Julián Álvarez, who manager Diego Simeone has built Atlético Madrid around and as a result has often pointed to the bench for Alexander Sørloth, has aroused the interest of Arsenal.
Andrea Berta, the current sporting director of Arsenal, is very familiar with Atlético Madrid’s environment and the player.
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Arsenal, who lead the Premier League, have noticed some wear and tear problems after a very tight fixture schedule. – “Fortunately”, their closest competitor Manchester City has also experienced it, where Erling Braut Haaland, among others, admits he is tired. This weekend’s Premier League round will determine a lot. Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday and Manchester City host Wolverhampton in a bottom-of-the-table match at the Etihad. – Arsenal lead by six points, a win on Sunday, while Manchester City lose will close to securing league gold for the eternal runners-up.
Julián Álvarez and the connection between Arsenal and Atlético Madrid
Andrea Berta’s relationship with Atlético Madrid runs deep. Twelve years of work at the Metropolitano have given him insider knowledge, timing and understanding that few have in the market. Moreover, the Italian manager played a key role in Julián Álvarez’s move to La Liga, having negotiated his exit from Manchester City in 2024 for a sum close to €95 million. This insight explains why Arsenal see the Argentine as a realistic, albeit extremely complex, target to bolster their attack for next season.
Andrea Berta’s role and the player’s inner circle
“The Gunners” interest goes beyond pure sporting surveillance. Berta has a close relationship with Fernando Hidalgo, the agent of Julián Álvarez, and the player’s inner circle.
This factor facilitates dialogue but does not guarantee a favorable outcome. Atlético de Madrid have no intention of parting ways with their star striker.
Free clause, contract and Atlético de Madrid’s position
Secured until 2030 with a free clause of 500 million euros, Julián Álvarez is one of the best protected assets of the red and white club.
The message from the offices at the Metropolitano is clear. They will only consider offers far above 100 million euros, a sum that severely limits any attempt. In LaLiga, the club believes that the Argentine is irreplaceable both in terms of performance and sporting and commercial impact.
Julián Álvarez’s performance as evidence
His numbers support his status. Julián Álvarez has already scored 40 goals in 85 official games in Atlético Madrid’s shirt, establishing himself as an immediate attacking reference.
His ability to adapt to the system, press without the ball and decide crucial games has reinforced the internal conviction that he is a player who can lead long cycles. This growth has also been observed from England, where Arsenal are looking for a complete striker to make the final step in the Premier League and Europe.
Arsenal hold on as La Liga watches
Arsenal are not the only ones monitoring the situation. In Spain, other top clubs are following suit, even though their financial margins reduce real opportunities to compete in such a bidding war. For Atlético de Madrid, the strategy is to protect the project around Julián Álvarez, avoid external distractions and confirm his role as the team’s emblem.
A future that will be decided with record-breaking sums
The summer will be long, and the market unpredictable. Arsenal are laying the groundwork, but understand that it takes more than just sporting interest to convince Atlético Madrid. Meanwhile, Julián Álvarez continues to focus on performing in La Liga, aware that his present is “rojiblanco” and that his future will depend on offers beyond the ordinary.
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