Arsenal Challenge Barcelona and Also Enter the Race for Julián Álvarez

In an increasingly aggressive transfer market, Arsenal have decided to go all-in for Julián Álvarez, a deal that has also caught the eye of Barcelona and could reshape the attacking balance among Europe’s giants.

A Void Arsenal Have Yet to Fill

Despite heavy investment last summer, Arsenal are still searching for their ideal striker. The arrival of Viktor Gyökeres, signed from Sporting de Lisboa as the final piece to push Mikel Arteta’s side toward the Premier League title, has not delivered the expected impact. While he has nine goals in all competitions, his lack of non-penalty goals in league play has raised concerns at the Emirates.

That inconsistency has reignited the debate over the need for a new No. 9. Gabriel Jesus has had opportunities, but his uneven form and an approaching contract crossroads create uncertainty. Kai Havertz, another option for Arteta, continues to be hampered by injuries. In that context, the name Julián Álvarez emerges as an option that blends experience, versatility, and goals.

The Appeal of Julián Álvarez

The Argentine forward, now starring for Atlético de Madrid, already proved his value in the Premier League during his time at Manchester City, where he posted seasons of 17 and 19 goals across all competitions despite sharing the spotlight with Erling Haaland. That familiarity with English football is a major plus for Arsenal, who are still seeing Gyökeres struggle to adapt to the league’s intensity.

Under Diego Simeone, Álvarez has evolved into a dynamic second striker, combining relentless pressing, intelligent movement, and sharp finishing. He has been influential in the Champions League, and his advanced metrics — more shots, more key passes, and more chance creation per 90 minutes than Gyökeres or Gabriel Jesus — make him especially attractive to a team craving greater attacking fluidity.

Julián Álvarez celebrates a goal during the match between Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid.

Barcelona, the Other Major Contender

The deal will not be straightforward. Barcelona are also tracking the Argentine closely, aware of their own need for a reliable scorer to anchor their long-term project. Atlético de Madrid would reportedly consider selling for a fee in the region of £86 million, a figure that turns the move into a high-stakes gamble.

For Arsenal, however, the interest reflects not only what Julián Álvarez can bring, but also the shortcomings of their current options. Arteta wants a forward who can drop deep, link play, and still finish ruthlessly — a profile that the World Cup-winning Argentine fits almost perfectly.

A Bet That Could Change the Course

Signing Julián Álvarez would not guarantee instant success, but it would give Arsenal a new attacking dimension at a time when their frontline looks predictable. With pressure from Barcelona, ambition from Arsenal, and a firm stance from Atlético de Madrid, this is shaping up to be one of the blockbuster moves of the upcoming transfer window.

What is certain is that, in their quest to reclaim domestic dominance and compete in Europe, Arsenal are ready to challenge anyone — even Barcelona — for a striker capable of making the difference.