Atletico Madrid demand £129m for Arsenal and Chelsea target Julian Alvarez
Atletico Madrid have informed Premier League suitors Arsenal and Chelsea that signing Argentine forward Julian Alvarez will require a fee in the region of £129m.
The Gunners have held a long-standing interest in the 24-year-old as manager Mikel Arteta looks to continually bolster his attacking options.
However, the North London club now face fierce competition from their city rivals for the former Manchester City striker’s signature.
Alvarez only moved to the Spanish capital in August 2024 for an initial fee of £82m, signing a long-term contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Spanish giants set firm valuation
Reports in Spain suggest Diego Simeone’s side are reluctant to sell but would entertain offers far exceeding their original financial outlay.
A strict £129m asking price has been set to deter mid-season approaches and ward off serious interest from domestic rivals Barcelona.
Atletico are understood to be completely opposed to doing business with their La Liga counterparts.
When questioned about his future recently, the World Cup winner offered no concrete guarantees about a prolonged stay in Madrid.
“I don’t know, but maybe yes, maybe no. You never know,” Alvarez told reporters.
“I’m thinking about the day-to-day, I’m working to improve, to give my best here. I’m very happy.”
Simeone and agent dismiss exit talk
Atletico currently sit third in the Spanish top flight, trailing runaway league leaders Barcelona by 13 points.
Manager Diego Simeone recently praised his forward’s attitude while refusing to be drawn into ongoing transfer speculation.
“He’s giving us a lot. I tell our people that we’re doing well,” Simeone stated.
Meanwhile, the player’s representative, Fernando Hidalgo, has firmly denied holding any backdoor discussions with Barcelona sporting director Deco.
“Any club interested in Julian should contact Atletico Madrid’s management, as the player is under contract and committed to the club,” Hidalgo confirmed.
The South American attacker will return to domestic action this weekend when his side hosts Getafe.
