Chelsea is poised to hijack Barcelona’s top summer target and steal the deal right from under the Blaugrana’s nose.
The Blues’ aggressive manoeuvring highlights their willingness to outmuscle La Liga rivals in the market for elite goal threats, leveraging Enzo Maresca’s vision for dynamic frontlines.
Arsenal lurks as a third suitor, but Chelsea’s momentum positions them to strike first in a high-stakes Premier League-La Liga showdown set to define summer dealings.
The coveted asset is Julián Álvarez, the 26-year-old Atletico Madrid star and World Cup winner whose 40 goals since joining from Manchester City have reignited his elite pedigree despite a patchy 2025/26 season.
ESPN Argentina reports Chelsea pushing ahead with negotiations, eyeing an €82m deal that trumps Barcelona’s hesitancy over Atletico’s €100m+ valuation.
Álvarez’s versatility—false nine, wide operator, pressing machine—suits Maresca’s fluid attack, complementing Liam Delap and Joao Pedro while offering proven trophy nous from City and Argentina triumphs.
Barcelona earmark Álvarez as Robert Lewandowski’s heir post his confirmed 2026 exit, but Financial Fair Play woes and wage constraints hamstring their bid despite Flick’s admiration for his work rate alongside Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford.
Chelsea, flush with resources, advances quietly after agent Fernando Hidalgo’s UK visit, outpacing Arsenal’s structured interest under Mikel Arteta.
Atletico, under Diego Simeone, demands top dollar for a player frustrated by limited starring roles, with PSG also monitoring.
This hijack threat disrupts Barcelona’s €180m shortlist, including Rashford permanence and Alessandro Bastoni, forcing Deco to pivot amid sales of Jules Koundé or Raphinha.
Álvarez craves a starring role; Chelsea promises it over Arsenal’s rotation risks or Barça’s cap struggles.
As talks heat up, the Argentine’s preference could tip the scales, leaving Barcelona hunting alternatives like Viktor Gyokeres.
Chelsea’s boldness signals their resurgence, turning a Blaugrana dream into Stamford Bridge reality.
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