Arsenal Linked With Álvarez as Atlético Demand Big-Money Fee
Sports Updated: 23 January 2026 17:39 EAT
Atletico Madrid want away star striker Julian Alvarez
Arsenal are assessing a potential summer transfer for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, with the Premier League side understood to have made early, informal enquiries as they plan for the next transfer window. The interest is exploratory, with no formal bid submitted at this stage.
Sources close to the situation say Arsenal’s evaluation is being led by sporting director Andrea Berta, who previously worked at Atlético Madrid and was involved in Álvarez’s move from Manchester City in 2024. That existing relationship is believed to have opened initial lines of communication.
Despite the growing speculation, Arsenal officials are said to be gathering information rather than negotiating, as the club weighs the feasibility of a deal that would likely rank among its most expensive signings.
Atlético Madrid are not actively looking to sell and would only consider offers at a premium price, with reports in Spain indicating a valuation well in excess of €100 million if they were to entertain talks at all.
The Spanish club remain financially stable and view Álvarez as a central figure in Diego Simeone’s project, further strengthening their stance against a summer departure.
Álvarez is under contract until 2030 and is believed to have a very high release clause, widely reported as a deterrent rather than a realistic exit route, complicating any potential transfer.
Barcelona and Chelsea have also been loosely linked with the Argentine international, though no rival club is understood to have made a concrete approach so far.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains preliminary, with any progress dependent on Atlético’s willingness to negotiate and the Gunners’ readiness to meet a demanding valuation in the summer window.
Tags: Arsenal Fc Epl La Liga Signstvkenya Signs Media Signs Media Kenya Limited Sports Journalism Atletico De Madrid
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FELIX MAKONA
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