Arsenal ready to sell Havertz and Jesus to fund move for Atletico's Alvarez
A striker overhaul at the Emirates
Arsenal's interest in Julian Alvarez has been an open secret for weeks, but the picture is becoming clearer. Multiple reports on Tuesday indicated that the Gunners are willing to move on both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus this summer to create the financial headroom for a bid. Atletico Madrid have set their asking price at approximately 120 million euros, a figure designed to discourage all but the most serious suitors.
Jesus has been on the fringes at the Emirates for most of the season. Arsenal set a 30 million pound asking price for the Brazilian earlier this month, with AC Milan and Juventus among the clubs monitoring his situation. Havertz's potential departure is the bigger surprise. The German scored the stoppage-time winner against Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-final first leg just over a week ago, but Arsenal appear ready to cash in if the right offer arrives.
Why Alvarez fits the profile
Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 and has established himself as one of La Liga's most complete forwards. At 26, he is entering his peak years, and his ability to press, link play, and finish from almost anywhere in the final third is exactly what Mikel Arteta has been looking for. Arsenal's current title challenge, with the Premier League race going down to the wire, has only reinforced the need for a centre-forward who can be the focal point of the attack week in, week out.
The club's strategy reportedly involves establishing a relationship with Alvarez's camp before entering formal negotiations with Atletico. By agreeing personal terms first, Arsenal hope to present the Spanish club with a deal that is harder to turn down.
Competition and complications
Arsenal are not alone in the race. Paris Saint-Germain have tracked Alvarez for some time and could re-enter the picture if their attacking options change over the summer. Chelsea are also watching closely. Atletico, meanwhile, have no intention of making this easy. The 120 million euro valuation is a statement: they do not want to sell, and any club that comes calling will need to overpay.
Whether Arsenal can get the deal done may depend on how much they recoup from Havertz and Jesus. If both depart at reasonable prices, the maths starts to work. If either sale stalls, Arteta may have to look elsewhere.
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