Arsenal Plot Summer Move for Atletico Madrid Star Julian Alvarez
Arsenal are reportedly setting their sights on a major summer transfer coup, with sporting director Andrea Berta exploring a deal to bring Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez to the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are said to be conducting due diligence on the Argentine international, who could command a fee exceeding £90 million.
Berta's History with Alvarez Could Prove Crucial
Andrea Berta possesses significant familiarity with Julian Alvarez, having orchestrated the £82 million transfer that took the player from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid. This existing relationship could prove instrumental in any potential negotiations. Arsenal's recruitment team, led by Berta and manager Mikel Arteta, are already planning their summer business despite the current January window, with financial fair play considerations limiting immediate activity.
The 25-year-old Alvarez has continued to impress in La Liga this season, contributing 11 goals and five assists for Diego Simeone's side, who currently occupy third position in the Spanish top flight. His versatility across the forward line makes him an attractive proposition for Arsenal's tactical setup.
Significant Financial Commitment Required
Any move for Alvarez would represent another substantial financial outlay for Arsenal, who invested over £60 million to secure striker Viktor Gyokeres in the previous transfer window. Atletico Madrid have the Argentine under a long-term contract, meaning negotiations would be complex and likely require a fee surpassing the £90 million mark.
Sky Sports reports indicate that Berta is actively assessing the feasibility of a deal that would reunite him with the forward he previously helped secure for Atletico. Such a transfer would inevitably raise questions about the futures of current Arsenal attacking options, particularly Gabriel Jesus and potentially Kai Havertz, as competition for places intensifies.
Simeone's High Praise for Alvarez
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has previously lavished praise on Julian Alvarez, describing him as "one of the best forwards in the world" following his omission from a FIFA awards shortlist last summer. The Argentine coach emphasized Alvarez's importance to his team, stating: "He's an extremely important player — surely one of the best forwards in the world. He's ours, we have to take care of him, and hopefully he keeps giving us what he's been giving — which is a lot."
Arsenal's ability to secure such a high-profile signing would demonstrate their continued ambition under the current leadership structure, though the financial implications and squad balance considerations present significant hurdles to overcome.
