Arsenal and Liverpool are both on the hunter for a new striker in the summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta and Arne Slot seek out a more consistent goalscorer.
The two Premier League clubs are reportedly monitoring the progress of Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, with the Argentina striker well accustomed to the EPL.
Alvarez has been a big hit for Diego Simeone's side since making a huge transfer move from Manchester City ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
During his time at Etihad Stadium, Alvarez slipped into the shadow of Erling Haaland, but he consistently delivered whenever his chance came along.
Eventually, Atletico Madrid came calling and lured him away from City, paying more than £80m [$108m] for the World Cup winner.
It was a major move for the Citizens as they earned a huge profit from the sale. The deal also worked out well for Alvarez as he netted 29 goals in his first season in La Liga.
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The 25-year-old signed a six-year contract with Atletico in 2024, and there appears to be little chance of him leaving Madrid for a return to England.
As per reports on Marca, Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in a bold offer as his EPL experience and goal threat offer an ideal target.
Reigning La Liga champions, Barcelona have also shown interest in the 25-year-old. as a possible long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Alvarez has settled into life at the Estadio Metropolitano, and after the last match of the season, he posted on his social media: "The first season at home is coming to an end. Thank you for always being there and making me feel like I belong from day one."
What have Atletico Madrid said on Alvarez's transfer links?
Atletico Madrid view Alvarez as a key part of their present and future attack, and after paying a huge fee to bring him away from Manchester, they are not looking to sell.
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Atletico president Enrique Cerezo was clear in his stance and rubbished rumours of an exit.
"Julian Alvarez is a player of Atletico Madrid," Cerezo said via Fabrizio Romano. "He's very happy here, he's our player and will remain our player. He was raised at Atletico Madrid and he will die at Atletico Madrid."
The 25-year-old scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 36 La Liga appearances in his debut campaign in Spain as the club's highest scorer for 2024/25 across all competitions.
Alvarez could be a great option for Arsenal, but it looks like an impossible deal at the moment. The Gunners may now focus their attention on other options including Sporting CP goal machine Viktor Gyokeres or RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.
Arsenal news and related links
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- Arsenal makes lucrative 'formal offer' to sign Viktor Gyokeres this summer