Chelsea Enters High-Stakes Battle to Snatch Barcelona's Prime Striker Target
Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs keeping tabs on Atlético Madrid forward Julián Alvarez as what promises to be an intense transfer battle looms for a player who has also caught Barcelona's eye.
Though Chelsea are presently concentrating on securing a major deal for Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet, they are simultaneously planning their summer strategy, when they expect to maintain their characteristic transfer market activity.
A new midfielder and offensive player feature on Chelsea's target list, and according to the Daily Mail, Alvarez is being evaluated for the attacking role.
Atlético invested a substantial £81.8 million ($109.7 million) to secure Alvarez from Manchester City during summer 2024 and have witnessed the Argentine net 40 goals across 84 matches in the subsequent 18 months.
His performances have generated significant interest as the summer transfer period approaches. Beyond Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain are mentioned as potential suitors, though the strongest pursuit for Alvarez's services may originate from longtime admirers Barcelona.
Barcelona 'to Pull Out All the Stops' for Alvarez
Barcelona 'to Pull Out All the Stops' for Alvarez
Robert Lewandowski's continuous struggle against age is well-documented. The Polish striker will reach 38 years old in August, and despite maintaining an impressive scoring record—nine goals in 15 La Liga matches this season—Barcelona have long recognized that finding Lewandowski's successor will soon become essential.
A spectacular pursuit of Manchester City's Erling Haaland has been ambitiously suggested, but Alvarez remains a name frequently mentioned, with SPORT reporting he sits firmly atop Barcelona's priority list.
Acquiring Alvarez would naturally require enormous expenditure—easily around €100 million ($116.4 million)—and Barcelona currently lack the financial capacity for such a transaction as they continue working toward La Liga's 1:1 spending regulations compliance.
Should they achieve compliance before summer, reports suggest unanimous agreement within Barcelona to pursue Alvarez and exhaust all possibilities to complete the transfer.
Competition from Chelsea and PSG could create significant obstacles for Barcelona, who would prefer avoiding a financial contest against two of football's biggest spenders.