him.
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 took some time to get going at the Metropolitano Stadium, he has become a pivotal figure for Los Rojiblancos in due course.
However, the Argentine international has not been at his best in the 2025/26 season thus far, although he still has a decent tally of 18 goals and nine assists in 46 appearances across all competitions. Nevertheless, Alvarez’s stock is sky high, with Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea among the prospective suitors vying for his signature this year.
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, Gabriel Jesus’s long-term future is uncertain. Additionally, Viktor Gyokeres has been slow off the blocks since arriving from Sporting CP last summer, while Kai Havertz has struggled with fitness issues in recent seasons. 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 a top 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 ahead of the 2026/27 season. So, it is unclear how the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner fits into the scheme of things at Chelsea despite being a top-class striker.
Apart from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain will also attempt to sign the 26-year-old Argentine international in the summer transfer window. However, with Arsenal ready to sell Jesus and Havertz to make room for Alvarez while building a relationship with the €120 million-rated 2022 FIFA World Cup winner’s entourage, they will hope to seal a deal swiftly.
