Liverpool risk losing £128m forward to Arsenal after he issues quit threat

Liverpool could do with improving their options at centre-forward this summer.

Alexander Isak was signed last year for a British record £125m fee while Hugo Ekitike came on board for £69m.

Isak, 26, has endured a nightmare first year on Merseyside - scoring four goals overall and suffering a leg break.

Ekitike got off to a better start following his move from Eintracht Frankfurt but is now facing an extended spell on the sidelines.

Relying on Isak alone for the season ahead would be a risky strategy from Richard Hughes and Andoni Iraola.

The Sweden international’s fitness had never been the most robust and there is a lack of experience elsewhere in the ranks. Jayden Danns is injured, Will Wright is still playing age-group football and Keyrol Figueroa’s new contract has not yet been announced.

Liverpool want Julian Alvarez

Therefore a deal for a reliable performer could be just the ticket. One name mentioned as a potential incoming is FIFA World Cup finalist Julian Alvarez.

The 26-year-old currently plays for Atletico Madrid - with Real Madrid seeing a bid worth around €150m (£128m) knocked back earlier this summer. Barcelona - the La Liga champions - are also interested.

And from the Premier League Liverpool are one of TWO clubs interested in signing the Argentina star.

That’s according to a report in Football Insider - which claims the Gunners are currently well ahead of the Anfield side in the race to sign the former Manchester City goal-getter.

Alvarez seeking transfer this summer

Alvarez has declared his intention to move on from Diego Simeone’s side this summer - admitting it was time for him to fulfil a dream.

“Arsenal are well ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign Atletico Madrid and Argentina star Julian Alvarez this summer,” the report reads.

“Arsenal have been named in the race for Alvarez's signature, while Liverpool are also reportedly interested as Andoni Iraola aims to bolster his attacking ranks.”

Julián Álvarez: Situation summary

Julián Álvarez is an Argentine forward who rose through River Plate before moving to Europe and establishing himself as a high‑level attacker for club and country, winning both the Champions League and World Cup along the way.

He now leads the line for Atlético Madrid, where his intelligence and work‑rate fit neatly into a high‑intensity, tactically disciplined side.

On the pitch he is a flexible forward rather than a fixed No.9, comfortable playing as a central striker, second forward or attacking midfielder, constantly rotating into pockets to link play.

Álvarez combines sharp movement, clean combination play and aggressive pressing, giving coaches both penalty‑box threat and a first defender from the front.

At Atlético he has become a focal point: leading their press, knitting together transitions and contributing goals and assists across La Liga, the Champions League and the new Club World Cup.

With his peak years ahead and a track record of delivering in big games, he profiles as a long‑term reference point for both Atlético’s attack and Argentina’s post‑Messi frontline.