Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, according to a report from Spanish television program El Chiringuito. The potential deal, valued at €50 million plus Viktor Gyokeres moving in the opposite direction, is intended to bolster Mikel Arteta’s attacking options ahead of the upcoming season.
Real Madrid recently submitted a bid of €150 million for Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid reportedly rejected the offer. Barcelona are also said to be interested in the 26-year-old forward, who previously played for Manchester City. However, journalist Jordi Jota claims Atletico Madrid president Gil Marin informed Barcelona’s Joan Laporta that Alvarez is not for sale, suggesting a pre-existing agreement with Arsenal is in place.
The proposed transfer would see Arsenal pay €50 million upfront for Alvarez, with Viktor Gyokeres joining Atletico Madrid as part of the deal. However, the combined estimated transfer values of both players (€117.5m) fall significantly short of the figure Atletico Madrid are likely to demand for Alvarez, especially considering they turned down a €150m bid from Real Madrid.
Doubts about the veracity of the claim were also raised on El Chiringuito by journalist Alex Silvestre, who stated that sources at Arsenal have indicated they are no longer interested in Alvarez, and that his agent has communicated the player would only consider a move to Barcelona. Alvarez is currently with the Argentina national team at the World Cup, where he recently appeared as a substitute in a 3-0 victory over Algeria, following recovery from a left ankle sprain.
Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid last summer and quickly became an important player for Diego Simeone, contributing goals and assists. Gyokeres, meanwhile, has established himself as a prolific goalscorer in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, making him an attractive option for Atletico Madrid. A successful transfer hinges on both players agreeing personal terms with their respective new clubs, adding complexity to the negotiations. The potential move could provide Arsenal with a dynamic attacking option, while offering Atletico Madrid a replacement for Alvarez.
