Julian Alvarez 'wants' Atletico Madrid exit as Arsenal reportedly make contact

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Arsenal target Julian Alvarez has reportedly made it clear he wants to quit Atletico Madrid this summer. The former Manchester City forward has caught the eye of the Gunners, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain following an impressive spell with the Spanish giants.

Spanish outlet Cadena SER claims Alvarez has indicated his wish to move on, triggering a scramble amongst Europe's elite clubs to secure his signature. Barcelona are understood to have approached their La Liga rivals with an offer involving Ferran Torres plus cash for the 26-year-old, but Atletico swiftly rejected the proposal.

Diego Simeone's side are reportedly demanding a substantial fee for the Premier League and World Cup winner. A further report from Cadena SER suggests the club are already making plans for next season, with Alvarez at the centre of discussions amid considerable interest from elsewhere.

Simeone said: "It's not a question for me, it's a question for Julián. It's his decision, and he'll have to make it."

Atletico endured a deflating conclusion to their campaign after suffering a heavy defeat on their travels. Villarreal thrashed them 5-1 as they stumbled over the line to secure fourth spot.

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The club's sporting director Mateu Alemany is overseeing the next phase of progress at the Wanda Metropolitano. There will be transfer targets to pursue for Madrid, and Alvarez's departure could provide significant funds for that rebuild, with Antoine Griezmann also exiting the club.

A report from The Guardian last week indicated that Mikel Arteta will be given access to significant funds as Arsenal seek to build a dynasty following their first Premier League title triumph in two decades.

In the report, the Spaniard is understood to have made a new forward his top priority with Alvarez among the targets. There are believed to be resources available to enable the newly-crowned champions to secure a marquee signing.

The Gunners reached the summit of English football comfortably with their victory confirmed before the final day after Manchester City dropped points at Bournemouth .

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The lengthy wait to lift the silverware concluded after they put the finishing touches on an outstanding season with a 2-1 victory, while they can complete the job on Saturday with a European Cup to add to their haul.

Arteta said: "It's very difficult to put it into words, but what a moment. A lot of emotions, a lot of joy, pride. I think the manner in which it was done represents what these guys are feeling and the reason why this magic happened.

"I'm the same one, but I'm happier and relieved. Obviously, throughout this journey, we have made some massive steps. We have accomplished a lot of things that, in my opinion, have a lot of value.

"But at the end of the day, we are here to win major trophies. That was the ultimate goal and we were very close. On these three occasions, we fell short at the end, and that was very painful.

"But I think that's what has driven all of us to find new ways to show what we are made of. That's why I said that the manner in which we've done it, it makes it even better.

"It is different. It was magical the other night and what we've done this afternoon here, I would say it's even better because all the staff are there, everybody is touching it.

"You see the joy of the players, our supporters, the way they are behaving with the team, and of course, the families are around as well and it brings something else."

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