Chelsea make first move for Julian Alvarez as stunning Arsenal battle teed up | OneFootball

Chelsea are rivalling Arsenal and Barcelona for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, a journalist has revealed.

Alvarez confirmed his desire to leave Atleti at the World Cup by saying: “I spoke with the people at [Atletico] I needed to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream. It’s ‌not the time ‌to talk about this, but I also can’t ‌hide it. I try to be an honest person.”

So far, Barcelona have had a €100million (£85.5m) bid for Alvarez rejected, while Atleti also snubbed a €150m (£128m) offer from Real Madrid for him.

The Argentine has chosen Barca as his dream next club, but the Catalans could struggle to meet his huge price tag.

Atleti are protected by Alvarez’s contract, which includes a colossal €500m (£428m) release clause. The Rojiblancos are understood to want around €200m (£171m) to let Alvarez go, while they would also prefer to sell to a club outside of LaLiga.

Italian journalist Nico Schira has provided two updates on Alvarez’s situation today (Monday).

He began by writing on X: ‘Juliano #Alvarez has an agreement with #Barça and pushing to leave #AtleticoMadrid, which would not want to sell him to #FCB.

‘After #Arsenal, #Chelsea have also shown interest in the argentinian striker.’

Schira revealed in a follow-up post that Xabi Alonso’s side have ‘explored’ a blockbuster potential move for the 26-year-old.

‘#Chelsea have explored the conditions of Julian #Alvarez’s possible deal last Thursday during the meeting in London with #AtleticoMadrid, when Atleti opened talks to try to sign Nicolas #Jackson from #CFC,’ he wrote.

‘#AstonVilla are also working to sign Jackson.’

The fact Atleti are interested in Jackson could help Chelsea to reduce the bid needed to sign Alvarez. Chelsea have set Jackson’s price tag at £65m.

However, Chelsea must watch out for Arsenal. Our friends at TEAMtalk have revealed that Arsenal are ‘prepared to break the bank’ to sign Alvarez.

Chelsea, Arsenal competing for Julian Alvarez

The Gunners are waiting for Alvarez to greenlight a potential return to the Premier League before ramping up talks.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal could pay the huge fee required to sign the World Cup winner.

“And then don’t forget about Arsenal,” he said. “Because my understanding, I told you in the recent videos and I keep telling you today, is that Arsenal financially believe internally they could afford a deal for Julian Alvarez.

“Especially if Gabriel Martinelli goes to Al-Hilal, and this deal is ongoing. The player is open to joining Al-Hilal. So Martinelli to Al-Hilal is possible.

“If Martinelli goes to Al-Hilal, it will be extra money for Arsenal. And so financially, Arsenal could afford a deal for Julian Alvarez. That’s the feeling at the club.

“Even if the price is high, they believe they could strike an agreement with Atletico Madrid. The point is the player.

“The player, until today, never opened doors to Arsenal. But Arsenal are still there, following the situation. If Julian changes his mind, decides to open doors to England and to Arsenal, Arsenal are still there, still watching the situation.

“So still watch out for Arsenal and Julian until the end of this summer transfer window, in case the player changes his position.”