Arsenal are the strongest bidders to sign Julian Alvarez and Andrea Berta ‘has put his name among his priorities for next season’, it has been claimed.
Alvarez has been linked with a surprise return to the Premier League – less than 12 months after moving to Atletico Madrid from Manchester City. He joined Diego Simeone’s side in a deal worth £81 million and has impressed since his move to Wanda Metropolitano, scoring 29 goals in 54 matches.
But there is talk that he could leave Atletico this summer. According to Marca, Arsenal are at the front of the queue to secure Alvarez’s signature should he decide to depart the Madrid club.
Liverpool are also in the race, as Arne Slot tries to strengthen his forward line after winning the Premier League title.
It’s added that Berta, who signed Alvarez at Atletico, has placed the former City and River Plate man at the top of his summer shopping list ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Berta left Atletico in January and instead was confirmed as Arsenal’s sporting director in March, replacing Edu Gaspar after his exit last November.
Berta is said to ‘know exactly’ what Alvarez can offer and his relationship with the Atletico forward could be a major helping hand in a potential move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Although Arsenal are interested in Alvarez and want to sign him, it’s Marca claim that Alvarez isn’t keen on a return to England and is ‘more comfortable’ in Madrid.
He has become one of the standout players in La Liga and is hoping to remain at Atletico ahead of the Club World Cup and next season.
When asked about transfer links regarding Alvarez, Simeone said on Sunday: “We need to keep nurturing the team. What Julian Alvarez did, the simplicity of finding a teammate.
“We need Julian Alvarez, the one we went looking for. I hope he’s happy to be on this team, and we can help him with a collective effort to maximise his talent.”
Alvarez isn’t the only centre forward Arsenal want. Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as a top target for the Gunners after plunging 54 goals in 52 appearances this season. He helped Sporting CP win the Taca de Portugal on Sunday, as his side beat Benfica 3-1 after extra-time.
Following that triumph, which came seven days on from Sporting grabbing a second consecutive Liga Portugal title, Gyokeres was again asked about his future with one question mentioning Arsenal directly. “I don’t know anything, I tried to focus on the last few games, if something is true, we’ll see,” he said.
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