Alvarez confirms Atletico exit plan as Arsenal and United chase £82m forward

Julian Alvarez has confirmed he wants to leave Atletico Madrid this summer, intensifying a transfer race that now includes Arsenal and Manchester United. The Argentina international, currently at the World Cup, made his intentions clear before the tournament began, telling the club’s hierarchy that a departure would be best for all parties.

“I spoke with the people at Atletico I needed to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream,” Alvarez said. “It’s not the time to talk about this, but I also can’t hide it. I try to be an honest person.”

Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 for £82m and has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances for the Spanish club. Despite that output, Diego Simeone’s side could only finish fourth in La Liga last season, and the underwhelming campaign appears to have hardened the 25-year-old’s resolve to move on.

Arsenal have been strongly linked with the forward for some time, and Manchester United have now reportedly established contact with his representatives. United have funds available following their Champions League qualification and have raised close to £40m from selling Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli, with Marcus Rashford potentially also available for sale before the window closes.

The pursuit will not come cheap. Alvarez’s contract contains a £431m release clause, a figure that has done little to cool interest but sets a clear ceiling for any negotiation. Real Madrid tested Atletico’s resolve with a £129m offer, which was swiftly rejected, with the club directing their rivals toward that release clause in a pointed public response.

Atletico teammate Alex Baena has made no secret of his desire to keep Alvarez at the club. “I’d chain him down,” the Spain international told COPE, before acknowledging the limits of that sentiment. “If he wants to pursue his dream, well, what can we do about it?”

Baena added that he himself remains committed to Atletico despite a difficult personal season. “I’m not happy with my season either, but I’m keen to stay. I’m where I want to be, and I’m in love with Atleti.”

With Alvarez’s own words now on the record and multiple top clubs in active pursuit, Atletico face a significant battle to retain one of their most important players when the summer window opens in earnest.