Arsenal handed unexpected Julian Alvarez transfer boost

Cameron Smith

• 17 Feb 2026 03:30 CST
• 3 min read

News

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram, which could help Arsenal in their bid to secure Julian Alvarez’s signature this summer.

Thuram has been a standout performer since his arrival at San Siro in 2023 and he has 17 goal involvements in just 29 appearances across all competitions so far this season.

The France international has been tipped to leave Inter on a number of occasions over the past 12 months, amid rumoured interest from clubs in the Premier League, and Barcelona have now identified him as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

That is according to Spanish publication Fichajes, who claim that Thuram is being actively considered by the Blaugrana hierarchy as they scour the European market for a player capable of becoming their new starting number nine.

Lewandowski is currently due to become a free agent in July and although rumours have suggested he could be handed a one-year contract extension, he is being seriously pursued by MLS outfit Chicago Fire ahead of a potential blockbuster Bosman move.

As a result, Barcelona are likely to be in the market for a new striker this summer and Thuram has reportedly been identified as an alternative to the aforementioned Alvarez.

Julian Alvarez transfer update

Widespread reports have confirmed that Alvarez is currently considered to be Barcelona’s primary centre forward target for 2026, while the Argentina international is also keen to join Hansi Flick’s side.

However, financial issues may prevent Barca from matching Atletico Madrid’s asking price of over €100 million, which is potentially why Thuram has been lined up as a cheaper alternative.

Furthermore, Barcelona’s interest in the Frenchman could help Arsenal win the race for Alvarez’s signature, with the Gunners eager to bring him back to England amid the struggles of Viktor Gyokeres since his arrival from Sporting CP.

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Alvarez, although he isn’t expected to join the Blues and a transfer to Arsenal is deemed far more likely.

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