Chelsea Turn Attention to Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez After Summer Striker Signings Falter
Chelsea Football Club are reportedly setting their sights on Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez as their next major transfer target, following a season where their substantial investments in attacking talent have yet to yield the desired returns. The Blues' hierarchy are keen to bolster their frontline with a proven goalscorer, and the Argentine international has emerged as a prime candidate.
Alvarez Open to Premier League Return Amid Chelsea Interest
Reports emerging from Spain indicate that Chelsea have expressed a firm interest in securing the services of Julian Alvarez, who previously enjoyed a successful stint in England with Manchester City. During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Alvarez netted 36 goals across two seasons, operating largely as an understudy to Erling Haaland, yet still showcasing his considerable quality.
It is understood that the player himself is not opposed to a return to the Premier League, having secured significant silverware during his previous spell, including two Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and an FA Cup. His proven track record in English football makes him an attractive proposition for Chelsea as they seek to address their goal-scoring deficiencies.
Atletico Madrid's Stance and Potential £87m Summer Move
While Atletico Madrid have shown no immediate desire to part ways with their star striker, sources suggest a summer transfer could be feasible if interested clubs are prepared to meet a valuation in the region of £87 million. This figure would allow the Spanish side to recoup slightly more than their original investment in the player, who joined them in 2024.
Alvarez has emphatically demonstrated his calibre since moving to La Liga, scoring an impressive 40 goals in just 18 months at the Wanda Metropolitano. His consistent performances have cemented his reputation as one of Europe's most lethal forwards, a profile Chelsea have struggled to replicate within their own squad despite significant expenditure.
Chelsea's Striker Struggles Prompt Renewed Transfer Activity
The pursuit of Alvarez comes against a backdrop of underwhelming returns from Chelsea's own attacking acquisitions. The club invested a combined £90 million last summer to sign Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, but neither player has managed to establish themselves as a reliable source of goals.
Delap's campaign has been severely hampered by persistent injury issues, limiting him to just a single goal so far. Pedro, arriving from Brighton, has shown flashes of promise but has also failed to reach double figures in the scoring charts. This lack of firepower has prompted the Chelsea board to consider further reinforcements, continuing a trend of aggressive investment in attackers since the club's takeover.
When recently questioned about the persistent transfer speculation linking him with a move away from Madrid, Alvarez adopted a pragmatic stance. "Look, it doesn’t bother me," the World Cup winner stated. "I try not to pay much attention, but I know what’s being said. I’m very focused on this season, on what lies ahead with Atletico Madrid. So, I try to tune it out and think about myself, about continuing to grow as a player, and about winning."
Chelsea's interest underscores a clear strategic intent to resolve their goalscoring woes by targeting a player of proven pedigree and Premier League experience. Whether a deal materialises will likely depend on the club's willingness to meet Atletico's substantial asking price in the upcoming summer transfer window.
