Arsenal target Julian Alvarez in £100m move to solve Premier League title goalscoring problem

Arsenal are considering a £100 million bid for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attack following the club’s first Premier League title since 2004. The Gunners ended the season with 71 league goals — the lowest total for a top-flight champion since Leicester’s 68 in 2015/16 — and improving that return has become the club’s clearest transfer priority.

Alvarez, 26, has scored 20 goals in 49 appearances for Atletico this season, following a 29-goal debut campaign at the Metropolitano Stadium. The Argentina international has reportedly informed Atletico of his desire to leave, with Barcelona understood to be his preferred destination. However, Barcelona’s financial constraints have left them unable to meet Atletico’s £100m valuation, opening the door for Arsenal to make their move.

Arteta is known to favour high-intensity, versatile forwards, and Alvarez fits that profile closely. Capable of operating as a centre-forward, on either flank, or in the number ten role, he combines clinical finishing with a relentless pressing game. His arrival would ease the goalscoring burden currently falling on Viktor Gyokeres, who enjoyed a solid debut season in north London without yet providing the ruthless edge associated with Europe’s top sides.

Beyond Gyokeres, Arsenal’s squad struggled for goals throughout the campaign. Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze were the only other players to reach double figures, a thin return for a side competing on multiple fronts — including a Champions League final still to come.

Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta has an existing connection with Alvarez, having previously overseen his move to Atletico in 2024. The club has been tracking the forward for several years, which may give them an advantage in negotiations.

However, a £100m outlay on a single player would consume a significant portion of Arsenal’s summer budget. Arteta is also reported to be keen on reinforcing the left wing, meaning the club will need to balance ambition with financial discipline as they attempt to build a squad capable of sustaining a title challenge beyond this season.