Andrea Berta confident Arsenal can land Julian Alvarez
Andrea Berta is driving Arsenal’s push for Julian Alvarez, with the Gunners confident they can agree deals with both Atletico Madrid and the Argentina striker—and prepared to smash the British transfer record if needed. Barcelona remains Alvarez’s preference, but Atleti’s refusal to sell to a rival has strengthened Arsenal’s hand.
According to Football365, citing TEAMtalk, Arsenal’s sporting director is in regular contact with Alvarez’s camp. The 26-year-old Atletico and Argentina forward is Arsenal’s No. 1 target this summer.
The British transfer record still sits with Liverpool’s £125m signing of Alexander Isak. Reports say the Gunners would break that mark for Alvarez if required, though they believe any Atleti deal would land below that figure.
Key Takeaways
- Andrea Berta is in regular contact with Julian Alvarez’s representatives amid growing Arsenal confidence.
- Arsenal are ready to smash the £125m British record, but expect a lower fee if Atleti sells.
- Barcelona is Alvarez’s dream club; Atletico have rejected a €100m Barca bid and prefer not to sell to a rival.
- Cadena SER reports Atleti are strongly considering an Arsenal package of Viktor Gyokeres plus €60m (£51.7m).
- Alvarez has told Atleti he wants out and is on a break after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat.
Why is Andrea Berta so confident of a deal?
TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey said Arsenal will move the moment Alvarez signals he wants the transfer, with personal terms and an Atletico agreement “not an issue.” Berta’s ongoing dialogue with the player’s camp underpins that belief.
Insiders also say Alvarez would sign for Arsenal if a Barcelona switch becomes impossible. Coverage on our Celebrity Breaking News hub is tracking every twist in the race.
Could Barcelona still spoil Arsenal’s plans?
Alvarez has made Camp Nou his clear preference. After Argentina’s World Cup win over Austria, he said he had spoken to Atletico about a transfer and wanted to “fulfil my dream.”
Barcelona’s opening €100m (£86.4m) bid was rejected. Atleti, Metro reports, are furious at what they see as a public, disrespectful pursuit and remain extremely reluctant to sell to a direct LaLiga rival—an opening Arsenal hope to exploit.
Bailey has also reaffirmed claims that Barca may walk away if there is no breakthrough with Atletico by the end of July. Should that happen, Arsenal would become favourites.
Would Atletico accept a Gyokeres swap?
Metro, citing Cadena SER, says Atletico would be prepared to accept an Arsenal offer that sends Viktor Gyokeres the other way, with Gyokeres plus €60m under strong consideration. That package would also address Atleti’s need for a replacement.
Football365 notes Atleti are already scouring the market and are keen on Gyokeres, while Arsenal would prefer to offer Gabriel Jesus or Gabriel Martinelli instead and still retain faith in the Swede after an underwhelming first season.
Publicly, Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin insisted last week the club will not sell Alvarez at any price this summer—rejecting even hypothetical €150m or €200m bids. Privately, reports say the club will consider cashing in if it cannot reach an understanding with the player.
For now, Andrea Berta’s confidence rests on timing: if Barcelona stalls and Alvarez confirms he wants the Emirates, Arsenal believe the agreements can fall into place—record fee or not.