Chelsea submit €85m offer for their next superstar striker

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 20 Jan 2026 09:03 GMT
  • 4 min read
Liam Rosenior, Todd Boehly, Chelsea
© IMAGO

Chelsea have reportedly made initial enquiries over a summer deal for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as they look to bring him back to England later this year.

Article continues under the video

The Argentina international has enjoyed a stellar 18-month spell at the Wanda Metropolitano, but he has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League in recent weeks.

Current ETV
Player image Julián Alvarez
Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid logo

Atlético Madrid

Julián Alvarez
Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Atlético Madrid

€120M

ETV Range

€108M - €132M

Arsenal are understood to be keeping close tabs on his situation, amid Viktor Gyokeres’ struggles so far this season, while Chelsea are also firmly in the race for his signature as they continue their pursuit of another new striker.

The Blues already have Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Marc Guiu in their ranks, with Emmanuel Emegha and Dastan Satpaev set to further bolster the options at Liam Rosenior’s disposal when they officially join the club this summer.

Despite this, Chelsea are monitoring a potential move for Alvarez and reports in Spain have speculated that his international team-mate Enzo Fernandez has been told to discuss a Stamford Bridge switch with the striker.

Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid
© IMAGO - Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid

Julian Alvarez to join Chelsea?

Transfer reporter IndyKaila now claims that Chelsea have ramped up their pursuit of Alvarez by lodging an initial offer worth roughly €85 million.

It has previously been reported that Atletico Madrid may demand as much as €150m to sanction a sale this summer, but Alvarez is understood to be keen to return to the Premier League and Diego Simeone’s side are ready to cash in on the Argentina star.

As a result, Chelsea are reportedly hoping to finalise a deal for €85m having identified the 25-year-old as a top attacking target.

Alvarez, who helped Manchester City win the treble during his debut campaign at the club, has scored 40 goals and provided 13 assists in 84 appearances for Atletico Madrid, and he is currently the seventh-most valuable player in world football, as per his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV).

Football transfer news headlines today

DONE DEALS: Every official completed transfer around Europe today

TRANSFER RUMOURS: Chelsea willing to sell Enzo Fernandez as January deal close

Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Arsenal DEAL, Jacquet AGREEMENT, Man Utd PLAN

Jeremy Jacquet: Chelsea’s new €65m signing has one problem no one is talking about

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

Google Play

App Store

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.