Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has revealed that Arsenal target Julian Alvarez is Barcelona’s number one transfer priority.
Arsenal’s interest in the Atletico Madrid striker has been widely reported, but they face fierce competition from the La Liga champions.
Speaking on BBC Sport’s Monday Night Club, Balague was clear about Barcelona’s intentions in the upcoming summer transfer window.
“Their target, with Lewandowski leaving, is to get a striker that can be more than just a striker, with the right attitude,” he said. “And Julian Alvarez is at the top of that list.”
The 26-year-old helped fire Atletico to the Champions League semi-finals before they were eliminated by Arsenal, and his long-term future in Madrid is now unclear just two years after joining from Manchester City.
Barcelona want him as Lewandowski’s long-term successor. Arsenal, meanwhile, are weighing up a move of their own — with sporting director Andrea Berta, who orchestrated Alvarez’s move from City to Atletico in 2024, directly involved in any potential pursuit.
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Balague’s comments suggest Barcelona are the frontrunners for Alvarez, and reports suggest Atletico could demand as much as £100m.
Alvarez’s preference is also said to be remaining in Spain, which hands Barcelona a natural advantage.
Arsenal have a strong case themselves, though. They won’t be able to offer him the chance to remain in Spain, but a potential Premier League and Champions League double would surely persuade a player of Alvarez’s calibre and mentality.
The Argentine saw enough of this Arsenal side across two legs to know they are a club moving in the right direction.
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The debate around whether Arsenal even need to strengthen up front is worth having.
Gyokeres has found his form at exactly the right moment — 21 goals across all competitions, making him the first Arsenal player to hit that mark in his debut season since Alexis Sanchez.
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His recent performances against Fulham and Atletico have also quietened plenty of doubters.
But Alvarez is a different profile entirely, and with Gabriel Jesus expected to leave, the two could feasibly coexist.
Where that would leave Kai Havertz, who has struggled for fitness this season, remains to be seen.
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