Arsenal and Chelsea are ‘prepared to break the bank’ to sign Julian Alvarez this summer – but the Atletico Madrid star would prefer a move to Barcelona.

The former Manchester City striker has been linked with a sensational return to the Premier League this summer with Arsenal weighing up a move for the end of the season.

Key to any talks will be Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s sporting director who oversaw the Argentina international’s £81million move from City to the Wanda Metropolitano in the summer of 2024.

Chelsea have also been credited with keen interest in the World Cup winner.

Sport report there has been some movement over a potential return to England in recent weeks, suggesting Alvarez’s agent Fernando Hidalo was recently in the UK where they may have been some contact with the London clubs.

However, the report states Alvarez’s is not prioritising a return to England and would opt for Barcelona were an offer to be made.

The Catalan giants are also huge admirers of the 26-year-old but with an offer in the excess of €100million needed to even tempt Atletico into doing business, their financial position could leave a deal out of their reach.

...