Julian Alvarez is one of Arsenal’s top transfer targets heading into the summer.
Indeed, Alvarez has been strongly linked to Arsenal, and, just this week, Diego Simeone confirmed Arsenal are keen on his player.
However, this deal won’t be easy.
Alvarez will cost a fortune, while Barcelona also want Alvarez.
Now, there’s another added complication to this deal as Arsenal need to make certain promises to the World Cup winner
Arsenal can only sign Julian Alvarez if one of Viktor Gyokeres or Kai Havertz leaves. Who would you sell?
Julian Alvarez wants assurances before joining Arsenal
According to a report from Flashscore, the former Manchester City forward is open to returning to England in the future, provided the right conditions are in place. That immediately puts clubs like Arsenal into the conversation, given their need to strengthen in attack and their continued presence at the top level of European football.
However, the same report highlights a key complication.
The report notes that Alvarez would need to be given assurances around his role at Arsenal before joining, especially as Viktor Gyokeres is another striking option for the Gunners.
That detail is likely to shape any negotiations.
Alvarez’s previous situation at Manchester City remains relevant. Despite contributing regularly, he often operated behind Erling Haaland in the pecking order. A return to the Premier League would likely come with the expectation of a more prominent role, which means any interested club must be clear about how he fits into their system.
At Arsenal, that conversation would centre around Viktor Gyokeres.
The striker was signed to lead the line and remains the primary option in that position. His presence creates a potential overlap in roles, as both players are most effective through the middle. That makes it important for Arsenal to define whether Alvarez would be brought in as direct competition or as the leading option.
Gyokeres was only signed last summer, and that was for big money, so it is hard to imagine Arsenal just casting him to the wayside after one season.
However, Alvarez is a talent that is worth pushing the boat out for, and if Gyokeres is to be a casualty of Arsenal’s next evolution, then so be it.
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