We Don’t Know What’s Wrong With Him’ – Arsenal Concern Grows Over £82m Julian Alvarez Deal

Arsenal are monitoring Julian Alvarez closely as Atletico Madrid admit concerns over the striker’s alarming loss of form.

Arsenal long-standing search for an elite striker has once again placed Julian Alvarez firmly on the club’s radar, but serious concerns have now emerged over the Atletico Madrid forward’s form.

The 25-year-old Argentine, valued at around £82 million, is enduring a worrying goal drought in Spain, raising questions about whether he represents a safe investment for Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing side.

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After arriving at Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2024, Alvarez made an immediate impression. He scored 29 goals in 57 appearances across competitions during his debut season, including 17 La Liga strikes, and quickly became a central figure in Diego Simeone’s attack.

That form has vanished this season. Alvarez has managed just seven league goals in 21 appearances, with only one coming from open play in his last 14 matches. His most recent open-play goal dates back to September 27, while his last goal in any competition came in December.

Atletico Admit They Are Baffled

The slump has left Atletico Madrid officials openly confused. Club president Enrique Cerezo admitted there is no clear explanation for Alvarez’s struggles.

“He’s going through a moment where we don’t know what’s happening to him.”

Despite the concern, head coach Diego Simeone has publicly backed the striker, pointing to his pedigree and career achievements.

“Julian Alvarez speaks for himself because of the authority he has and the career he’s built.”

Arsenal’s interest has intensified as they continue to search for a reliable goalscorer. The club are believed to be considering a summer move that could exceed €100m, with sporting director Andrea Berta playing a key role in monitoring the situation.

Berta’s familiarity with Alvarez from previous dealings in Spain is seen as a potential advantage should talks progress. Quiet discussions are believed to have taken place, although no formal bid has yet been submitted.

The concern is heightened by Arsenal’s current attacking struggles. Viktor Gyokeres, signed to lead the line, has also suffered a dip in form, managing just five goals in 21 Premier League appearances and only one open-play goal in his last 12 matches.

That parallel raises an uncomfortable question for Arsenal’s recruitment team:
Is Alvarez’s drought a temporary loss of confidence, or a deeper issue linked to tactical fit and adaptation?

Any move for Alvarez would come at a premium. Atletico Madrid are expected to demand well over €100m, while interest from Paris Saint-Germain could further inflate the price. Barcelona remain admirers but are constrained financially.

A Decision That Could Define Arsenal’s Title Push

For Arsenal, Julian Alvarez remains an elite-level talent with proven pedigree. However, the uncertainty surrounding his current form cannot be ignored.

As Atletico openly admit they are unsure what has gone wrong, Arsenal must decide whether to trust Alvarez’s history — or avoid inheriting another misfiring striker. With the Premier League title race finely balanced, this decision could define Arteta’s season.

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