Chelsea have entered the race to sign Atletico Madrid and Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, with the player himself reportedly receptive to the idea of a return to English football.
Alvarez Open to England Return Amid Chelsea Interest
According to reports, the 25-year-old World Cup winner is 'open' to moving back to the Premier League after Chelsea expressed their interest in securing his signature. Alvarez previously enjoyed a successful spell at Manchester City, where he won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FA Cup before his £82 million transfer to Atletico Madrid in 2024.
Since moving to the Spanish capital, Alvarez has maintained an impressive goalscoring record. He netted 29 times in his debut season and has added a further 11 goals so far in the current campaign. Despite being content at the club, it is understood the ambitious Argentine had hoped for more immediate silverware after leaving the Etihad, a goal that has so far eluded him with Atletico sitting fourth in La Liga.
Atletico's Stance and a Packed Suitor List
While Atletico Madrid have shown no current desire to sell their star attacker, Spanish reports indicate a summer transfer is feasible if interested clubs meet their valuation. It is claimed the asking price has been set at 100 million euros, approximately £87 million.
Chelsea are not alone in their admiration. Alvarez was linked with Liverpool and Arsenal last summer, though both clubs ultimately signed other forwards. Furthermore, European giants Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are known admirers of the former South American Footballer of the Year, setting the stage for a potential bidding war.
Chelsea's interest follows a summer where they spent nearly £100 million on attackers Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, neither of whom have fully convinced. Pedro has eight goals in all competitions, while Delap has managed just one in the Premier League.
Player Focused on Atletico Amid Speculation
When questioned about the persistent transfer rumours last month, Alvarez sought to downplay the noise and emphasise his commitment to his current club. 'Look, it doesn't bother me,' he said. 'I try not to pay much attention, but I know what's being said. I'm very focused on this season, on what lies ahead with Atletico Madrid.'
His immediate focus is a crucial Champions League group stage clash against Galatasaray, with Atletico needing a strong finish to secure a top-eight place and automatic progression to the knockout rounds.
Back in England, Chelsea, now managed by Liam Rosenior after Enzo Maresca's departure, find themselves in 13th place in the Premier League, two points outside the automatic European qualification spots as they look to bolster their attacking options for next season.
