'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='prefix__paint0_linear_4737_37157'%20x1='3.018'%20y1='23.6'%20x2='44.925'%20y2='24.977'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%231CB7FF'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='.502'%20stop-color='%232FF58B'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Julian Alvarez transfer preference emerges amid Arsenal and Chelsea interest
Feb 18 2026 15:10 · By Daniel Marsh/Senior Sports Reporter · 197 Reads
View 3 Images
Julian Alvarez would favour a move to Barcelona over a return to the Premier League despite reported interest in his services from Arsenal and Chelsea .
The former Manchester City attacker, 26, has been a huge hit since moving to Atletico Madrid last year, plundering 29 goals in his maiden season in the Spanish capital. And with interest in the Argentina star continuing to grow this year, speculation that Atletico and their star forward could part ways refuses to go away.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea have recently been touted as potential destinations for Alvarez, who impressed during his time in the Premier League despite failing to usurp Erling Haaland .
But Spanish outlet Sport claim his preference would be to remain in Spain with Barcelona if an exit from Atletico were to materialise in the near future.
It's said that those close to Alvarez have implied the striker would like to play for Barca in the future, although there is an acceptance such a move would be difficult as things stand given they would struggle to meet Atletico's demands for such a key player.
The report also reveals that Atletico have already tabled a new contract offer to Alvarez in a bid to stave off interest from some of Europe's elite. They want to tie the striker down to fresh terms despite the fact he is already contracted until 2030, though it remains to be seen if Alvarez will agree to do so.
View 3 Images
Manchester United are mentioned alongside Arsenal and Chelsea when it comes to Premier League clubs who would hold an interest in bringing Alvarez back to England after his two year spell with Manchester City.
Intriguingly, all three clubs spent big on new strikers last summer, with Arsenal and United bringing in Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko respectively. Chelsea added Joao Pedro and Liam Delap to their squad.
View 3 Images
But none have been huge hits with Pedro the highest scorer of the quartet when it comes to Premier League goals with 10, followed by Gyokeres on eight. Sesko has six league goals, while Delap has scored just once.
Alvarez notched 36 goals in his two years at The Etihad, winning two league titles and the Champions League .
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.