Arsenal’s €100m transfer target hits 10-match goal drought

Julián Alvarez drought raises fresh questions as Arsenal striker debate refuses to go away despite Premier League and Champions League dominance

Julián Alvarez’s name refuses to go away in Arsenal transfer circles, but the Atlético Madrid striker is enduring a worrying spell in front of goal that is impossible to ignore. The Argentine forward, long admired by Mikel Arteta and the club’s recruitment team, has now gone 10 LaLiga matches without finding the net, a run that has coincided with renewed scrutiny of Arsenal’s own attacking options.

Atlético signed Alvarez for €100 million (£86.8m) in the summer of 2024. The move was spearheaded by Andrea Berta, who was the sporting director at the Rojiblancos, but has since taken on the same role with the Gunners.

FC Barcelona have also been strongly linked with the forward, although their financial constraints would make such a move extremely complicated.

The Argentine striker got off to a blistering start to the 2025/26 season, scoring a brace against Real Madrid in late September that took him to six goals for the LaLiga campaign. And while his form hasn’t slowed down in the Champions League, scoring four goals this season, his league form has become a big concern.

Alvarez’s last league goal for Atlético came in a commanding 3-0 victory over Sevilla on November 1. Since then, despite continued starts and heavy involvement in Diego Simeone’s side, the former Manchester City forward has been unable to add to his domestic tally.

Atlético managed a comfortable 3-0 win over Real Mallorca on Sunday, but Alvarez again failed to score, extending a barren run that has inevitably fuelled speculation around his form and confidence.

Before that Mallorca match, Simeone was visibly irritated when asked why there was still reason to believe in Alvarez during such a prolonged dry spell. The Atlético coach did not hold back in his response.

“Are you seriously asking me that? Julián believes in himself because of his name, status, and track record,” Simeone snapped, firmly backing his striker and dismissing any suggestion of doubt.

That public defence underlines how highly Alvarez remains rated in Madrid, but it also highlights the contrast between reputation and output right now. The 25-year-old is still viewed as one of Europe’s most complete forwards, yet the numbers have stalled at a crucial moment of the season.

Arsenal interest and the striker debate

Arsenal’s long-standing admiration for Alvarez has been well documented. The Gunners were understood to be keen on the Argentina international last year before committing £63 million to Viktor Gyökeres.

While Gyökeres arrived with a prolific reputation, the jury remains out on the Swede’s adaptation to life in north London.

Despite Arsenal sitting top of the Premier League table, four points clear of second-placed Manchester City, and leading the Champions League league phase with a perfect record of seven wins from seven, questions around the No.9 position persist.

Tellingly, Arsenal’s joint top scorers this season are Leandro Trossard and Gyökeres, both on just five goals, an unusually low figure for a title-chasing side.

That context explains why Alvarez continues to be linked with a potential €100 million move. Arsenal’s attacking structure creates chances in volume, but the lack of a ruthless, elite finisher remains a recurring talking point among supporters and pundits alike.

However, Alvarez’s current drought complicates that narrative. While his all-round play, pressing and intelligence fit Arsenal’s system perfectly, his recent struggles in front of goal raise legitimate questions about whether he represents the guaranteed solution many crave.

For now, Arsenal are winning without a dominant scorer, but the striker debate shows no sign of fading, especially while one of their most talked-about targets is fighting a battle of his own in LaLiga.