Arsenal told they must smash transfer record as Atletico set sky-high price for Julián Álvarez | OneFootball

Arsenal will need to break their transfer record to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid this summer.

Alvarez has been the subject of enquiries from the North London side, who are considering a star signing to upgrade their frontline.

The Argentina international has scored 48 goals in 104 games for Atletico across all competitions, since signing for the Spanish side from Manchester City in 2024.

He joined the Rojiblancos for a club record fee of £81.8m, and Atletico would demand a profit is made on the 26-year-old to consider a sale.

According toBen Jacobs, Atletico Madrid value Alvarez at more than the record £104m fee that took Antoine Griezmann from the Spanish capital to Barcelona.

That fee would eclipse the £105m club-record deal that took Declan Rice to Arsenal from West Ham United in 2023.

Diego Simeone's side are prepared to fight to hold onto Alvarez, despite interest from thePremier League and Barcelona.

Alvarez is considered the 'dream target' for Barcelona as the club seek a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who is set to leave when his contact expires in July. However, Atletico's demands make a deal difficult, given the ongoing financial issues of theLa Liga leaders.

Barcelona sporting director, Deco, has held talks with Alvarez's representatives, but nothing has advanced in terms of an agreement.