The future of Julián Álvarez is once again at the center of the European transfer market. While the Argentine forward is going through the 2026 World Cup with the Argentine National Team, where he was key with a stunning goal in the 3-1 victory over Switzerland that secured a spot in the semifinals, Arsenal has reportedly decided to move forward to try to sign him for the next season.
According to The Independent, the club managed by Mikel Arteta would seek to accelerate negotiations before the start of preseason and take advantage of the fact that other competitors seem to have lost ground in the race for the Córdoba striker.
Mikel Arteta wants Julian Álvarez at Arsenal
The "Gunners'" interest is not new. Arteta has considered for quite some time that Álvarez has the ideal qualities to enhance the team's attack thanks to his versatility, pressing ability, and experience in the most important scenarios. After winning the Premier League, the Spanish coach wants to add a top-level forward to make a leap in quality and finally achieve the Champions League.
However, the operation appears far from being resolved. The main obstacle is financial: Arsenal is not willing to exceed an offer close to 90 million pounds, while Atlético Madrid would only agree to negotiate for a higher figure. Additionally, there is competition from Barcelona, which also has the native of Calchín among its main targets to strengthen the attack, although the red-and-white team is also not willing to negotiate with a direct rival from LaLiga.
Leading the efforts from the London club would be Andrea Berta, the current sporting director of the London club and former executive of Atlético, where he worked for over a decade. This knowledge of the structure of the Spanish club could facilitate a potential dialogue between both institutions.
Julián Álvarez could be a new signing for Arsenal after the 2026 World Cup
Weeks ago, Julián himself had acknowledged that he had conversations with Atlético's executives to define his future. "I spoke with the people from Atlético de Madrid and I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfill my dream", he expressed during the World Cup, without revealing what his preferred destination was.
However, after the Argentine National Team's qualification for the semifinals, the former River player avoided referring again to his contractual situation and made it clear that all his attention is focused on the World Cup. Meanwhile, reports from England suggest that Arsenal will continue to insist on trying to finalize one of the most important signings in the European market.
