Updated: 28 Apr 2026 13:59 BST |
4 min read
Arsenal have received a boost in their reported pursuit of a new striker after the agent of Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez issued an official update on his in-demand client’s future.
Alvarez has established himself as one of the best strikers in world football following his move to Atletico from Manchester City in 2024, scoring 48 goals in 104 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side.
And ahead of the summer transfer window opening in less than two months’ time, the 26-year-old has been strongly linked with a big-money move to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side are not the only club interested in landing Alvarez, however, with La Liga giants Barcelona also believed to be keen on luring the Argentina international to Spotify Camp Nou.
However, as speculation continues to swirl surrounding Alvarez’s future, his agent has now rubbished speculation claiming the forward’s family have been house hunting in Barcelona ahead of a proposed switch.
In quotes carried by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Alvarez’s representative, Fernando Hidalgo, said of the rumours: “1000% false.
“No one in the family has been in Barcelona. The last time was for the match against Atletico, and they returned to Madrid the next day. Complete nonsense.”
Hidalgo’s update comes after Alvarez addressed talk of his future ahead of Atletico’s mouth-watering Champions League semi-final first-leg clash against reported suitors Arsenal at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday.
“I can’t keep coming out all the time to clarify or deny things,” Alvarez told a pre-match press conference. “I don’t give importance to what’s said on social media because it snowballs, so I focus on what I can do on the pitch.
“I try not to give it much importance because something comes out every week. I don’t waste energy on that, I focus on these matches and on doing my best for the team.”
Alvarez will be hoping to help Atletico seize the initiative when they lock horns with Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie, with the second leg to be played at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, 5 May.
The former River Plate attacker played a significant role in helping Atletico reach the last four of Europe’s premier club competition, scoring a wonderful free-kick in the first leg of their quarter-final clash with Barcelona.
Analysis: Alvarez remains one to watch in summer transfer window
It remains anyone’s guess as to whether Alvarez will be on the move when the transfer window re-opens on Monday, 15 June, with Arsenal and Barcelona believed to be leading the race for his signature.
Arsenal are reportedly looking to strengthen up front ahead of the 2026-27 season, with Viktor Gyokeres having scored just 12 league goals in his debut campaign in north London.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, meanwhile, are also believed to be keen admirers of Alvarez, with Robert Lewandowski expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
While Alvarez remains fully focused on helping Atletico win their maiden Champions League crown this season, the hitman could draw further admirers by impressing for Argentina at this summer’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
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