Spanish outlet Diario AS has confirmed that Arsenal has officially entered the race to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez during the ongoing summer transfer window.
While Barcelona has long been considered the frontrunner for Alvarez’s signature—even submitting an official bid to the Madrid-based club—the Gunners are now making significant moves to hijack the deal for the Argentine forward.
Arsenal Prepare Record-Breaking Bid to Outbid Barcelona
According to the Spanish report, Arsenal executives have held several meetings with Alvarez’s agent over the past few days to explore the feasibility of a transfer.
It is now a matter of time before the North London club submits an official proposal to Atletico Madrid. Arsenal’s upcoming offer is expected to surpass Barcelona’s initial €100 million bid, which was swiftly rejected by Atletico anyway.
Alvarez’s Stance: Premier League Return vs. Barcelona Dream
The 25-year-old striker has yet to make a final decision on his future. However, sources indicate that Julian Alvarez has completely ruled out a move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), believing that Ligue 1 lacks the competitive edge required to help him achieve his ultimate individual and collective ambitions.
For Alvarez, a return to the Premier League with Arsenal remains a highly attractive option. At the same time, he holds a strong desire to join Barcelona, viewing the Catalan giants as the perfect platform to win major trophies and individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or.
Atletico Madrid’s €150m Price Tag
Ultimately, Atletico Madrid has no intention of selling their prized asset unless a astronomical offer of €150 million is placed on the table. Financial constraints make it difficult for Barcelona to reach this figure, leaving Arsenal as the only suitor capable of meeting the asking price.
Furthermore, while Atletico prefers to keep Alvarez, if they are forced to sell, they would strongly favor sending him to a non-rival club outside of La Liga. This tactical preference positions Arsenal as the ideal destination over Barcelona.
