Arsenal target Julian Alvarez prefers Barcelona in £100m transfer
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez prefers a summer move to Barcelona over Arsenal amid reports he is reluctant to return to the Premier League.
The £100m-rated forward has been heavily linked with a switch to north London ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
However, Spanish media report the 26-year-old has no desire to ply his trade in England again after leaving Manchester City in August 2024.
Paris St-Germain are also monitoring the Argentine international following his impressive haul of 19 goals across all competitions this season.
Atletico attempt to secure striker’s future
Despite the mounting interest, Atletico are preparing a lucrative new contract to keep their prized asset in the Spanish capital.
The proposed deal would reportedly see his annual wages increase from £6m to approximately £8m.
Mikel Arteta’s side will face the prolific marksman imminently when they meet Diego Simeone’s men in the Champions League semi-finals later this month.
The Gunners secured their spot in the final four with a narrow 1-0 aggregate victory over Sporting Lisbon last Wednesday before suffering a damaging 2-1 domestic defeat against Manchester City.
Teenage defender commits to Gunners
While a high-profile move for the World Cup winner appears unlikely, Arsenal have secured the long-term future of academy prospect Marli Salmon.
The central defender has signed a pre-contract agreement and will turn professional when he celebrates his 17th birthday.
The teenager has already gained valuable first-team experience during the current campaign.
He made his senior debut as a substitute during a Champions League victory over Club Brugge in December and has since made three FA Cup appearances.
