Barcelona are poised to make an official bid for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano and multiple Catalan publications. The club is preparing an initial offer for the Argentina international after holding talks with his representatives.
Arsenal had previously been strongly linked with Alvarez, with reports as early as January 2026 indicating the Gunners’ interest and subsequent discussions with the player’s camp. However, Barcelona’s entry into the race, coupled with interest from Paris Saint-Germain, has complicated matters. Despite this increased competition, Arsenal remain confident in their ability to secure Alvarez’s signature, bolstered by their recent Premier League title win and upcoming Champions League final appearance.
Alvarez’s representatives reportedly informed Atletico Madrid of his desire to leave after the club rejected a new contract offer months ago. This has encouraged other clubs, including Arsenal and PSG, to pursue the 26-year-old. Atletico are believed to be demanding a fee of €150 million (£130m, $174m) for their star forward.
Barcelona’s initial bid is expected to be around €90 million (£78m, $104.5m) plus bonuses. Meetings between Barcelona sporting director Deco and Alvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, lasted for over four hours on Wednesday, indicating the seriousness of the club’s intent. Sources suggest Barcelona are leveraging their strong relationship with Atletico to facilitate the transfer.
Alvarez enjoyed a successful spell at Manchester City, winning two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the Champions League. He was also a key member of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 World Cup, as well as the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles. His proven track record and winning mentality make him a highly sought-after asset for top European clubs. The outcome of this transfer saga could significantly impact Barcelona’s attacking options and potentially alter Arsenal’s summer transfer plans.
