In a dramatic shift that has sent shockwaves through the Emirates, Arsenal are reportedly prepared to offload Kai Havertz — the very player they once hailed as a long-term cornerstone — to bankroll a sensational summer move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
Despite signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP in the summer of 2025, manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta remain determined to add yet another elite forward to their ranks. Alvarez, the Argentina international who has long been on Arsenal’s radar, has emerged as the primary target, with speculation intensifying in recent weeks as the Gunners have dispatched scouts to closely monitor his performances in La Liga and the Champions League.
According to reports, Alvarez has already informed Atletico Madrid of his willingness to depart the club this summer. CaughtOffSide states that Arsenal are “determined” to secure his signature in the 2026 window and are actively willing to sell either Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz to fund the deal.
Atletico are demanding €120 million (£104.3m) for the 26-year-old, who has enjoyed a prolific campaign: eight goals in 22 La Liga starts, plus an impressive nine goals in 13 Champions League appearances. With interest also coming from Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Chelsea, Arsenal know they face stiff competition for one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards.
The plan to generate funds by moving on Havertz or Jesus would not only help meet Atletico’s valuation but also create breathing room in the wage structure, allowing the club to accommodate a major new signing without overloading the squad.
This latest development marks a clear U-turn on Havertz’s future at the club. The Germany international arrived from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for £65m and remains under contract until 2028. As recently as February 6, reports suggested Arsenal were in positive talks over a one-year contract extension. Now, however, he appears expendable as Arteta looks to reshape his attacking options.
Gyokeres, the Swede signed last summer, is not expected to leave, having settled quickly into the Premier League leaders’ setup. Adding Alvarez while retaining both Jesus and Havertz would create an overcrowded forward line — a luxury even a title-chasing side like Arsenal cannot afford.
Gabriel Jesus’s situation adds another layer of intrigue. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has noted that the Brazil international changed agents at the start of 2026 and could assess offers in the summer, though he remains fully focused on delivering silverware for Arsenal this season. “He loves Arsenal,” Romano emphasised, adding that any exit would likely come only after a strong campaign, and one year before his contract expires in 2027.
The potential sale of Havertz represents a significant pivot. Once viewed as a versatile attacking asset capable of playing across the front line or even in midfield, the former Chelsea man now finds himself on the transfer list as Arsenal prioritise a more clinical, high-output striker in Alvarez.
Arteta and Berta clearly believe the Argentine’s blend of movement, finishing and big-game temperament would elevate an already potent attack. Yet the strategy carries risk: offloading a £65m signing after just three seasons could be interpreted as a costly misstep, while the pursuit of Alvarez risks inflating the summer’s spending even further if Atletico hold firm on their €120m ask.
With the Premier League season reaching its climax and Arsenal pushing for major honours, this bombshell transfer saga adds yet more drama to an already intense campaign. Whether Havertz departs willingly, whether Jesus stays loyal, and whether Alvarez ultimately chooses the Emirates over rival suitors will define Arsenal’s summer — and potentially their next era under Arteta.
One thing is certain: Andrea Berta is already calculating the numbers, with £104m firmly in his sights to make the deal happen. The final whistle on this particular chapter of Arsenal’s forward planning may be about to blow.