Barcelona among suitors as £87 million treble-winner seeks exit

Last Updated on 20 January 2026

Barcelona and Chelsea set to go head-to-head, as many other suitors from England and outside England get ready for a big name superstar to hit the market.

According to reliable reports from Spain, Barcelona have been keeping their powder dry for a major transfer. Chelsea, on the other hand, are always a realistic option given their ability to spend big.

One thing is for sure, as soon as the summer transfer window opens, clubs across Europe will scramble to get their hands on Atletico Madrid’s superstar.

Barcelona lead race for Julian Alvarez as Chelsea and other Premier League clubs monitor situation

Julian Alvarez has won everything there is to win, in his career, already. The 25-year-old joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City after winning the treble with the Citizens in 2023.

He was also a key player in Lionel Scaloni’s World Cup winning Argentinian side. However, since making a move to Spain, Alvarez has not enjoyed a lot of team success.

According to many reports, Alvarez wants a return to England but it’s Barcelona who lead the race for his signing. Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, met with Alvarez’s camp in January and if there is willingness a move could even take place in January.

In the Premier League, it’s no surprise that plenty of clubs are on red alert. Chelsea are considered favorites while Liverpool have shown significant interest in the past in Alvarez. Arsenal could join the race, too, given their troubles up-top.

Can Julian Alvarez help Barcelona compete with Real Madrid’s new era Galacticos?

Results might not paint a pretty picture of Real Madrid but Los Blancos are always stacked with supreme talent.

For Barcelona, given their financial troubles, it has become a lot more difficult to keep up with Real Madrid’s ability to spend big. They usually rely on talent from La Masia to deliver but every now and then Barcelona snag a big name transfer, too.

Since Raphinha’s signing in July 2022, the Catalans have not spent over £50 million on any signing. But if Alvarez gives the green signal and Atletico show some willingness, it would not be a surprise for Barcelona to get a deal in place for the Argentinian.

Historically, players from La Albiceleste have done extremely well in Catalonia. It would not be a surprise if Alvarez does so, too. He has the playing style to suit Barcelona. That front-three featuring Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Alvarez would definitely be among the world’s best.