Premier League Giants Ready to Splash Cash for Julian Alvarez
In a major development for the summer transfer window, both Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly "prepared to break the bank" to secure the signature of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. The Argentine international, who previously played for Manchester City, has been strongly linked with a sensational return to the English top flight, with Arsenal particularly keen on making a move at the end of the current season.
Key Figures and Financial Hurdles in Potential Deal
Central to any negotiations will be Andrea Berta, Arsenal's sporting director, who played a pivotal role in overseeing Alvarez's £81 million transfer from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid back in the summer of 2024. Chelsea have also expressed significant interest in the World Cup-winning forward, adding to the intense competition for his services.
Recent reports from Spanish outlet Sport indicate that there has been some movement regarding a potential return to England in recent weeks. It is suggested that Alvarez's agent, Fernando Hidalo, was recently in the UK, where preliminary contact may have been made with the London-based clubs. However, despite this interest, Alvarez is not prioritising a move back to the Premier League.
Barcelona Emerges as Alvarez's Preferred Destination
Instead, the 26-year-old striker would reportedly opt for a transfer to Barcelona if an offer materialises. The Catalan giants are known to be huge admirers of Alvarez, but their financial situation could pose a significant obstacle. Atletico Madrid are expected to demand a fee in excess of €100 million to even consider parting with their star player, a figure that may be beyond Barcelona's current reach.
Barcelona's transfer strategy is further complicated by their existing commitments, including the permanent signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United following his impressive loan spell. Additionally, the future of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski will be a key factor in their planning, potentially impacting their ability to finance a move for Alvarez.
Concerns Over Alvarez's Recent Goal Drought
While Alvarez's pedigree is unquestionable, his recent form has raised some eyebrows. During his time at Manchester City, he scored 36 goals in 103 appearances, often playing a supporting role to Erling Haaland. His first season in Spain was highly productive, with 29 goals in 57 appearances across all competitions, including 17 in La Liga from 30 starts.
However, the current campaign has proven more challenging for the former River Plate prodigy. Although he has netted four times in seven Champions League outings, his league form has dipped noticeably, with just seven goals in 22 La Liga appearances. After a burst of five goals in two games against Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid earlier in the season, Alvarez has struggled to find the net consistently.
Key statistics highlight this concerning trend:
- Alvarez has scored only one La Liga goal in his last 15 matches, a penalty against Sevilla in early November.
- His last goal from open play in the league dates back to 24 September.
- He has not scored since the Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven on 9 December.
Diego Simeone's Defence of His Striker
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has publicly defended Alvarez amid this goal drought. When questioned about why fans or the club should maintain faith in the striker, Simeone responded emphatically: "Seriously? Are you seriously asking me that? The truth is that Julian Alvarez speaks for himself, because of the name he has, the authority he carries, and the career he's built, right?"
This transfer saga is set to dominate headlines in the coming months, with Alvarez's preference for Barcelona adding a intriguing twist to the pursuit by Premier League heavyweights. Clubs will need to weigh his undeniable talent against his recent scoring struggles as they consider breaking the bank for his signature.
