Arsenal dealt major blow as Real Madrid move to steal Barcelona target

Real Madrid have reportedly enquired about the availability of a player who is also being targeted by Arsenal and Barcelona this summer.

After an eventful week in the Spanish capital, long-serving club president Florentino Perez was re-elected until 2030, paving the way for Jose Mourinho's return to be officially confirmed, with his three-year contract only becoming valid following the veteran president's re-election.

Throughout his presidential campaign, Perez, who won 65 per cent of the vote, made several outlandish statements, even promising the biggest deal in Real Madrid's history.

The 79-year-old pledged to offer "about €150 million" for a "great player" who is currently at a "major Champions League club", before making it clear that it was not Manchester City's Erling Haaland or Jeremy Doku, nor Bayern Munich duo Michael Olise and Harry Kane.

Paris Saint-Germain's Vitinha and Joao Neves were also suggested, although PSG have denied any approaches.

While the identity of the mystery Galactico remains unclear, reports from Spanish outlet SPORT claim it may be Atletico Madrid and Argentina forward Julian Alvarez.

READ MORE: Real Madrid to 'launch stunning bid' for Liverpool star after Florentino Perez wins election

Alvarez has been the subject of interest from both Barcelona and Arsenal in recent weeks, with the Catalan club reportedly having already lodged a £77.9 million offer, which seemingly annoyed Atleti. The club responded by jokingly proposing a bid for Lamine Yamal.

On X, they wrote: "We have sent a fax to FC Barcelona with our transfer offer: four tickets for tomorrow's Bad Bunny concert, an annual subscription to ABC, and a bag of sunflower seeds. We eagerly await the response to prepare the 'announce'."

SPORT suggests Real aim to "prevent" Barcelona from landing the former Manchester City forward by signing him instead, although the reported €500 million release clause in his contract is expected to be a significant stumbling block in negotiations.

Los Blancos have already enquired about the 26-year-old, who is expected to become available this summer.

Confirming the approach on X, Sky Sports Germany journalist Patrick Berger wrote: "Real Madrid are understood to have made enquiries about the Argentinian striker and rate him very highly. Atletico Madrid would be keen to sell Alvarez if an offer of €150 million arrives."

Alvarez registered 20 goals and nine assists in 49 appearances for Atleti last term as the side finished fourth in La Liga, were runners-up in the Copa del Rey, and reached the Champions League semi-finals.

What has Perez said about mystery Galatico transfer?

Speaking last week, Perez promised to make the proposed bid on Tuesday (June 9).

"I have some news for you," he told Spanish TV show Horizonte.

"On Tuesday or so, I'm going to make an offer to a major Champions League club for a great player. It would be the largest transfer fee Real Madrid has ever paid in its history."

When asked the name of the player, he replied: “Olise is a great player but it's not Olise.

"It's not Doku either.

"We're going to make a significant offer, at least around 150m.

"He needs to be a player from midfield who can go forward. And it's not Haaland.

"The player is not from the Premier League. And the first thing we'll do is talk to the club.

"It's a signing meant to generate excitement because that's what it's all about, generating excitement."