Arsenal 'pushing' to sign €500m striker after Arteta request

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Arsenal are reportedly pushing to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and they are keen to finalise a deal before the start of pre-season on 20 July.

The Gunners are set for another busy summer transfer window before Deadline Day on 1 September and they have earmarked the likes of Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola and Bruno Guimaraes as top targets amid their pursuit of significant first-team reinforcements.

The 2025-26 Premier League champions have already signed Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier this summer, and it has been reported that talks over a move for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis are at an advanced stage.

Alvarez is also on Arsenal’s radar and The Independent report that Mikel Arteta’s side want to finalise a deal with Atletico Madrid before they begin pre-season training on 20 July.

It’s claimed that Alvarez is open to joining the Gunners, although his preference is to remain in Spain amid interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, Atleti have no desire to strengthen either of their direct rivals, which could pave the way for Arsenal to pounce.

The Argentina striker is reportedly Arteta’s preferred attacking signing and the north London giants are now pushing to reach an agreement, although advanced negotiations over a deal may have to wait until after the World Cup.

Alvarez’s current contract at Atletico Madrid includes a €500 million release clause and the Spanish outfit have previously pointed to this figure as they have no intention of allowing him to leave unless a suitable bid arrives.

However, Alvarez himself is eager to depart the Metropolitano and he confirmed this stance following Argentina’s win over Austria in the World Cup group stages. “I spoke with the people at [Atletico] I needed to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream,” he said.

“It's ‌not the time ‌to talk about this, but I also can't ‌hide it. I try to be an honest person.”

Who could leave Arsenal if Julian Alvarez joins?

Alvarez’s potential move to Arsenal would have serious implications for a number of current Gunners stars, most notably Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

The latter is almost certainly set to be sold regardless of whether Alvarez completes a transfer to the Emirates Stadium this summer, but Gyokeres’ future is a far more interesting discussion.

Havertz’s versatility means he will remain at the club unless a major offer is received, however Gyokeres could find himself demoted or potentially sold if Alvarez arrives.

The Sweden international impressed in patches during his debut season at Arsenal, but he would undoubtedly fall behind Alvarez in the pecking order and it remains to be seen if he would be willing to accept this role.