Chelsea have leapfrogged Arsenal in the race to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid this summer, reports TEAMtalk.

Alvarez moved to Atletico in 2024 and enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in Spain, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists.

However, the Argentine has struggled in his second season for Diego Simeone’s side, having struck just seven times.

Chelsea and Arsenal keen on Argentine

And while Atletico are keen to retain his services, the 2022 World Cup winner is a wanted man in the lead up to the summer window.

Arsenal would be prepared to offer Gabriel Jesus or Gabriel Martinelli in a bid to drive Alvarez’s price down, with the asking price currently set at £87m.

Blues crave a world class striker

Chelsea, though, are believed to be in advanced negotiations to sign Alvarez at the end of the season as they look to bolster their frontline.

The Blues signed both Liam Delap and Joao Pedro from Ipswich and Brighton, respectively, last year, however the former has struggled for form and fitness following his move to Stamford Bridge.

Pedro, meanwhile, is viewed as a support man rather than the focal point to the attack and the west London side view Alvarez as the world class hitman required to fire the capital side to the Premier League title.

Barcelona also linked with Alvarez

Both Arsenal and Chelsea do face competition from La Liga giants Barcelona in the race to land the 26-year-old.

Barcelona are in the market for a new striker this summer amidst reports that Robert Lewandowski will leave the Spanish giants once his contract expires.

The La Liga champions may struggle to afford to match Atletico’s asking price for Alvarez, while the club’s presidential elections, which take place next month, may also scupper any hopes of a move for the former Manchester City man.