Arsenal are emerging as serious contenders to sign Atletico’s Julian Alvarez
180419 Fotboll, La Liga Soccer Football - La Liga Santander - Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid - Anoeta Stadium, San Sebastian, Spain - April 19, 2018 Atletico Madrid's Juanfran during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Vincent West © Bildbyrån - COP 7 - SWEDEN ONLY
According to reports, Arsenal is serious in signing Julián Álvarez, and they have now made an official bid to do so. The former Manchester City attacker is still one of the most sought-after players in Europe, and there is a lot of conjecture about where he will play in the upcoming campaign.
Since his time at City, the Gunners have admired Álvarez; nevertheless, the Citizens refused to transfer him to a direct Premier League competitor, allowing him to relocate to Spain. He has made a name for himself at Atlético Madrid, but rumors indicate he would be keen to return to England and carry on with his Premier League career.
Encouraged by the prospect of acquiring one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, Arsenal is attempting a move that may be finalized in the summer transfer window. The club is said to have taken bold action to show their resolve after identifying Álvarez as a player who can improve their offensive options.
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As Mikel Arteta wants to recruit a top offensive player this summer, Alvarez has been most frequently linked to Arsenal, though Liverpool is also apparently interested. Regretfully for the Gunners, according to a Football Insider report, Alvarez would prefer to sign with Barcelona than play in the Premier League again.
The former Manchester City attacker will “prioritize a move” to Barcelona above Arsenal or Liverpool and “prefers to stay in Spain.” Since Alvarez’s contract expires in 2030, Atletico would have to pay a hefty sum—possibly more than £100 million.
Alvarez doesn’t appear like a serious aim because Arne Slot already has two excellent center forwards in Isak and Ekitike. If so, he would probably be employed widely, which the Argentine might not find appealing.
Playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland in Pep Guardiola’s assault was a major factor in Alvarez’s decision to quit Man City. Under Diego Simeone, he was given the chance to be the main man at Atletico.