Former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez has a Premier League suitor after impressing in Spain with Atletico Madrid, but it appears the Argentine star has other ideas
Julian Alvarez continues links with Arsenal and Chelsea (Image: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez would prefer a move to Barcelona over a return to the Premier League, despite reported interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
The former Manchester City attacker, 26, has been in great form since joining Atletico Madrid last year, scoring 29 goals in his first season in the Spanish capital. And as interest in the Argentine star continues to grow this year, speculation persists that Atlético and their star may part ways.
Although Alvarez was unable to steal Erling Haaland, Arsenal and Chelsea have recently been seen as potential destinations for Alvarez, who made a good impression during his time in the Premier League.
However, Spanish publication Sport claims that if he is to leave Atlético in the near future, his preference is to remain in Spain with Barcelona.
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Sources close to Álvarez are said to have hinted that the striker would like to play for Barca in the future, but there is a perception that such a move would be difficult at present given Atlético’s difficulties meeting demands for such a key player.
The report also reveals that Atletico have already offered Alvarez a new contract in a bid to thwart interest from some of Europe’s elite. Despite already having a contract until 2030, they want to tie the striker to new terms, but it remains to be seen whether Alvarez will agree to that.
Alvarez in action for Atletico Madrid (Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Manchester United are among the Premier League clubs interested in bringing Alvarez back to England after two years at Manchester City, along with Arsenal and Chelsea.
Interestingly, all three clubs spent heavily on new strikers last summer, with Arsenal and United signing Victor Gokeres and Benjamin Sesco respectively. Chelsea have added Joao Pedro and Liam Delap to their squad.
Barcelona are claimed to be Alvarez’s preferred destination if he leaves Atletico Madrid (Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
However, none of them have been big hits, with Pedro the most of the quartet in terms of Premier League goals with 10, followed by Goqueres with eight. Sesco has scored six goals in the league, while Delap has just one.
Alvarez scored 36 goals in his two years at the Etihad, winning two league titles and the Champions League.
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