Updated: 12 Jun 2026 15:50 BST |
5 min read
Former Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao has urged Julian Alvarez to shun interest from Arsenal and Barcelona and remain at the Metropolitano Stadium this summer, saying “there is no better place to be.”
Alvarez has fast become the most in-demand striker in world football following his exploits at Atletico, with whom he has scored 49 goals in 106 games since joining from Manchester City in 2024.
The 26-year-old is Arsenal’s dream target ahead of the summer transfer window opening for Premier League clubs on Monday, 15 June, according to BBC Sport, while The Athletic understands the Argentina forward is a priority signing for Barcelona ahead of the 2026-27 season.
However, Real Madrid became the first club to make an official move for Alvarez on Tuesday, having had a €150million (£129m) bid rejected by Atletico, who mocked their city rivals’ statement which claimed the two teams were on “good relations” despite the offer being turned down.
Atletico previously poured scorn on widespread reports suggesting Barcelona were planning a €100m (£86m) bid for Alvarez, with the club offering a bag of sunflower seeds in exchange for Lamine Yamal on social media.
With there appearing to be no immediate end to what has become the transfer saga of the summer, ex-Atletico star Falcao has now waded into the debate – but the Colombia legend has floated a fresh proposal for Alvarez.
Falcao, who represented Atletico for two seasons between 2011 and 2013, scoring 70 goals in 91 games, believes Alvarez should remain with Diego Simeone’s side heading into the 2026-27 season.
In an interview with ESPN, Falcao – who also represented Chelsea and Manchester United – said: “I don’t know what Atletico de Madrid has, but when you arrive people are so passionate and so affectionate with the player when they see that you give everything that you end up falling in love.
“The Atletico fans ended up making me fall in love and I really think Julian doesn’t have a better place than this. There may be a project with more money, I don’t think much more because Atletico was bought by a very important fund, but the passion and affection that the Atletico fan gives you is impressive.”
Alvarez reportedly “angry” at speculation over his future
Meanwhile, in an interview with Spanish outlet El Chiringuito, pundit Jota Jordi has claimed Alvarez is reportedly “disappointed” and “angry” as the war of words between Atletico, Real and Barcelona plays out in public.
😡 “JULIÁN ESTÁ DECEPCIONADO y ENFADADO con la situación”.
🚨 EXCLUSIVA de @jotajordi13 en #ChiringuitoJulián. pic.twitter.com/GrJKwdDMBg
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) June 11, 2026
Alvarez is currently preparing for the World Cup with Argentina, who will get the defence of their title under way against Algeria on Wednesday, 17 June in Kansas City, United States.
Lionel Scaloni’s side will then face Austria in their second Group J fixture in Arlington, United States on Monday, 22 June before wrapping up their group campaign against minnows Jordan six days later – also in Arlington.
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