“If I go back to England, it will only be for one city.” Julian Alvarez has reportedly narrowed down his Premier League options, and it’s a devastating blow for Manchester United fans! The battle for London is officially ON. 🏟️✨

The Julian Alvarez transfer saga has taken a decisive turn, and for Manchester United fans, the news is devastating. The Atletico Madrid and Argentina star has reportedly narrowed down his Premier League options to a single city—and it’s not Manchester.

**”If I go back to England, it will only be for one city.”**

That declaration, now circulating through football’s inner circles, points to London as the Argentine’s preferred destination should he return to the Premier League this summer. The battle for his signature is now officially a **London derby**, with Chelsea and Arsenal emerging as the primary contenders for one of world football’s most coveted strikers.

## The Alvarez Profile: Why He’s Worth the War

Julian Alvarez, 26, has established himself as one of Europe’s most complete forwards since leaving Manchester City for Atletico Madrid in 2024. His record speaks for itself: **40 goals and 13 assists in 89 appearances for the Rojiblancos** . Prior to that, he captured two Premier League titles with City while forming part of their historic treble-winning squad in 2023, hitting 36 goals through 103 appearances .

The World Cup winner’s profile combines:

– **Technical completeness**: Comfortable as a central striker or second forward, capable of linking play and finishing
– **Premier League proven**: Has already demonstrated he can score in England, even during periods when not a regular starter
– **Peak age**: Entering his prime years at 26, with his best football ahead
– **Big-game pedigree**: A serial winner at club and international level

## The Chelsea Advance: “Quietly Moving Forward”

According to multiple reports, Chelsea have taken the lead in the race for Alvarez’s signature. ESPN journalist Jorge Baravalle has revealed significant developments:

**”I insist, people are talking about a lot with Barcelona and Arsenal. But I’m being told that the team slowly moving forward is Chelsea. Chelsea, quietly, are advancing for Julian Alvarez”** .

The Blues have reportedly held **positive talks with Alvarez’s representatives**, with agents even jetting into London to watch Chelsea’s fixture against Arsenal—a meeting that allowed them to see both interested clubs in action . These discussions have focused on a potential move in the upcoming summer window .

ESPN Argentina reports that Chelsea are now in the strongest position, benefiting from the player’s desire to return to the Premier League this summer . The Blues are prepared to spend **”a fortune”** to secure the Argentine, with figures around **€100 million (£87m/$119m)** being discussed .

## The Arsenal Alternative: Creative Solutions

Arsenal remain firmly in the picture, with Mikel Arteta viewing Alvarez as a solution to their attacking inconsistencies. Viktor Gyökeres, signed for £64m from Sporting CP, has struggled to hit expectations with just 13 goals in 34 appearances . The need for an upgrade is evident.

The Gunners are reportedly considering **creative transfer structures** to make the deal work, potentially including players in exchange to reduce the cash outlay. Gabriel Jesus or Gabriel Martinelli have been mentioned as possible makeweights . Emmanuel Petit has endorsed the move, stating that Arsenal have **”a chance”** due to the Spanish-speaking players at the club and Alvarez’s proven quality .

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit told Ignition Casino: **”When Julian Alvarez was playing for City, I really liked him. He didn’t start every single game, but every time he played… he has been really special. He can score goals and give assists, but he’s got temper, personality, and character”** .

## The United Blow: “Offers on the Table” but Player Looks Elsewhere

The devastating news for Manchester United is that despite reported interest, Alvarez’s preference appears firmly London-focused. Spanish website Fichajes claims that both Arsenal and United have **”offers on the table”** for the striker . However, the player’s reported declaration that he would only return to England for “one city” effectively rules Old Trafford out of contention.

United’s need for a consistent goalscorer is acute. Benjamin Šeško, their £74m summer signing, has managed just seven goals in 22 appearances . But Alvarez’s London preference means the Red Devils must look elsewhere.

## The Atletico Response: Fighting to Keep Their Star

Atletico Madrid are not surrendering without a fight. The Spanish club have reportedly offered Alvarez a **new contract** in an effort to discourage him from contemplating a move . The proposal includes an extension and salary increase, a gesture that has been **”well received by the striker and his representatives”** .

Atletico’s financial position has been strengthened by the recent entry of investment group Apollo Sports Capital, meaning they are **”keineswegs auf das Geld eines Alvarez-Abgangs angewiesen”** (by no means dependent on the money from an Alvarez departure) . However, the player’s recent form—no goals in his last seven matches—has raised questions about whether a fresh start might benefit all parties .

## The Price Tag: Nine Figures Required

Whoever wins the Alvarez sweepstakes will need to pay handsomely. Atletico are demanding a fee in the region of **€100-117 million (£87-102m)** . The player is tied to a contract through to 2030, giving the Spanish club significant leverage .

Chelsea appear willing to meet that valuation. The Blues have the financial muscle, backed by Todd Boehly’s investment, and are keen to add a reference No.9 to their squad . Arsenal, while interested, would need to structure a deal creatively or rely on player sales to generate the required funds.

## The Barcelona Complication

Barcelona have also been heavily linked with Alvarez as a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski . However, the Catalan giants’ well-documented financial difficulties make a nine-figure transfer increasingly unlikely. Atletico would also be reluctant to do business with a direct La Liga rival .

## What Alvarez Wants

The player himself has remained diplomatically non-committal when questioned about his future:

**”Look, it doesn’t bother me. I try not to pay much attention, but I know what’s being said. It’s all over social media. I think it’s more what’s being said online than what’s actually happening. I’m very focused on this season, on what lies ahead with Atletico Madrid. So, I try to tune it out and think about myself, about continuing to grow as a player, and about winning”** .

Behind the scenes, however, his preference for a London return appears clear. The city offers the Premier League stage he knows, the lifestyle he enjoyed during his Manchester City days, and two clubs with compelling projects.

## The Verdict: London Calling

For Manchester United fans, the news is a bitter pill. A world-class striker, Premier League proven, in his prime years—and he’s ruled out a move to Old Trafford before talks have even seriously begun.

For Chelsea and Arsenal, the battle is now joined. The Blues currently hold the advantage, with advanced talks and financial muscle. But Arsenal’s creative approach and Arteta’s project cannot be discounted.

One thing is certain: the battle for London is officially ON. And Julian Alvarez, the World Cup winner with everything still to prove, will be its prize. 🏟️✨⚡