Arsenal are ready to sign Julián Álvarez in the final week of the transfer window, sources say. The 26-year-old Argentine striker could command a fee that may exceed the club-record £105 million paid for Declan Rice.
Arsenal’s Interest
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta, who negotiated Álvarez’s move from Manchester City to Atlético Madrid in 2024, has been quietly preparing the club for a potential deal. Sources told ESPN that the Gunners are willing to offer a fee that surpasses the record £105 million for Declan Rice, and Atlético may be open to as much as €150 million if the club softens its stance. Mikel Arteta has expressed a keen desire to bolster his attacking options, and the club is positioned to act quickly should the striker or Atlético provide a green light.
Atlético’s Stance
Despite Arsenal’s willingness, Atlético Madrid has been reluctant to sell the 26-year-old to a La Liga rival, with the club reportedly preferring to keep him on the squad. Álvarez himself has indicated a preference for a move to Barcelona, but the club has resisted that idea. The tension was evident during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal, when Álvarez was booed at the Metropolitano Stadium and later jeered after coming on as a 66th-minute substitute. Head coach Diego Simeone addressed the incident, explaining that the club decided to keep the striker away from the stands and in the locker room.
Potential Impact on the Transfer Window
Arsenal’s readiness to exceed the club-record fee could force Atlético to reconsider its position, especially if the backlash from fans pushes the club to act. The transfer window’s final week offers a narrow window of opportunity, and Arsenal’s ability to move swiftly could secure Álvarez before other clubs, such as Barcelona, make a formal approach. Meanwhile, Arsenal is also expected to continue negotiations over the possible departure of Gabriel Martinelli, who has been deemed surplus to requirements and has attracted interest from Al-Hilal.
The outcome of the Álvarez situation will likely shape the Gunners’ transfer strategy for the remainder of the window, as Arteta seeks to strengthen his squad for the remainder of the season.
