Updated: 17 May 2026 10:33 BST |
5 min read
Arsenal have been handed a boost in their reported pursuit of Julian Alvarez after being told Barcelona’s interest in signing the Atletico Madrid striker has cooled, according to reports in Spain.
The Gunners have a genuine interest in landing Alvarez in the summer, according to BBC Sport, though the club would need to offload either Viktor Gyokeres or Kai Havertz in order to fund a deal.
A separate report from The Athletic understands Alvarez, regarded as one of the best strikers in world football, is Barcelona’s dream target as they look to sign a replacement for departing forward Robert Lewandowski.
However, as both clubs vie for the Argentina international’s signature, Arsenal have now been made aware that Barcelona’s stance has changed ahead of the summer transfer window opening next month.
According to Spanish publication SPORT, Barcelona believe it will be impossible for them to meet Alvarez’s asking price, with a separate report from the same outlet claiming Atletico want at least €150million (£130m) to part with the 26-year-old.
Barcelona, who have been plagued with financial issues in recent seasons, had earmarked Chelsea striker Joao Pedro as a cheaper alternative to Alvarez, according to The Athletic.
However, SPORT also understands Pedro, 24, is likely to remain a Chelsea player next season if incoming manager Xabi Alonso wants to keep him, in another blow to Barcelona’s transfer plans.
Chelsea announced the appointment of Alonso as their new manager on a four-year contract on Sunday, with the Spaniard set to officially take over on 1 July.
Like Alvarez, Brazil international Pedro is viewed as one of the best forwards in the world at the moment, having scored 20 goals in an impressive first season at Chelsea.
A separate report from the Daily Mail claimed Barcelona sporting director Deco was expected to have attended Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium in order to run the rule over Pedro, who was on the losing side as Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Pedro and Alvarez are ones to watch at this summer’s World Cup
As speculation continues to swirl regarding Pedro and Alvarez’s futures, both strikers could put themselves in the shop window with strong performances at this summer’s World Cup.
Pedro is aiming to lead Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil to their sixth World Cup in North America, whereas Alvarez is hoping to help Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022.
While Pedro has impressed in a difficult season for Chelsea, Alvarez meanwhile has also caught the eye for an Atletico side who reached the Copa del Rey final and Champions League semi-finals, scoring 20 goals in all competitions this term.
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