Atletico Madrid’s Argentine forward #19 Julian Alvarez is pictured amid boos from home supporters during the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal CF at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on August 23, 2026. FC Barcelona are still looking for a striker after Atletico Madrid rejected their bid to sign Julian Alvarez, AFP reports. (Photo by Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP via Getty Images)
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Julian Alvarez wants to leave Atletico Madrid this summer. This was made clear by the Argentine’s body language and behaviour following Sunday’s opening La Liga fixture against Villarreal when Alvarez performatively walked off the pitch on his own as the home supporters whistled at him.
This came amid intense speculation over a potential transfer to Barcelona. The Catalans have been extremely open in their pursuit of Alvarez, yet Atletico Madrid has so far dug in its heels over the valuation of the player which Barca has failed to match. Alvarez might not get his dream move.
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 08: Bruno Guimaraes signs for Arsenal with Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 08, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal could be a viable destination, though. The Premier League champions were in the market for a new attacker earlier in the transfer window when they moved for Vinicius Junior in the belief he could be tempted away from Real Madrid. Ultimately, the Brazilian signed a new contract to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Alvarez has also been mentioned as a target. He is a different sort of attacker to Vinicius, but there’s little doubt Alvarez would strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad, whether that is as a centre forward, a second striker or a wide player. The 26-year-old is proven in the Premier League and might be worth the money.
Last season, Arsenal won the Premier League title on the basis of its defensive strength. It kept no fewer than 19 clean sheets in 38 games with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba forming the strongest centre back pairing in the division. The Gunners were a rock-solid defensive unit.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 19: Julian Alvarez of Argentina in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
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This season, the hope is that Arsenal will evolve as an attacking outfit. The addition of Alvarez would help them achieve this. The Argentine is an all-round forward in the way he can dribble, pass and finish from almost anywhere on the field. Alvarez would be among the Premier League’s best attackers.
Arsenal has spent big to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United and Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa to bulk up its squad with Christos Tzolis coming in from Club Brugge to provide additional threat on the left wing. Tzolis in particular has made a good start to life at the Emirates Stadium. The Greek international has caught the eye.
By signing Alvarez, though, Arsenal would make a statement. It would drive home how the Gunners are the predominant force in the Premier League right now. Not only this, Alvarez could be the final third difference-maker that pushes Arsenal over the line as Champions League contenders.