Updated: 15 May 2026 16:54 BST |
4 min read
Arsenal are interested in a big-money move for Julian Alvarez, but Mikel Arteta does not plan to use the Atletico Madrid attacker as a centre-forward, FootballTransfers has learned.
FootballTransfers can confirm that the Gunners’ desire to sign Alvarez is genuine amid reports that the former Manchester City man ‘wants to leave’ Atleti this summer.
Early conversations have taken place between the Premier League leaders and Alvarez’s representatives over a potential move, with Arteta planning an interesting twist in the deal.
How will Mikel Arteta use Julian Alvarez?
Arsenal do not plan on using Alvarez primarily through the middle of their attack. Instead, he is expected to arrive at the Emirates Stadium and fill the problem role on the left of the forward line.
The North London side are known to be in the market for a solution in this area, with both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli potentially up for sale this summer. In particular, the Belgium international will turn 32 later this year, meaning that a long-term solution must be found.
While the Gunners’ stance may come as something of a surprise, it is logical when the bigger picture is studied.
Viktor Gyokeres was recruited last summer as the club’s marquee centre-forward, which is a role he is performing admirably after some teething problems. He can rotate with the fit-again Kai Havertz, who is in the midst of contract extension talks, as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers.
Alvarez could provide a supplementary option in this role, with Arteta a known admirer of players who can fit into multiple roles in a team.
Arsenal’s next €100m man?
Atletico Madrid’s stance over a transfer is likely to be tested. The Spanish club have been informed that Alvarez has no intention of signing a new contract.
Arsenal understand this and are likely to push for an early move in the summer transfer window.
Reports have also linked PSG and Barcelona with the player, though the Catalan side are highly unlikely to be able to afford his transfer fee, which is likely to come in at more than €100m.
Alvarez has an Estimated Transfer Value of €111m, meaning he could become the second Arsenal signing in history to breach the nine-figure mark after Declan Rice’s €117m from West Ham in 2017.
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