Arsenal told to pay €200m for Mikel Arteta’s dream signing

Atletico Madrid will demand a fee of €200 million to sell Julian Alvarez this summer, according to a bombshell report in Spain.

The Argentina international is expected to be at the heart of a transfer bidding war when the 2025-26 season ends, with multiple elite clubs interested in signing him amid rumours he could depart the Wanda Metropolitano.

It has been widely reported that Alvarez is discontent at Atletico Madrid and he is therefore expected to pursue a transfer when the summer window opens.

Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have all been heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old in recent months, although it’s believed that a move to Hansi Flick’s side is currently Alvarez’s preferred next step.

The Blaugrana are actively looking to sign a new striker to replace Robert Lewandowski and they have earmarked Alvarez as their top target following his form since arriving at Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in 2024.

The Argentina centre forward has scored 42 goals and provided 14 assists in 92 games for Diego Simeone’s team, and he is expected to lead the line for his nation at this summer’s World Cup as they look to defend the title they won in 2022.

However, while Alvarez is reportedly keen to join Barcelona, a move is likely to be complicated by Atletico Madrid’s asking price and the Blaugrana’s well-documented financial troubles.

Julian Alvarez asking price revealed

Barcelona are currently considered to be the frontrunners for Alvarez’s signature this summer, but Arsenal are set to pursue a deal too amid Viktor Gyokeres’ struggles in front of goal since his arrival from Sporting CP last year.

Reports indicate that Mikel Arteta has identified Alvarez as one of his top targets for 2026, but Spanish publication Fichajes claim that it could take a fee of €200m to acquire the Argentina superstar.

His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €117.5m, however Atleti are keen to maximise their potential profit and are expected to demand a staggering price this summer.

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