How Arsenal could line up with Julian Alvarez

Cameron Smith

• 24 Jan 2026 05:01 CST
• 4 min read

Nieuws

Arsenal are among the clubs keeping close tabs on Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez ahead of a possible transfer pursuit this summer.

The Argentina international has solidified his reputation as one of the best forwards in world football since his move to the Wanda Metropolitano in 2024 and his form has alerted a number of top clubs.

Barcelona have earmarked the 25-year-old as their dream replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who could depart Camp Nou later this year, while Paris Saint-Germain are also known admirers amid rumours that Goncalo Ramos may leave the club in 2026.

In addition, Arsenal and Chelsea have both reportedly initiated talks with intermediaries close to Alvarez in a bid to gauge the possibility of a summer transfer.

ESPN have confirmed that Mikel Arteta’s side are eager to explore a deal for the former Manchester City star, with the Gunners’ sporting director Andrea Berta responsible for Alvarez’s move to Atletico Madrid before he was appointed in north London last year.

It’s understood that Atletico Madrid are set to demand a fee in excess of €100 million to sanction a sale this summer, but Arsenal are monitoring his situation ahead of a possible bid.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through how Alvarez could fit in at the Emirates Stadium.

How Arsenal would line up with Julian Alvarez

Arsenal’s formidable starting XI would barely change if Alvarez arrives and it would once again be among the very best in world football.

David Raya is the undisputed number one at the club, while Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori have identified themselves as Arteta’s preferred back four over the past few months.

In midfield, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice are all nailed-on starters when fully fit, although the likes of Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz will also be relied upon heavily as rotation options.

Bukayo Saka is equally indispensable on the right flank, despite the presence of the exciting Noni Madueke, while Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard will likely continue their battle for a starting berth on the opposite side in 2026-27.

If Alvarez arrives, however, it will raise serious questions over the long-term futures of Gabriel Jesus and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres.

The Argentina superstar would expect to become an immediate starter if he joins Arsenal, meaning both Jesus and Gyokeres would fall down the pecking order, and the former could feasibly be sold.

Gyokeres, on the other hand, may be demoted to second choice following a fairly underwhelming debut campaign, in which he has failed to replicate the form he consistently displayed at Sporting CP.

Arsenal starting XI with Julian Alvarez

GK: David Raya

RB: Jurrien Timber

CB: William Saliba

CB: Gabriel Magalhaes

LB: Riccardo Calafiori

CDM: Martin Zubimendi

CM: Martin Odegaard

CM: Declan Rice

RW: Bukayo Saka

ST: Julian Alvarez

LW: Gabriel Martinelli

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