The Julián Alvarez transfer saga has been one of the most followed cases before the summer window in 2026, and English clubs have been keenly following the case. It is reported that the Atlético Madrid forward is willing to go back to England, as he is contracted until 2030.
In 2024, having left Manchester City in favour of Atlético Madrid, his fee was said to be approximately £82 million, and he was looking to play as a central attacking player. His recent season in the LaLiga has not yielded the same results, and the reports have it that Atlético may turn their ear to big bids in case their valuation is met.
Chelsea have become one of the most competitive teams after showing preliminary interest in the Argentina international. London side sources suggest the deal can be evaluated by the London club, as the current ownership structure is adhering to their aggressive recruiting strategy.
Liverpool also keeps track of Álvarez as a long-term centre-forward solution, whereas Arsenal and Manchester United were also associated during the past few months. Barcelona are looking at him as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski outside England, and Bayern Munich are considering a potential offer of up to an estimated over 130 million.
Atlético Madrid still publicly maintains that the player is not being sold, citing a purported release clause that is extremely high in comparison with what the player would be worth in the market. But, market observers indicate that negotiation may start once the offers go higher than the 150 million mark due to his age and experience at the elite level.
The transfer story of Julián Alberto is directly related to the overall plotting of the Chelsea squad, especially in the midfield. Enzo Fernández is no longer an untouchable player; both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are still interested in the case, if Chelsea opens the door.
The backup solution of Chelsea is already underway, and the first candidate is a replacement for a Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, Joao Neves. The club is said to be willing to pay up to 125 million for the 21-year-old as he matches their criteria of young and high-potential talent.
Club officials feel that Neves possesses an adequate technical repertoire and tactical education to take on a tough Premier League challenge at once. Any action would probably come out of the cash of a high-profile sale, and would leave Chelsea in their own long-term financial structure.
With the summer window on the anvil, the Julián Alvarez transfer is yet to be finalized but it is gaining momentum in the top clubs in Europe. The next action will be based on the formal offers and the desire to change their current position.
