Alvarez prefers Barcelona amid Arsenal interest

Arsenal have built a squad aiming to compete on all fronts and are already planning for the summer transfer window as they chase silverware. The side lead the Premier League and now turn their focus to the north London derby. Julian Alvarez has clarified his transfer preference and would favour a switch to Barcelona if he were to leave Atletico Madrid.

The 26-year-old World Cup winner has been linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United and is valued at approximately £87 million, but he is not necessarily looking to return to the Premier League. Atletico have moved to protect the forward, offering him a new contract even though his current agreement runs until 2030.

Club president Enrique Cerezo shut down talk of a departure, saying: "Julian is a player under contract with Atletico Madrid and he is happy. No one from Barca has officially contacted us about signing him, and that's all there is to it." Diego Simeone has also defended Alvarez amid a goal drought, adding: "Seriously?

julian alvarez, arsenal, barcelona, atletico madrid, premier league, transfer fee, enrique cerezo, diego simeone, world cup, goal drought