Arsenal have been linked with Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, with the Spanish club identifying a replacement if the Argentine leaves Spain.
Julian Alvarez rumored to move to Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
Atlético Madrid have identified Victor Osimhen as a player they would like to sign if Julián Álvarez leaves this summer.
The Argentine has been in the Spanish capital ever since signing from Manchester City. He continues to be a key player in Diego Simeone’s side, and his performances have also attracted interest from Europe’s leading sides such as Arsenal and Barcelona.
Atlético have made back-to-back Champions League appearances and have not been forced to sell top players in years, but if Alvarez becomes serious, that could prompt a move elsewhere.
AS reported that Madrid are considering the possibility of the player leaving the club and will be keeping an eye on Galatasaray’s Osimhen. Atlético paid £81.5m for Alvarez, but they could ask for more if they land the 26-year-old, who has scored 49 goals for the club.
Galatasaray will want £64m before they consider selling Osimhen, who has been a big hit in Turkey since leaving Napoli two years ago.
Alvarez has reportedly turned down an offer of an improved contract from Atletico and Simeone will not persuade him to stay against his wishes as he wants a player who is committed to the cause. “That’s not a question for me, it’s a question for Julian,” he said recently. “He’s old enough to know what he’s going to do, and I’m confident he’ll make a decision.”
Barcelona are thought to be Alvarez’s preferred destination, although Arsenal are also keen. The Catalans have decided to let Robert Lewandowski leave the club, leaving a hole in the attacking line that needs to be filled.
Viktor Osimhen has been prolific since moving to Türkiye (Image: (Photo by Orhan Cicek/Anadolu via Getty Images))
Arsenal could match Barcelona financially and that could be where Alvarez wants to end up. South American players have long harbored a desire to end up in one of Spain’s two powerhouse teams.
The Gunners spent more than £60m to sign Victor Gokeres 12 months ago, but despite breaking the 20-goal barrier in his debut season, there were doubts over whether the Swede would be a key part of the team in the long term. He was missed in important games such as the Champions League final.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been accused of lacking quality in the final third, especially compared to Europe’s other elite teams, and could look to address that issue this summer.
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