PSG makes a cunning move ahead of the Champions League final against Arsenal

Right before the Champions League final, PSG surprised everyone by putting forward a €120 million bid for Julian Alvarez, turning the competition with Arsenal into an even more heated battle on the summer transfer front.

Only days before the Champions League final against Arsenal, PSG caused a major shock in the transfer market by sending a bid worth €120 million to Atletico Madrid to sign Julian Alvarez. According to El Chiringuito, the Parisian club is even willing to include Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos in the deal to persuade Atletico to let the player go this summer 2026.

Not stopping at the enormous transfer fee, PSG also offered Alvarez a highly attractive salary package. The Argentine striker is reportedly set to receive €22 million net per season, matching the compensation that Ousmane Dembele currently earns at the Parc des Princes. This aggressive move is seen as a direct warning to Arsenal, who have also been pursuing Alvarez for some time and desperately need to add a top-class center-forward for the new season.

After winning the Premier League and securing a spot in the Champions League final, manager Mikel Arteta wants to continue upgrading the attack to maintain their competitive edge in Europe. Alvarez has long been a priority target for Arsenal thanks to his pressing ability, flexible movement, and versatility across the forward line. However, PSG's overwhelming financial strength is putting enormous pressure on the English club.

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Alvarez once stated: “If I leave Atletico Madrid, the only destination I want is Barcelona.” Nevertheless, the Catalan club currently lacks the financial resources to compete with PSG in this deal. This leaves the race for the World Cup winner's signature almost exclusively revolving around whether Arsenal dares to break the bank to go head-to-head with PSG.

Multiple sources in Europe suggest that PSG has launched a calculated “psychological blow” ahead of the Champions League final against Arsenal by unexpectedly accelerating the Julian Alvarez pursuit. The heavy spending on a target Arteta has long chased is seen as the French club's way of putting direct pressure on the Premier League side just before kickoff in Budapest.

Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere believes Alvarez would be a perfect fit for Arteta's system due to his class and top-level experience. Meanwhile, manager Diego Simeone also acknowledged that it's completely normal for Arsenal, PSG, or other European giants to be interested in his player. But with PSG's €120 million offer right before the Champions League final, Arsenal is clearly under significant pressure both on the pitch and in the transfer market.