Arsenal have been advised to meet Atletico Madrid’s asking price and pay £100 million to secure the signing of unsettled striker Julian Alvarez.

The Spanish side were taken aback after learning that the Argentine forward wanted to leave Atletico in order to “fulfil his dream”, amid reported interest from La Liga champions Barcelona.

Although Diego Simeone’s team are reluctant to part ways with the 26-year-old, it appears the former Manchester City star has already made up his mind.

Speaking in late June, Alvarez stated, “I spoke with the people at the club, with those I needed to talk to, and we agreed that a transfer would be the best option for everyone. I want to fulfil my dream.”

He added, “Now isn’t the right time to go into details, but I can’t deny it. I always try to be an honest person.”

While Alvarez prepares to face England in Argentina’s World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has encouraged Arsenal to push hard to sign him.

Despite Atletico rejecting a £129 million bid for Alvarez in June and publicly insisting that he has a £431 million release clause, Scholes believes the Gunners should still make their move.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes said, “If Atletico Madrid want £100 million, any major club should go and get him. Just go and get him.”

He continued, “There’s no debate. There aren’t many world-class centre-forwards around. I don’t see him as a traditional striker – he’s more of a roaming forward.”

“Atletico Madrid won’t want to sell him to Real Madrid or Barcelona. If he’s £100 million – and [England midfielder] Elliot Anderson just went for £116 million – Alvarez is a genuine match-winner. That would be a sensational signing.”

Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in August 2024 in a deal worth up to £81.8 million. Since his arrival, he has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances for the club.

His debut season was impressive, with the former River Plate forward netting 17 goals in 37 La Liga matches. Although he managed only eight league goals in the 2025–26 campaign, he still found the net 20 times across all competitions, compared to 29 the previous season.

Arsenal, who paid around £55 million to sign Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP last summer, saw the forward deliver 21 goals as Mikel Arteta’s side finally captured the Premier League title.

Alongside Gyokeres, Arsenal also have Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus as attacking options. Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt believes Alvarez would perfectly complement Gyokeres in the front line.

Butt said, “He would be an ideal strike partner for an out-and-out number nine like [Viktor] Gyokeres.”

However, reports have indicated that Arsenal might consider including Gyokeres in a potential deal to bring Alvarez to North London. Despite this speculation, the Swedish international has made it clear that he is content with life at the Emirates Stadium.

During the World Cup, Gyokeres commented, “Of course it’s flattering to see clubs showing interest, but I feel extremely comfortable at Arsenal. After the season we’ve had, I only have positive feelings.”

Arsenal’s record transfer remains their £105 million move for midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham United in 2023.