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- 29 minutes ago
How Barcelona just gifted Arsenal their DREAM summer transfer target
Suraj Radia
- 5 Feb 2026 20:02 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Arsenal have been given a clear path to signing their dream summer transfer target after Barcelona made a decision that would seemingly rule them out of the race for one of Europe’s most in-demand stars.
The Gunners are hoping to end their wait this season of more than 20 years without a Premier League title, having finished runners up in the last three successive campaigns under Mikel Arteta.
While Arsenal splashed the cash on a host of attacking depth last summer such as Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, Arteta’s side have lacked a consistent goalscorer this season and it has been suggested that a world class number nine could be among their top targets in the summer.
With Gyokeres still yet to find his feet in the Premier League, several reports have claimed that Arsenal could break the bank to sign Julian Alvarez, although Atletico Madrid could demand a fee in excess of €100 million for their star man.
Current ETV
Julián Alvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
Julián Alvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
ETV Range
€105.7M - €129.2M
A stumbling block for Arsenal has been the presence of Barcelona in the race for Alvarez, with the Catalans considering the 26-year-old as an ideal target, while Chelsea are also said to be pushing hard for the Argentine.
However, ESPN report that Barcelona are considering offering veteran striker Robert Lewandowski a new deal on reduced wages and they may look instead towards a cheaper option like impending free agent Dusan Vlahovic due to Alvarez’s asking price, seemingly removing a huge barrier to Arsenal’s path for the Atleti star.
Arsenal in pole position for Alvarez transfer after Barcelona twist
Barca have also made the decision to turn Marcus Rashford’s loan from Manchester United into a permanent €30m move, which could further drain their limited transfer resources.
Should Barca find themselves out of the running for Alvarez, Arsenal would likely be considered the favourites to sign the World Cup winner, with Chelsea’s interest contingent on other transfer plans and whether they can qualify for the Champions League.
For the Gunners, much will also depend on the sales made in order to make room in the squad for Alvarez, with Kai Havertz the latest forward to command interest from a European heavyweight.
Doubts also remain over the long-term futures of Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard but, particularly if Arsenal fall short with yet another title push, they could have been given a giant advantage into signing a game-changing piece for their summer.
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