Arsenal have begun exploring one of the most eye-catching moves of the upcoming summer transfer window: the signing of Atlético de Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, just a year after breaking their transfer record with the arrival of Viktor Gyökeres

According to ESPN, the driving force behind this bold move is sporting director Andrea Berta, who maintains deep ties with the Atlético hierarchy following his highly successful 12-year spell at the Metropolitano. The Italian executive was also a key figure in Álvarez’s €95 million transfer from Manchester City to Atlético in August 2024.

Sources close to the situation claim that Arsenal have already made informal enquiries to assess the feasibility of the deal. Berta maintains a close relationship with the player’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, which could help open preliminary talks before the London club decides whether to submit a formal offer.

The interest in Álvarez underlines the uncompromising ambition of the project led by Mikel Arteta. The Argentine had already been considered last summer alongside Benjamin Šeško, before the club ultimately opted for Gyökeres. However, figures at the Emirates are not ruling out revisiting their long-term targets if they believe a clear upgrade is available.

Prising Álvarez away from Atlético will be no easy task. The 26-year-old forward is under contract until 2030 and has an eye-watering €500 million release clause. While that figure is viewed as unrealistic, sources in Spain suggest the club would demand well over €100 million just to enter negotiations.

Arsenal would not be alone in the race. Barcelona are closely monitoring the World Cup winner, although their well-documented financial issues could hand the English club an advantage, as they do possess the economic muscle required to pull off a deal of this magnitude.

Since leaving Manchester City, Álvarez has continued to perform at an elite level, scoring 40 goals in 85 appearances under Diego Simeone. His relentless pressing, attacking versatility and clinical finishing fit perfectly with Arteta’s playing model, making him an ambitious yet highly tempting target for the Gunners.

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