Arsenal's Julian Alvarez Chase Takes a Twist as Marli Salmon Signs
Arsenal’s week has swung wildly between Europe, the title race and the transfer market – and the latest developments off the pitch are just as sharp as anything happening on it.
They are still riding the high of reaching the Champions League semi-finals, even if last Wednesday’s second leg at home to Sporting CP hardly set pulses racing. A goalless draw, just one shot on target, and progression sealed 1-0 on aggregate. Efficient, not exhilarating.
Four days later came the real test. A trip to Manchester City, a game loaded with title implications. Arsenal rose to the occasion in performance, pushed Pep Guardiola’s side hard, but left with nothing. A 2-1 defeat means City can now pull level on points at the top if they win their game in hand against Burnley.
While Mikel Arteta wrestles with the here and now, the club’s hierarchy are already deep in the summer to-do list. Sporting director Andrea Berta, who oversaw eight signings in last year’s window, is again at the centre of the storm.
Two stories stand out.
Alvarez leans towards Barcelona
Arsenal’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has hit a significant snag.
The Atletico Madrid striker, heavily linked with a move to north London, is understood to favour Barcelona over Arsenal if he leaves this summer. Reports in Spain claim the 26-year-old does not want a return to England or the Premier League, a stance that immediately hands the advantage to the La Liga side and fellow suitors PSG.
Berta has been credited with driving Arsenal’s interest in Alvarez, having previously been involved in the deal that took the Argentine from Manchester City to Atletico in August 2024. That move has proved inspired. Alvarez has exploded in Spain, scoring 19 goals in all competitions and quickly becoming one of the most coveted forwards in Europe.
Atletico value him at around £100 million. That price tag has not scared off the elite. His form has dragged Barcelona and PSG into the race, and the latest word from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo is clear: if Alvarez moves, Camp Nou is his preferred destination.
Atletico, though, are not giving up. Mundo Deportivo previously reported that the club are ready to meet his financial demands after initial hesitation. A proposed salary of around €10 million (£8m) per year is on the table, up from his current €7m (£6m). The Colchoneros are said to be optimistic that this improved offer will convince him to commit his long-term future to Madrid.
Arsenal, then, find themselves on the outside looking in. They will get a close-up view of what they might be missing soon enough. Alvarez is set to face Arteta’s side later this month in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final – a tantalising audition, whether he stays in Spain or not.
Salmon commits to Arsenal future
While the Alvarez chase drifts away, Arsenal have nailed down one of their own.
Marli Salmon has signed a pre-contract agreement that will see him pen professional terms with the club when he turns 17. It is a significant marker for a teenager the club clearly rate highly.
The central defender made his first-team debut from the bench in December’s Champions League win over Club Brugge and has since appeared three times in the FA Cup. The Premier League has yet to see him, but inside the club there is no doubt about his trajectory.
Salmon captains the Under-21s and has become a standard-bearer for the academy. That responsibility, and the trust shown by Arteta, have helped convince him to commit his future to his boyhood club.
Speaking to the official Arsenal website, Salmon called it “a very big moment” for himself and his family, stressing his pride at progressing from the academy he joined at nine years old and his desire to “give everything to the club”. An Arsenal supporter from childhood, he highlighted his debut this season as a standout memory and set his sights on pushing on, maintaining high standards and collecting as much first-team experience as possible.
One transfer story edges away from north London. Another, quieter but potentially just as important, is locked in.
Arsenal’s summer is already taking shape. The only question is whether the next big signing arrives from Madrid – or from their own backyard.
