Barcelona are preparing a bid of around €100million (£87m) for Arsenal target Julian Alvarez after making contact with Atletico Madrid. Alvarez, 26, is next on Barcelona's shopping list after they agreed a stunning €80m (£69m) deal with Newcastle for Anthony Gordon.
Barcelona's Summer Overhaul
With Marcus Rashford coming to the end of his loan move and Robert Lewandowski having turned down a new contract, chiefs at the Camp Nou have moved quickly to refresh their forward line. With a winger in Gordon on the verge of being secured, Barcelona want a striker to replace Lewandowski.
The Athletic reports that Barcelona are in talks with Atletico, who want to make a profit on the £82m they paid to sign Alvarez from Manchester City in the summer of 2024. Alvarez is keen on joining Hansi Flick's side, who won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup this year.
Arsenal Interest Confirmed
It has been added that Arsenal are also admirers of the Argentine, who is set to represent his country at the World Cup this summer. Atletico boss Diego Simeone confirmed Arsenal's interest ahead of the two teams' Champions League semi-final first leg last month.
"I'm not inside Julian Alvarez's head," Simeone said. "It's normal that an extraordinary player like Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona. It's normal because he's very good."
Alvarez has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances since joining Atletico, including two against Barcelona this season. The 26-year-old missed the last stretch of the campaign through injury, including Atletico's 5-1 defeat to Villarreal on the final day, which sent them down to fourth place.
Post-match, Simeone was once again asked about Alvarez's future. "It's not a question for me, it's a question for Julian," Simeone told Movistar. "He's old enough to know what he's going to do, and I imagine he's already made his decision."
Alvarez's Response
As for the man himself, he has been tight-lipped on whether or not he will leave. Alvarez said in March: "Maybe yes (he'll stay), maybe no, you never know. I'm very happy here. It's a question that keeps coming up, but I'm happy. I'm focused on the day-to-day, working to improve and give my all. I never said anything bad about the club. I'm very grateful. The people showed me their affection, and I'm very happy."
Barcelona's pursuit of Alvarez represents a significant statement of intent as they look to build on their domestic success. With Arsenal also in the race, the coming weeks could be crucial in determining the striker's future.
