Argentine striker Julián Álvarez, the current star of Atlético Madrid and World Cup winner with Argentina, has become the hottest name on the transfer market. His outstanding season with the Colchoneros—scoring 29 goals and providing 6 assists—has caught the eye of several European giants. According to journalist Matías Palacios on El Chiringuito, clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich have already started talks to sign the 24-year-old forward.

The battle for “La Araña”

All three clubs are ready to make a big investment to land the former River Plate and Manchester City player. Atlético’s asking price is high—reports suggest any offer must top $108 million (around €100 million). These figures are now on the radar of the sporting directors at these European powerhouses.

In England, both Liverpool and Arsenal see Álvarez as a key striker reinforcement. The Reds need a reliable center forward given Darwin Núñez’s inconsistency, while the Gunners view Álvarez as an alternative to their main target, Viktor Gyökeres. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich wants a long-term replacement for Harry Kane, who turns 32 in July, and they value Álvarez’s versatility to fit their system.

Atlético’s stance and next steps

At Atlético, president Enrique Cerezo tried to calm the rumors: “Julián is an Atlético player and happy here,” but he admitted any offer above the $81 million they paid Manchester City last year would be considered. The club insists Álvarez is a key part of Diego Simeone’s project, especially with the 2025 Club World Cup on the horizon.

Meanwhile, Álvarez’s camp remains quiet. Meetings between interested clubs and the player’s representatives are expected soon. Although Barcelona has shown some interest, the main battle seems to be among the Premier League sides and the German giant. Julián Álvarez’s future is up in the air and promises to be one of the biggest transfers in the upcoming window.