Arsenal Make Informal Enquiries Over Julian Alvarez As Barcelona Financial Troubles Complicate Rival Bid

Arsenal are stepping up their transfer activity this summer, with Julian Alvarez emerging as a serious target for the north London club.

The Gunners have made informal enquiries to determine whether a deal for the Atletico Madrid forward would be possible before committing to any formal approach.

Sporting director Andrea Berta is a central figure in Arsenal’s pursuit, having spent 12 years at Atletico Madrid before joining the Gunners.

Berta was instrumental in negotiating Alvarez’s €95 million transfer from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid in August 2024, giving him a significant advantage in any potential negotiations.

His close relationship with Alvarez’s agent could prove crucial as Arsenal attempt to assess the true feasibility of landing the Argentine forward this summer.

Alvarez is under contract at Atletico Madrid and is reported to have a release clause worth a mammoth €500 million, making any straightforward move extremely complicated.

However, sources in Spain suggest Atletico would be willing to consider offers in excess of €100 million this summer if the right offer were placed on the table.

The exact nature of Arsenal’s contact with Atletico and those representing the player remains unclear at this stage of the window.

Club officials are understood to be in the early stages of weighing up whether to formalise their interest after initial informal soundings were made.

Barcelona have also been linked with a move for Alvarez, making this a potentially competitive pursuit between two of European football’s biggest clubs.

However, Barcelona’s well-documented ongoing financial difficulties appear to significantly complicate any potential move for a player of Alvarez’s calibre and associated price tag.

That financial uncertainty at the Catalan club could work in Arsenal’s favour if they are willing and able to push forward with a concrete offer for the 26-year-old.

Alvarez has established himself as one of the most sought-after forwards in European football following his performances for both club and country in recent seasons.

Arsenal’s interest signals clear ambition under Berta’s leadership as the club looks to close the gap on domestic and European rivals ahead of the new campaign.

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