Arsenal are preparing a dramatic summer overhaul of their forward line, with the club reportedly open to selling both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus to help finance a sensational move for Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez.
Despite investing heavily last summer to bring in Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP for £64million as their new first-choice centre-forward, the Gunners are already eyeing significant changes. The Swedish international has delivered a solid debut campaign, netting 18 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions — including 12 Premier League strikes from 30 matches. Yet, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta appears determined to reshape the attack for the 2026/27 season.
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are “willing to sell Havertz and Jesus to make way for Julian Alvarez.” The Argentina international has emerged as the club’s primary target, and the Gunners are intensifying their efforts to secure his signature. The plan involves building a strong relationship with the player and his representatives before opening formal talks with Atletico Madrid.
Atleti would prefer to sell to Arsenal rather than rivals Barcelona, but they are holding firm on a massive €120m (£104m) valuation while publicly insisting that Alvarez is not for sale. The former Manchester City forward has reportedly set his sights on Barcelona as his preferred destination, but the financially strained Catalans are unlikely to meet that asking price.
This is where Arsenal hold a clear advantage. The Gunners are in a stronger financial position than Barcelona, and the potential sales of Havertz and Jesus could provide the crucial funds — and squad space — needed to “unlock the Alvarez deal.”
Gabriel Jesus is open to considering offers once the current campaign concludes, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The Brazilian, valued at around £30m, has attracted interest from clubs in Italy and his homeland. Under contract until 2027, Jesus remains fully focused on helping Arsenal chase silverware this season, but his future is now under review.
A departure for Kai Havertz would be more surprising. When fit, the 26-year-old German has become an important player in Mikel Arteta’s setup. However, recurring injury problems over the past two seasons have limited his consistency. Bayern Munich have previously been linked with a move for the former Bayer Leverkusen star.
Alvarez In, Havertz & Jesus Out?
Arsenal have already submitted a proposal for Alvarez to consider, and reports suggest the move is gaining serious momentum. Atletico Madrid are reportedly lining up Mason Greenwood as a potential replacement should the Argentine depart.
The proposed overhaul reflects Arsenal’s ambition to add a proven, high-level finisher to complement Gyokeres and elevate their attacking threat to title-winning levels. Alvarez’s versatility, clinical finishing, and big-game experience make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s system — a “monster” signing that could transform the Emirates forward line into a new beast mode.
Whether the Gunners can pull off this blockbuster remains to be seen. Atletico will drive a hard bargain, and balancing the books while maintaining squad harmony will be critical. But with Berta at the helm and clear intent from the board, Arsenal are signalling they are ready to make bold moves this summer.
One thing is certain: if Alvarez arrives and the duo departs, the 2026/27 season could mark the start of a thrilling new chapter for the Gunners.