Arsenal have been linked with Atletico Madrid star Julián Alvarez and will face stiff competition if they want to sign him when the summer transfer window opens.
Julian Alvarez targeted by Arsenal (Image: Oscar DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal will face competition from Barcelona in the race to sign Julián Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Alvarez, 26, has emerged as a target for the Gunners, who have been exploring the terms of a potential deal.
The former Manchester City star only joined Atletico 18 months ago but could be a strong addition to Arsenal this summer. But signing Alvarez won’t come cheap, with the La Liga side paying City £81.5m for his services and will be hoping to reap a handsome return.
There is speculation that Barcelona want the Argentine to replace Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires in June. Barca witnessed the Argentine’s quality when he scored in the 4-0 loss to Atlético in the Copa del Rey earlier this month.
Now, members of Barcelona’s senior management are claiming that the club are indeed looking for a new striker. Ferran Olive, Barça’s treasurer under president Joan Laporta, who is up for re-election this month, was asked if he was in a position to sign a top striker.
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“Barcelona is in a position to do so,” Olive told Cremania. “In fact, Barcelona is currently looking for a top striker.”
The manager was then asked if Lewandowski could be offered a new contract. “No, not in principle,” Olive replied. “I would say no.”
The Barcelona striker insists he has not yet decided on his future, but Oliver’s comments speak for themselves. Lewandowski’s departure could lead to a move to MLS side Chicago Fire, which would free up room in Barça’s budget for a player like Alvarez.
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Robert Lewandowski’s contract expires in June (Image: Pressinphoto/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Arsenal want to use sporting director Andrea Berta as a trump card to beat Barcelona to the signing of the 26-year-old. Berta was the man who would bring Alvarez to Madrid in 2024.
In October, the Argentina international said he was “very calm” when asked about his future. “People talk about it all the time,” Arabrez told ESPN. “There was a lot of talk last year, but the season has just started and I’m focused on growing every day, doing my best for the club, helping my teammates and winning here.”
Although he scored 29 goals in his first season at Atlético, he has not done much this season. Alvarez currently has 13 goals and will be looking to increase that tally, especially when he faces Barcelona again in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at Camp Nou next Tuesday.
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