Atletico Madrid eye Osimhen as Alvarez exit to Arsenal or Barcelona looms

Atletico Madrid are preparing for the possible departure of Julian Alvarez this summer by identifying Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen as his replacement, according to reports in Spain.

Alvarez, 26, has been one of La Liga’s standout performers since joining Atletico from Manchester City for £81.5 million, scoring 49 goals for the club. His form has drawn interest from Arsenal and Barcelona, and the situation has been sharpened by reports that he has turned down an improved contract offer from the Spanish side.

Diego Simeone has made clear he will not stand in the player’s way. “It’s not a question for me, it’s a question for Julian,” the Atletico manager said recently. “He’s old enough to know what he’s going to do, and I’m sure he’ll have his decision made.”

Should Alvarez leave, AS reports that Atletico will move for Osimhen, who has scored prolifically for Galatasaray since departing Napoli two years ago. The Turkish club are understood to value the Nigerian forward at £64 million.

Barcelona are reported to be Alvarez’s preferred destination. The Catalans have decided to allow Robert Lewandowski to leave, creating a vacancy in attack that Alvarez would be well placed to fill. South American players have historically shown a strong preference for either of Spain’s two dominant clubs, which may give Barcelona an edge in any pursuit.

Arsenal, however, are considered capable of matching Barcelona financially. Mikel Arteta’s side have faced criticism for a lack of cutting edge in the final third relative to Europe’s elite, and addressing that is expected to be a priority this summer.

The Gunners brought in Viktor Gyokeres for more than £60 million 12 months ago, and the Swedish forward surpassed 20 goals in his debut season. Despite that return, questions have persisted over whether he is the long-term answer, with Gyokeres notably absent from selection in several high-stakes fixtures, including the Champions League final.

Atletico, who have remained regular Champions League participants without needing to sell key assets in recent years, would expect a fee in excess of the £81.5 million they paid for Alvarez if they are forced to cash in.