Updated: 19 May 2026 11:00 BST |
4 min read
Arsenal and Barcelona have been dealt a blow in the race to sign Julian Alvarez after being told the Atletico Madrid striker wants to sign for Paris Saint-Germain this summer, according to reports in Spain.
Alvarez has become one of the best forwards in the world since joining La Liga side Atletico from Manchester City in 2024, scoring 49 goals in 106 appearances for Diego Simeone’s men.
Such has been Alvarez’s impressive form in front of goal that the Argentina international has been strongly linked with both Arsenal and Barcelona ahead of the transfer window reopening on Monday, 15 June.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are understood to have a genuine interest in signing Alvarez this summer, according to BBC Sport, though the club may need to offload either Viktor Gyokeres or Kai Havertz in order to fund a deal.
Meanwhile, The Athletic say Barcelona have made Alvarez their primary target as they look to secure a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
A separate report from Spanish publication SPORT last week claimed Atletico have slapped a €150million (£130m) price tag on Alvarez, a figure which Barcelona are reportedly unable to reach.
One club who can afford that figure is PSG, according to Spanish source Radio Marca, who claim Luis Enrique’s side are aware that Alvarez wants to join them – and not Arsenal or Barcelona – this summer.
In quotes carried by Radio Marca, journalist Roberto Gomez told the outlet: “Barcelona doesn’t have the money to take Julian Alvarez, but PSG does. The team that Julian Alvarez wants is PSG.”
While Alvarez’s future remains up in the air, the attacker is hoping to help Atletico pip Villarreal to third spot in La Liga when the two sides lock horns at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday.
On the other hand, Arsenal are looking to clinch the Premier League title with victory at Crystal Palace on the same day, before they take on PSG in the Champions League final on Saturday, 30 May.
Alvarez remains one to watch ahead of this summer’s World Cup
Another day, another rumour surrounding Atletico star Alvarez…
Ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America, the 26-year-old remains one of world football’s most in-demand players – if reports are to be believed – having scored 20 goals in 49 games for his club side this season.
Should Alvarez produce the goods for Argentina, with Lionel Scaloni’s side looking to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022, speculation will continue to swirl surrounding the attacker’s future.
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