Atletico Madrid have enquired about Victor Osimhen as they plan for the possibility that Julian Alvarez could leave, even while publicly insisting the Argentina forward is not for sale. The contact over Osimhen is the clearest sign yet that Atletico are preparing for a summer in which they may have to replace one of their most important attackers.
That is why Julian Alvarez Arsenal transfer news is being searched now. Arsenal remain among the clubs watching Alvarez’s situation, alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, and Atletico’s move for a potential replacement adds a new layer to a story that had already been building for weeks. Earlier this week, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo said Alvarez was “an Atlético de Madrid player and not just for this season but for many others,” but the club’s actions are telling a more complicated story.
According to AS, Atletico have made contact over Osimhen as they monitor the market in case Alvarez does go. The Nigeria forward would not be a simple fallback option. He is under contract with Galatasaray until 2029, is said to be worth £64.8million and earns a reported £13m per season net. He also arrives with a record that explains why Atletico have looked his way: 22 goals in 33 appearances across the Turkish Super Lig and Champions League last term. Galatasaray are not expected to make an exit easy.
Osimhen has also already spoken warmly about Atletico after the two sides met in the Champions League. “I like them,” he said, adding that he has “always been a fan of their coach,” has “met him a couple of times,” and admires the way they “play aggressively and have a strong identity.” He said he was impressed by the performance, a comment that now looks more relevant than it did when it was first made.
That leaves Atletico in an awkward place. They are saying one thing in public and preparing for another in private, a contradiction that usually means the club expects movement even if it cannot control the timing. Paris Saint-Germain made contact with Atletico earlier this year, Arsenal are interested, and it is claimed a Premier League return does not currently appeal to Alvarez, but none of that removes the basic problem in Madrid: if an acceptable offer arrives, Atletico will need a ready answer. Osimhen is one of them, and the next step will be whether Atletico turn that enquiry into a formal move before August closes the door on easy market opportunities.
