Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is prioritising a move to Barcelona ahead of Arsenal this summer, according to reports in Spain.
Alvarez has just finished his second season with Atletico Madrid having joined in an £81.5 million deal from Manchester City two years ago.
Arsenal have explored the possibility of securing a deal for Alvarez in the summer transfer window and initial enquiries have been made. The Gunners’ sporting director, Andrea Berta, negotiated the deal that took Alvarez to Atletico in August 2024, has a close relationship with Argentine’s agent Fernando Hidalgo.
However, Marca reports that Alvarez has rejected Atletico’s offer of an improved contract and has told the club that he wants to join ‘a more ambitious project’.
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The report adds that Alvarez’s target destination is Barcelona but a deal with the La Liga champions will be difficult as Atletico are demanding a €150m (£129.5m) transfer fee.
Meanwhile, Radio Marca’s Roberto Gomez has revealed that Atletico have privately urged Alvarez to resolve his future quickly.
‘Atletico Madrid has issued an ultimatum to Julian Alvarez,’ Gomez said.
‘If you have an offer, make it now. Don’t wait here until August 14 or 15 at midnight. We don’t want any summer snakes or sharks.’
Alvarez has not won a trophy in two seasons with Atletico but has 49 goals and 17 assists in 106 appearances.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast this week, Paul Merson endorsed Arsenal’s push to sign Alvarez this summer.
‘I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,’ Merson said.
‘I’m a big fan. If they could get him I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.’
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