Arsenal set sights on Argentine striker Alvarez for January

Arsenal are keen to close the gap in attack as they chase Argentine forward Julian Alvarez, who has signalled a willingness to move in the January window. The Gunners were ready to meet Atletico Madrid’s €150 million price tag, a fee that would crown him the club’s most expensive signing.

Why Arsenal need a new striker

Arsenal’s attack has lacked a distinct focal point despite a strong start to the season. Kai Havertz has shown flashes of quality after returning to full fitness, but the Gunners still crave a natural goal‑scorer. Viktor Gyokeres has slipped down the pecking order, and his future appears uncertain. The club’s recent EPL News and Squad Stats underline the need for a different option up front.

Alvarez emerged as Arsenal’s No 1 transfer target in the striker position over the summer. The Gunners were prepared to meet Atletico Madrid’s €150 million price tag, a sum that would make him the most expensive player in Arsenal’s history. Earlier in the window the Argentine had expressed a preference for Barcelona, keeping the deal out of reach.

Despite Arsenal’s overtures, Alvarez turned down the club’s advances and even a phone call from Mikel Arteta failed to sway him. He remains at Atletico Madrid, where he has appeared frustrated and unhappy over the past month. With Erling Haaland now Barcelona’s top target, Alvarez’s Barcelona dream may never materialise.

Arsenal lock in Arteta with £20 million deal as rivals scramble

Renewed push and make‑weight options

Graeme Bailey reported on Wednesday that Arsenal, now Premier League champions, are ready to reignite their pursuit of the 26‑year‑old. To lower the cost, the Gunners could involve Ethan Nwaneri, currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund, alongside Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres as make‑weights. Reports also suggest the club is willing to meet a revised figure of over £100 million, echoing earlier summer estimates.

Sources including TEAMtalk have confirmed that Alvarez now ‘wants’ the move, with the possibility of a January switch to the Emirates. Guillem Balague, cited by the X account TransferNewsLive, wrote that Arsenal have become his first‑choice alternative after Barcelona fell out of favour. The account, which boasts more than 3.2 million followers, highlighted the player’s desire for a NEW challenge at the club.

Potential impact and next steps

Securing Alvarez would give Arteta a genuine upgrade over Gyokeres and could finally propel the Gunners past the final hurdle in the Champions League, after losing last season’s final on penalties to Paris Saint‑Germain. The striker’s arrival would also free up space for Havertz to resume his preferred role. However, Arsenal must still negotiate with Atletico Madrid and contend with Barcelona’s lingering interest.

Arteta signs new deal to keep Arsenal on course until 2030

The club’s ability to finalise the deal will hinge on whether they can match Atletico’s demands and whether any competing bids emerge. With the January window approaching, the Gunners face a tight timetable to secure the Argentine before other suitors intervene.