Simeone wants Julian Álvarez to stay at Atlético, but Arsenal are reportedly leading the chase as European giants circle the World Cup winner.
Julian Alvarez may have become the heartbeat of Atletico Madrid‘s attack, but his performances in Spain have not gone unnoticed in north London. According to Marca, Arsenal are now the most aggressive suitor for the 25-year-old Argentina international, with the forward emerging as a priority target ahead of what is expected to be a decisive summer window for Mikel Arteta’s side.
While Diego Simeone has publicly declared that Alvarez is central to his plans for both the immediate and long-term future, Marca report that Arsenal have moved to the front of the queue for a player who has flourished since leaving Manchester City.
Barcelona and Liverpool are also monitoring the situation, though the former are not expected to make a move until 2026 due to financial constraints, and the latter are yet to make a concrete offer. “It is now Arsenal who are bidding the strongest for his services,” they write.
Marca claim that Arsenal‘s intent is clear, with Andrea Berta, the club’s recently-appointed technical advisor, and former Atletico man, identifying Alvarez as a key name on the club’s recruitment shortlist.
The club are said to be prepared to pay a premium, although Atletico remain unthreatened by Premier League wages and are determined to retain the forward, who is currently on a contract worth around €7 million net per season, plus bonuses.
Alvarez has scored 29 goals in all competitions this season and has assumed a leadership role in Atletico’s attack, particularly following the decline in influence of Antoine Griezmann. Though he is said to be happy in Madrid, there is acknowledgment that the scale of Premier League interest could prove persuasive if backed by a suitable financial package and a compelling sporting project.
As Marca outline, Barcelona remain long-term admirers of Alvarez and see him as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski in the 2026–27 campaign, but their immediate focus is elsewhere. Atletico, for their part, are adamant they will not be drawn into a salary bidding war.
Alvarez faced Arsenal four times when he was with City, failing to score or assist a single goal. He is currently valued at €90m