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Gary Lineker believes £81m Chelsea target is unhappy and could join Arsenal
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- Gary Lineker believes £81m Chelsea target is unhappy and could join Arsenal
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The former England striker believes a summer move could be on the cards for the World Cup winner.
While Chelsea 's January transfer window looks set to close quietly, expectations are already building around a far busier summer. The Blues are expected to target reinforcements in attack, midfield and goal, with striker recruitment high on the agenda.
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Despite having options up front, questions remain over Chelsea's long-term solution at No.9. Joao Pedro has started to find form, Liam Delap continues to adapt, and Emmanuel Emegha is already lined up to arrive in the summer. However, Chelsea are also monitoring higher-profile names — including Atlético Madrid forward Julian Alvarez .
Lineker casts doubt on Alvarez's happiness at Atlético
Photo by Gokhan Taner/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Alvarez has impressed since joining Atlético Madrid from Manchester City in 2024, establishing himself as a key figure under Diego Simeone. Despite that, Gary Lineker has claimed the Argentine is not fully content in Spain.
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Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Lineker suggested Alvarez may be open to a move and believes Arsenal could be a more likely destination than Chelsea. He highlighted Alvarez's pedigree on the biggest stage and described him as a player capable of deciding matches at the very highest level.
Alvarez remains under contract until 2030 and carries a substantial release clause, meaning any deal would require serious financial commitment.
Arsenal interest could shape the race
Arsenal's interest in Alvarez is not new. According to David Ornstein, the forward was discussed internally by the club last summer, and his profile continues to fit Mikel Arteta's system.
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While Atlético Madrid are expected to seek a significant profit, the combined pulling power and resources of clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea could yet test their resolve. Should Alvarez push for a move, the race for one of Europe's most complete forwards could quickly become one of the summer's defining transfer stories.
