Julian Alvarez linked with Chelsea as talks advance

Chelsea are being credited with the most advanced interest in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, with ESPN saying the Blues are “advancing in talks” to sign the World Cup-winning Argentina international. Part of the agency handling the striker was reportedly in London to watch Chelsea v Arsenal, and ESPN journalist Jorge Baravalle said Chelsea were the side “slowly moving forward” in discussions.

West London appears prepared to spend to secure Alvarez, with reports suggesting Chelsea would be willing to pay around €100 million. The club has continued to invest in attack, having signed Joao Pedro and Liam Delap in the summer of 2025, and is planning further moves once funds become available.

Alvarez left Manchester City in 2024 after scoring 36 goals in 103 appearances and featuring in City’s treble-winning squad in 2023. He has since netted 40 goals in 88 games for Atletico, who paid up to €95 million to sign him and are under no pressure to sell; the player is tied to a contract through to 2023, the report notes.

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