Arsenal have made a concrete move for Julián Alvarez, presenting the Atletico Madrid striker with a personal terms offer as Mikel Arteta identifies the 26-year-old World Cup winner as his top attacking priority for the summer, according to French outlet Media Foot with Paris Saint-Germain also pursuing him and both clubs looking to beat the other to an agreement before Atletico are approached.
The move escalates what has been a developing story across two separate markets. Reports from France had already flagged PSG’s serious interest in Alvarez, with Arsenal’s very own Gabriel Martinelli cited as the backup option if that pursuit fails. Reports from Spain had confirmed Arsenal and PSG were both in the picture alongside Barcelona, whose finances make their involvement complicated.
Now Media Foot’s development represents the first concrete action from either of the front-runners: Arsenal have moved from interest to offer, presenting personal terms to the player directly as they attempt to secure an agreement before entering discussions with Atletico.
Why Arsenal want Julián Alvarez so badly
Alvarez has been exceptional since joining Atletico from Manchester City in August 2024. He has contributed 18 goals and nine assists from 45 appearances this season across all competitions, with eight La Liga goals from 29 appearances and a broader xG output of 7.74 suggesting his goal return from open play is broadly in line with his expected contribution. Perhaps more tellingly for Arsenal, his big chances created tally of 10 demonstrates that he is not simply a finisher but a player who manufactures opportunities for teammates, a quality Arteta values highly in attacking players.
Alvarez’s profile sits between a classic number nine and an attacking midfielder. He presses aggressively, combines effectively in tight spaces and can operate across the front line, which maps naturally onto how Arteta asks his forwards to function. The fact that Arteta has identified him as the top priority rather than one name on a shortlist suggests the fit is considered close to perfect, and that the club are prepared to move decisively to avoid being beaten to him.
The obstacles between Arsenal and Julián Alvarez
Atletico Madrid hold him under contract until 2030 and his Transfermarkt value sits at €90m, down from a peak of €100m in June 2025. A negotiated deal will require the club to engage seriously with Los Rojiblancos, who are under no financial pressure to sell and will not do so cheaply.
Diego Simeone also views Alvarez as a central figure, making any internal push from the player the likely trigger for a move to become feasible.
Media Foot report that Alvarez himself is open to a new challenge despite enjoying life in Madrid, believing he can lead a club of greater ambition. That self-assessment is what has opened the door.
As of now there is no agreement between Arsenal and the player, and the club hope to finalise personal terms before approaching Atletico formally. The World Cup in the summer adds urgency to the timeline: if Alvarez has a strong tournament with Argentina, his value and leverage will only increase.
