Atletico Madrid aren’t exactly short of attacking talent these days, but there’s one player Mikel Arteta will be particularly worried about at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday night.
Arsenal know Julian Alvarez’s qualities better than anyone, having done extensive homework on a man they are so keen on signing this summer – and one who now stands in the way of their first Champions League final in two decades.
Across all competitions this season, the World Cup winner has contributed 28 goals and assists, the most of any Atletico player.
Unsurprisingly given his ability to stretch defences thanks to his pace and dribbling skill, and ruthless streak in front of goal, the striker is in high demand.
That combination of talents saw Alvarez strike 29 goals in his debut season in Madrid last term, while the Argentine would offer Arsenal something they’ve badly lacked for some time: a consistent, reliable goal threat.
For these reasons and more, Arsenal are serious in their interest. Daily Mail Sport understands that from at least January, Arsenal staff were tasked with gathering data on Alvarez to assess whether he would fit the team’s required profile.
Arsenal are seriously interested in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez – but in the short term he will pose a threat in their Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday
The Gunners know Alvarez’s qualities better than anyone, having done extensive homework on a man they are so keen to sign this summer
That included his injury record, physiological numbers and playing output. The result was emphatic: he fits the requirements of Arsenal’s team, and the club want to land him this summer.
Manager Diego Simeone himself confirmed Arsenal’s interest earlier today, saying: ‘I am not in Julian Alvarez’s head. I suppose it is normal that an extraordinary player like Julian is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona. It’s normal because he’s very good.’
Arsenal face particularly fierce competition from Barcelona, who have the ex-Manchester City striker as a prime target, too. One factor working in Arsenal’s favour, however, is sporting director Andrea Berta, who was at Atletico for nearly 12 years before joining the Gunners in March last year. He signed Alvarez for Atletico in 2024.
Berta rates the Argentine highly – though it’s understood Arteta is just as keen on him, if not more so. The Spaniard places an emphasis on family-orientated characters who are grounded and won’t be distracted by the trappings of money or fame.
He was made aware of Alvarez’s background, which cemented his intention to sign the forward.
Terry Hincks was manager at non-League side Abbey Hey FC in Gorton, Manchester, who are in English football’s ninth tier.
The North West Counties League Premier Division side signed Alvarez’s brothers Agustin and Rafael after they arrived in Manchester with Julian in the summer of 2022 and were looking for a club.
World Cup winner Alvarez is a reliable goalscorer with so much more to his game, hence Arsenal’s interest
Mikel Arteta places an emphasis on family-orientated characters who are grounded and won’t be distracted by the trappings of fame and money – and Alvarez fits the bill
Hincks was struck by how humble the family were, despite Julian’s profile.
Hincks told Daily Mail Sport: ‘The whole family came to every game. They followed them both (Agustin and Rafael) more than Julian. Even Julian’s missus would come here more than to Julian’s games!
‘They were so grounded. Some people play off a family member’s fame, but they didn’t. They were very respectful to Abbey Hey. The family were fantastic. They never lived off his name.’
Alvarez himself left a mark on the club, too. ‘Julian came to games homes and away,’ says Hincks.
‘He was dead good with the fans, he would take pictures and sign autographs. A really down to earth guy. A very grounded family and Julian was no different. He never portrayed himself as a professional footballer. He just slid into the group.
‘You could hear him shouting at his brothers if they did something right or wrong. He was supporting them.
‘One winter, we were playing in Stoke. Julian turned up out of the blue. He should’ve been with Man City because they were playing Wolves the next day. The family were already there. He just walked through the gate. It was absolutely battering it down, freezing, and he just stood on the barrier with his hood up getting soaked.’
Alvarez’s contract with Atletico runs until 2030, which allows them to demand a princely sum for the striker
Luring Alvarez to north London will be tricky. His contract in Madrid runs until 2030, which allows Atletico to demand a princely sum for the striker, having bought him from Man City for £81.5million including add-ons. Arsenal would likely need to put in a sizeable bid close to £100m to even get Atletico interested in a deal.
Having splurged around £250m last summer, the Gunners are hoping to recoup some funds through sales. It is understood that Gabriel Jesus is set to depart this summer, and around £15m should be banked from the expected exit of Jakub Kiwior to Porto. That alone would not make a significant dent in the fee for Alvarez, however.
It leaves Arsenal with a dilemma. The 26-year-old represents exactly the kind of forward Arteta has long admired – versatile, proven at the highest level and a grounded personality. But prising him away from Atletico would require both serious money and skills of persuasion.
Whether their interest develops into a mega-money summer signing or remains an admiration from afar, for now it is Alvarez that Arsenal must stop in their hunt for a first Champions League trophy in their history.
