Arsenal are currently relishing an exceptional 2025-26 season, sitting at the top of both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League tables. And they are reportedly interested in further strengthening their squad by potentially signing a Barcelona target.
Arsenal Could Pour Water Over Barcelona’s Plans
According to ESPN, Arsenal are monitoring Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez’s situation with the intention of tabling a bid this summer. Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta has strong connections at the La Liga side after helping them sign the Argentine in 2024.
However, despite Berta retaining a close relationship with Alvarez’s agent, the Gunners are expected to face a difficult time snapping up the Barcelona-linked striker. They are likely to be asked to pay a fee of over $117 million to sign the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.
Owing to Atletico Madrid’s steep asking price, Barcelona are said to be apprehensive about launching a permanent move for the former Manchester City and River Plate star.
Meanwhile, Alvarez has found the back of the net 40 times in 85 outings in all competitions for Atletico Madrid so far. He has also registered 13 assists for the Diego Simeone-coached outfit since arriving from Manchester City in a potential $111 million deal in 2024.
Should Alvarez secure a transfer to Mikel Arteta’s side this summer, he would likely displace $86 million summer signing Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz as their starting striker.
On the other hand, England and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer predicted a triumph for the Gunners in their league clash against Manchester United on Sunday, Jan. 25.
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“We know the way United are going to play. They will want Arsenal to attack them, so they can hit them on the break. However, I was in Milan on Tuesday watching Arsenal… Arteta made six or seven changes to the team that played Nottingham Forest, and they were still very impressive,” the all-time Premier League top-scorer wrote in his Metro column.
Shearer, who lifted the Premier League title in 1995, added, “They also don’t have to worry about Europe next Wednesday because they are guaranteed first or second. So, they can play their strongest team without distraction. Despite what we saw from United last week, I think Arsenal will edge it. It’ll be a really tough game… likely decided by one goal.”
The Gunners, who are on 50 points from 22 Premier League matches, are unbeaten in their last six league meetings against Manchester United, who are now on 35 points.
