--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-08-26T15:02:58.318Z last_updated: 2026-08-26T11:49:57+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/arsenal/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZm9vdGJhbGwubG9uZG9uL2Fyc2VuYWwtZmMvdHJhbnNmZXItbmV3cy9qdWxpYW4tYWx2YXJlei1hbHRlcm5hdGl2ZS1uYW1lZC1zcGFuaXNoLTM0NTE5MDM4 --- # Julian Alvarez alternative named as Spanish media give Arsenal boost - **Source:** - **Published:** 26 Aug - **Club:** Arsenal - **Original URL:** https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/julian-alvarez-alternative-named-spanish-34519038 Alvarez, 26, has been linked with the Atletico exit for most of the summer after revealing he's ready for a new challenge. Barcelona submitted a bid in the region of £100million for his services last month but have been told it's a non-starter. Los Rojiblancos do not want to sell to their direct league rivals as they look to compete for La Liga silverware once again. Atletico are reportedly holding out for £130m but may not send their star to the Camp Nou even if Barca meet that valuation. That stubborn stance could convince Hansi Flick's side to look elsewhere for a cheaper attacking option. And that could only aid Arsenal's chances of landing Alvarez, though the South American supposedly isn't keen on a return to the Premier League. One alleged alternative for the Catalans is Villarreal striker Georges Mikautadze, who has been the subject of links over the past week or so. The Georgian has gone from strength to strength in recent years, excelling at Metz, Seraing and Lyon before making the move to Spain last year. All the best news, features, updates and analysis from Tom Canton and more straight to your Inbox! Yours in just two simple steps. FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page The 25-year-old also finished as joint-top scorer at Euro 2024, albeit after mustering only three goals across the tournament. However, a return of 23 in 43 outings for Georgia is indicative of just the kind of natural goalscorer he is. It was suggested on Radio Marca's 'La Tribu' programme that he would be a perfectly suitable alternative to Alvarez for far less money. While they acknowledged it would be a riskier option with less talent, Mikautadze was backed to fit seamlessly into Barca's system. Mikautadze's release clause reportedly rose from just £50m to £66m in mid-August due to a clause in his contract. However, that's still roughly half of what it would cost to take Alvarez from the Riyadh Air Metropolitano this summer. Los Cules are currently chasing a replacement for Robert Lewandowski after he left on a free and has since joined the Chicago Fire. Ferran Torres has also left to join Paris Saint-Germain, leaving Flick without a natural option to lead the line. Summer signing Karim Adeyemi has played up front in the past but perhaps isn't that natural scorer Barcelona need. Mikautadze does appear to bring that presence, however, after scoring 14 goals or more in each of the last six straight campaigns. This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions. In the event Barcelona do sign a new forward, it may finally dawn on Alvarez that he won't be getting his way to join Barca. At least not directly from Atletico, who appear adamant to resist strengthening one of their nemeses while weakening their own options. Arsenal's interest in Alvarez has raised the question as to what Mikel Arteta's plans are for Viktor Gyokeres. Signed last summer as the supposed solution to the Gunners' longstanding striker dilemma, the Swede may be in danger of demotion despite helping the club finally clinch the Premier League crown. Arteta reportedly views Alvarez as a more astute solution to his attacking formula, however, and continues to pursue a move. Arsenal have already strengthened significantly in defence and midfield, with the club hoping Barcelona do look elsewhere after growing frustrated in the hunt for Alvarez.