(Credit: Imago)

James Murray

Thu 26 March 2026 18:00, UK

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Arsenal are unlikely to be able to agree a deal for Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez in the summer transfer window.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider he doesn’t believe the Argentina international will have a “big desire” to return to the Premier League.

Arsenal have been linked with a move to sign Alvarez as they look to strengthen their attacking options this summer.

The 26-year-old joined Atletico from Man City in the summer of 2024 in a deal worth £82million.

It means Arsenal would have to spend big if they were to ramp up their interest in bringing Alvarez back to the Premier League.

How Arsenal can agree signing amid ‘phenomenal’ situation

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider Alvarez is likely to stay at Atletico for another season despite Arsenal’s interest.

The striker has registered 17 goals and nine assists in 44 appearances for the Spanish club this season, with three of those strikes coming against Tottenham in the Champions League.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed Arsenal’s chances of signing Alvarez this summer.

“They have had an amazing financial year and you would expect it to continue to be good,” said Borson.

“The prize money that they’re going to earn is going to be phenomenal, so yes, I do think they’ll be in a position where they can think about making a signing.

“I think Alvarez is probably not a player who they will end up getting, partly because he left England, as I understand it, partly because he couldn’t get permits for his whole family to live here. 

“Maybe that’s changed now that he’s a bit older, I don’t know. But I don’t see it obviously being a big desire for Alvarez to come back to England.”

Why Arsenal are considering Julian Alvarez move

Arsenal are considering their attacking options after questions have been asked about Viktor Gyokeres.

The 27-year-old joined the Gunners in a £64m deal from Sporting Lisbon last summer.

Although the Sweden international has struggled for consistency, he has still managed to register 16 goals in 42 appearances since making the move to the Emirates Stadium.

However, Gyokeres failed to make an impact in Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Man City in the Carabao Cup final, raising further questions around his suitability for Mikel Arteta’s side.