Arsenal are intensifying efforts to complete the signing of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez before the start of pre-season, with the Gunners receiving a major boost as competition for the Argentine appears to have diminished.
The 26-year-old enhanced his reputation on the international stage by scoring the extra-time winner in Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Switzerland in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Alvarez produced a stunning long-range curling strike to send the reigning world champions into the quarter-finals.
His latest heroics come at a time when Arsenal’s pursuit has gathered momentum.
Although Alvarez is reportedly open to joining the North London club, his preferred option had been to remain in Spain, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid viewed as his ideal destinations.
However, Atletico Madrid are determined not to strengthen either of their La Liga rivals and have made it clear they have no intention of selling the forward to Barcelona or Real Madrid. The club’s stance has reportedly been reinforced by frustration over the public nature of interest from both Spanish giants, with Atletico responding through a series of pointed social media posts.
The situation has left Arsenal in a stronger position to negotiate, with Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
Paris Saint-Germain had also monitored Alvarez’s situation in recent months, but the French champions are understood to have cooled their interest as they continue to assess multiple attacking targets.
Arsenal are now hoping to take advantage of the reduced competition and conclude negotiations before the squad returns for pre-season preparations.
Alvarez has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards following another impressive season for Atletico Madrid and his continued influence for Argentina, where he has once again demonstrated his ability to deliver on football’s biggest stage.
The Gunners believe the versatile attacker would add quality, experience and greater firepower to an Arsenal side aiming to challenge for major honours both domestically and in Europe next season.
