Arsenal handed transfer boost as Atletico Madrid 'identify Julian Alvarez replacement'

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Evening Standard

·3 Juni 2026

Arsenal handed transfer boost as Atletico Madrid 'identify Julian Alvarez replacement'

Striker has transfer decision to make after World Cup defence

Standard Sport understands that the Gunners hold a keen interest in bringing the Argentine back to the Premier League, where he shone at Manchester City before his move to Spain in a deal worth around £81million.

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It is believed that Alvarez was also discussed at the Emirates Stadium last summer, before Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy decided to land Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon for £63.5m instead.

The former City forward is likely to be caught up in one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer, with Barcelona also keen on his services.

Wanted: Julian Alvarez

PA

Hansi Flick’s side in fact offered a reported €100m for the 26-year-old, but saw their La Liga rivals publicly mock their bid on social media.

Atleti responded comically, with mocked-up images of Barcelona’s star players in Atletico shirts, captioned with over-the-top and highly unrealistic transfer ‘offers’.

Now, however, they could well be braced for a potential exit for their star striker Alvarez, and moves are reportedly being made to find a replacement should the Argentina international depart.

AS reports that Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen could be an option that they explore should Alvarez leave.

The Nigerian is thought to be valued at around €75m, and the Spanish outlet also claims that Manchester United hold an interest in the former Napoli forward.

Osimhen moved to Gala initially on loan last term, before making his switch permanent last summer.

In his two seasons in Turkey, he has scored 59 goals in 74 games.