Arsenal’s Interest in Julian Alvarez Surfaces Amid Struggles at Atletico

Julian Alvarez’s form has noticeably dipped at Atletico Madrid following reports of interest from Arsenal. The Argentine striker, who enjoyed a remarkable debut season with Atletico, has found it challenging to replicate that success this year. As Arsenal sought to strengthen their attacking options, Alvarez emerged as a notable candidate, but recent performances have raised questions about his current impact.

Atletico Madrid’s recruitment team initially celebrated a successful acquisition when they signed Alvarez in 2024. Under the guidance of sporting director Andrea Berta, Alvarez netted an impressive 29 goals across all competitions during the 2024/25 season. However, since Arsenal’s interest became public, Alvarez has struggled to find the back of the net consistently.

During a recent segment on the show Tiempo de Juego, Spanish agent and former player Peton addressed Alvarez’s decline. He stated, “He [Alvarez] has never played in his life like he did at Atletico de Madrid. Never, ever.” Peton attributed Alvarez’s struggles not to Atletico or their coaching staff, but directly to the player himself. “Until Atletico de Madrid recovers, until they rescue Julian Alvarez, they have a fundamental problem, which is goals,” he said. Peton emphasized that Alvarez plays a crucial role, not only as a scorer but also as a facilitator for his teammates.

Fans have noted a concerning trend among strikers linked to Arsenal, as seen with Viktor Gyokeres, who also experienced a scoring drought after being linked with the Premier League club. Gyokeres has managed only three non-penalty goals this season, raising concerns about whether Arsenal’s recent recruitment strategy is effective.

Despite these struggles, Alvarez remains a viable option for Arsenal. His previous experience in the English Premier League with Manchester City demonstrates his capability to thrive in a demanding environment. Although he was not a regular starter under Pep Guardiola, he made a significant impact when given opportunities, finishing his debut season with 20 league goals and scoring approximately every 165 minutes.

While the interest from Arsenal may have cooled in recent months, it would not be surprising if they reconsidered pursuing Alvarez. His proven track record at the highest level reinforces his potential fit within Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup. The upcoming transfer window may prompt Arsenal to reassess their options, especially if Alvarez can regain his form at Atletico Madrid.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Alvarez to see if he can overcome these challenges and return to the goal-scoring form that initially attracted attention from Arsenal.