Atletico Madrid demand £431m for Julian Alvarez amid Arsenal interest
Atletico Madrid have warned Arsenal and other suitors they must pay a world-record £431m release clause to sign Argentina forward Julian Alvarez this summer.
Mikel Arteta remains keen to bolster his attacking options at the Emirates Stadium before the transfer window closes.
The Gunners face fierce competition for the 26-year-old, with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona also monitoring the situation.
Record release clause required
Enrique Cerezo has firmly dismissed speculation surrounding the former Manchester City striker.
“Whoever wants him can come and look at the contract, and if they’re interested, they’ll sign him; if not, they won’t,” the Atletico president told El Desmarque.
“Julian is an Atletico Madrid player, and I believe he will remain an Atletico Madrid player.”
Real Madrid bid rejected
The World Cup winner has been highly productive since his 2024 switch from the Premier League, netting 49 goals in 106 appearances.
That prolific form prompted an official €150m (£129m) offer from cross-city rivals Real Madrid last week.
The Metropolitano hierarchy instantly dismissed the proposal, citing the prohibitive €500m buyout clause embedded in the attacker’s contract.
Social media tensions
The collapsed bid triggered a remarkably public spat between the two capital clubs.
“We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian,” the red-and-white half of Madrid posted on social media.
The club’s official account further mocked their neighbours by refusing to show gratitude for the offer and accusing them of poaching academy players.
