Arsenal eye Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez as striker target

Arsenal are reportedly keen on prising Julian Alvarez away from Atletico Madrid and their new sporting director, Andrea Berta, has identified him as the ideal striker for Mikel Arteta's system. 

The 25-year-old only recently joined the Rojiblancos last summer, scoring 29 goals in his first season at the club. Arsenal are in the market for a striker, and Berta, who worked on signing him for Atletico Madrid in a deal that could rise to €90 million, is interested in bringing him to Arsenal, according to reports. 

According to Marca, Alvarez’s performance this season has not gone unnoticed, and a return to the Premier League could be on the cards for the former Manchester City ace. 

Liverpool have been linked with him, but according to the report, Arsenal are the most keen, given Berta’s links to Atletico Madrid. However, the Rojiblancos have no intention of selling the striker and are looking to build their future around him. 

Still, Arsenal only need to trigger his €150 million release clause if they can manage to convince the player. However, Alvarez is believed to be settled at the club and has no interest in returning to the Premier League. 

Meanwhile, Barcelona are also interested in Julian Alvarez. Atletico Madrid’s president, Enrique Cerezo, was informed about said interest, and he responded, saying, “Laporta likes Julián Álvarez? And Yamal likes me; we have the same taste.”