Barcelona is preparing to send an offer worth about 100 million Euros (87 million pounds) to recruit Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. This move could create a major obstacle for Arsenal in the race to sign the Argentine striker.
According to many sources in Spain, Alvarez has become the next priority target for the Camp Nou team after they reached an agreement worth 80 million Euros with Newcastle United for the Anthony Gordon deal. In the context that Robert Lewandowski is not renewing his contract and Marcus Rashford is preparing to end his loan period, Barcelona is urgently rebuilding their attack before the new season.
Barcelona is said to have opened negotiations with Atletico Madrid. The Spanish capital team is ready to consider selling Alvarez if they receive a suitable fee, thereby earning a significant profit from the 82 million pounds they spent to bring him back from Manchester City in the summer of 2024.
On Alvarez's side, the 26-year-old striker is said to be very interested in the prospect of moving to Camp Nou to work under the guidance of Hansi Flick. Blaugrana has just had a successful season with La Liga and Spanish Super Cup titles, and is aiming to build a new attack for the future.
Meanwhile, Arsenal has long closely monitored Alvarez's situation. The London team considers the Argentine international one of the top transfer targets to upgrade the attacking power. Arsenal's interest has even been confirmed by Diego Simeone himself before the Champions League semi-final match between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal last month.
It is completely normal for an excellent player like Julian Alvarez to receive attention from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain or Barcelona. He is a very good player" - Simeone said.
The recent statements of the Argentine strategist make Alvarez's future even more unpredictable. After Atletico Madrid's last match last season, Simeone continued to be asked about the possibility of his student leaving.
That's not a question for me but for Julian Alvarez. He is mature enough to know what he wants and I think he has made his own decision" - the Atletico captain said.
These statements immediately sparked speculation that Alvarez may be seriously considering finding new challenges in his career.
Since joining Atletico Madrid, Alvarez has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances in all competitions. In the past season alone, he continued to show stable form and scored twice against Barcelona. However, injury at the end of the season caused the Argentine striker to be sidelined in some important matches, including the 1-5 defeat to Villarreal in the final round.
Although transfer rumors are appearing more and more, Alvarez is still cautious when asked about his future: "Maybe I will stay, maybe not. In football, you never know what will happen.
I am very happy here. I focus on my daily work, try to improve myself and contribute to the team. I am always grateful to Atletico Madrid as well as the affection that fans have for me.
With the participation of Barcelona and the determination to upgrade the attack this summer, Arsenal is facing a fiercer competition than ever if they want to bring Alvarez to Emirates. The coming weeks are likely to be decisive for the future of the Argentine striker.
