Julian Alvarez has told Atletico Madrid that he wants to leave the club in the summer transfer window to fulfill his “dream”.
The Argentina international dropped the bombshell admission in an interview after La Albiceleste’s 2-0 win over Iraq at the FIFA World Cup on Monday.
Alvarez’s future has been the subject of intense speculation this summer. Barcelona reportedly engaged in talks with Atletico over a potential €100 million (£87m) move for him, while Real Madrid revealed earlier this month that they had a €150 million (£129.3m) bid rejected by their neighbours.
Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in the 26-year-old, though journalist Matteo Moretto has previously reported that the player has told Atletico that he only wants to join Barcelona. It has also been claimed that his relationship with manager Diego Simeone is “not good”.
¡JULIÁN Y UN MENSAJE FUERTE SOBRE SU FUTURO!
La Araña Álvarez habló sobre dónde seguirá su carrera y ¿a qué club le abrió la puerta?
Mirá nuestros partidos de la #FIFAWorldCup por el Plan Premium de #DisneyPlus pic.twitter.com/0NUc0frU9d
— ESPN Argentina (@ESPNArgentina) June 22, 2026
Julian Alvarez makes transfer admission amid Arsenal and Barcelona links
“This isn’t the time to talk about this,” Alvarez told ESPN, before adding “but I can’t hide either; I try to be an honest person.
“I spoke with the people at Atlético Madrid, and I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfill my dream.”
The Athletic report that Barcelona are “expected” to submit a fresh bid for Alvarez “in the coming weeks”, while Real are “not expected to come back with an improved offer”.
The hierarchy at Atletico are not willing to let the forward go unless they receive an “exceptional offer” from one of the player’s suitors.
Barcelona have made Alvarez their “No.1 transfer target” this summer and have been “monitoring his situation for the last year”.
Alvarez has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances since joining Atletico from Manchester City for a transfer fee of up to €95 million in 2026. His contract runs until 2030.
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