Arsenal’s trust in Gyokeres is dwindling, while interest in Spider is growing

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a blockbuster move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez next summer, less than a year after splashing out on Viktor Gyokeres. Sporting director Andrea Berta is said to be tapping into his extensive network at the Spanish club to explore the possibility of luring the Argentine World Cup winner back to the Premier League, even as the Gunners’ record signing continues to settle in north London.

According to ESPN, Arsenal are actively “investigating a move for Alvarez,” with Berta — who joined the club last March following a decorated 12-year spell at Atletico — driving the discussions.

Berta’s role is central to the story. He orchestrated Alvarez’s 95 million euros transfer from Manchester City to Madrid in August 2024, and insiders suggest he maintains a strong connection with the player’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo. Arsenal officials are understood to have made “informal enquiries” to test the waters before potentially putting together a formal offer later in the year.

The prospect of securing Alvarez underscores Arsenal’s ambitious approach to the transfer market. The club had previously considered Alvarez alongside Benjamin Sesko before opting for Gyokeres last summer, and now seem willing to revisit long-term targets if a higher-caliber option becomes available.

However, prising the 26-year-old away from the Metropolitano would come at a huge cost. His contract runs until 2030 and carries a 500 million euros release clause. While Atletico are unlikely to demand that sum, sources in Spain suggest any deal would still require a fee well over 100 million euros.

Everybody is defending Gyokeres, even Jesus

Competition for Alvarez is intense, with Barcelona long reported as admirers. Yet the Catalan club’s ongoing financial woes may give Arsenal an edge, as they possess the economic firepower to push through a deal that Barcelona simply cannot match at present.

Since leaving Manchester City, Alvarez has continued to prove his class, scoring 40 goals in 85 appearances under Diego Simeone. His high pressing, versatility, and lethal finishing fit neatly into Mikel Arteta’s system, making him an attractive prospect for the Gunners.

The reported pursuit of Alvarez inevitably casts a shadow over Gyokeres’ future. The Swedish striker arrived from Sporting CP last summer with a reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards, having averaged almost a goal per game during two seasons in Portugal. However, his first campaign at the Emirates has been a mixed bag.

While the 27-year-old notched his ninth goal of the season in Tuesday’s Champions League win over Inter, he has struggled to maintain consistent scoring in the Premier League. With 27 appearances so far, his output has been solid but not spectacular. In a league where fine margins can define success, Arsenal cannot afford to carry a striker who isn’t firing on all cylinders, and the links to Alvarez suggest they are keeping their options open for the No. 9 role.