ไทย
English
中國人
Atlético Madrid are said to have a "firm intention" of offering Julián Alvarez a new deal that would make him the highest-paid player at the club, in a bid to fend off reported interest from Arsenal and Barcelona.
Alvarez's standing at the Spanish club is already fairly solid. The World Cup winner is locked into a contract with four years still remaining, which includes a $574.9 million (£433.9 million, €500 million) release clause. That said, Alvarez did little to reassure Atlético fans when asked about his future, offering the deliberately ambiguous reply of "Who knows?"
"Maybe yes, maybe no, you never know," he added, offering little further clarity.
Atlético are keen to turn that uncertainty into a definitive commitment through a contract extension that would see Alvarez earn $11.5 million annually — a notable jump from his current $8.1 million per year salary, according to MARCA. That figure would elevate the 26-year-old to the same pay bracket as the club's current top earner, Jan Oblak.
Formal negotiations have yet to begin, though Alvarez is believed to be aware of the club's plans. Crucially, the Argentine finds himself holding considerable leverage heading into what could be a pivotal summer transfer window.
Could Arsenal or Barcelona Afford to Compete With Atletico's Offer?
Arsenal carry the financial weight of the Premier League behind them, while Barcelona have been so strapped for cash that they've had to cut free breakfasts for academy players in recent years. Yet, somewhat surprisingly, it may be the Catalan side that finds it easier to put together a financial package capable of rivalling Atlético's offer.
The figures cited by MARCA are believed to be net of taxes. Atlético's proposed deal would therefore translate to a gross salary of roughly $21.4 million per year.
By comparison, Bukayo Saka recently became Arsenal's highest earner on an annual wage equivalent to $20.7 million. The Gunners are reportedly under pressure to sell players this summer to remain compliant with Premier League financial regulations, following several years of heavy spending offset by minimal player sales. Since the 2021–22 season, only one club in world football has posted a higher net spend than Arsenal.
Barcelona, by stark contrast, have been outspent by Norwich City over the same timeframe. President Joan Laporta inherited a club burdened with deep financial problems stemming from years of poor management and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, through clever use of palancas—financial levers (or loopholes)—whatever funds the club has managed to generate have been channelled directly into the first-team squad. As Barcelona's iconic former player and coach Johan Cruyff once remarked: "The money should be on the pitch. Not in the bank."
Operating under this philosophy, Barcelona have managed to sustain Robert Lewandowski's wages. The club's top earner reportedly takes home around $27.6 million — significantly more than what Alvarez has been offered. Furthermore, Lewandowski is out of contract this summer and expected to depart, freeing up both a squad spot and wage room that Alvarez could seamlessly fill.
There is, however, the not-so-small matter of a transfer fee. Atlético would presumably be extremely reluctant to sell to a direct rival, though it wouldn't be the first deal struck between the two clubs. Antoine Griezmann famously departed the Spanish capital for Barcelona in 2019 for a staggering $134 million. That move unravelled so badly that Barça were persuaded to sell the Frenchman back to Atlético for approximately $21 million just three years later.
It seems both clubs could potentially match Atlético's financial offer, but whether either is prepared to commit to such a costly gamble remains an entirely different question.