3 forwards to replace Julián if he signs with Arsenal

The Atlético de Madrid would need to find a new scorer if Julián Álvarez is involved in a deal with Arsenal for Martín Zubimendi in the January market. Although the potential swap has not been confirmed by the clubs, Victor Osimhen, Serhou Guirassy, and Benjamin Šeško are among the alternatives being mentioned in Spain to strengthen the forward line.

Atlético de Madrid: Osimhen, a high-cost bet

Victor Osimhen, a 27-year-old Nigerian forward from Galatasaray, would be an option to cover Álvarez's offensive output. The striker is under contract until June 2029 and his market value is around 63 million euros, meaning his arrival would require a significant investment, even if Atlético were to receive funds for the Argentine.

Osimhen offers a profile of an area striker, with physical power and the ability to attack space. His name has already appeared among the candidates being considered in Spain for a potential exit of Álvarez, although there is no confirmation that Atlético has initiated negotiations with Galatasaray.

The main difficulty would be financial: the Turkish club acquired him definitively in 2025 and tied him down for several seasons. Therefore, this option would depend on both the available budget and Galatasaray's willingness to negotiate mid-season.

According to reliable reports in Spain, Atletico Madrid are exploring the possibility of a swap deal with Arsenal in January. The deal would see Martin Zubimendi move to the Spanish side in exchange for Julian Alvarez. However Arsenal are expected to be able to drive up the price for Martin Zubimendi with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea all showing serious interest.

— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) November 9, 2026

Serhou Guirassy and Benjamin Šeško, two distinct profiles

Serhou Guirassy, a 30-year-old Guinean forward from Borussia Dortmund, offers an alternative with experience in the Bundesliga. In the 2025-2026 season, he scored 20 goals with the German team, according to records of his recent career, and his contract extends until 2028. His release clause has been set around 50 million euros, which provides a reference for calculating the cost of the operation.

His main advantage for Atlético de Madrid would be his experience as an offensive reference and his ability to finish inside the area. However, the clause does not make the signing cheap: the club would need to assess the expenditure and the competition from other teams interested in the striker.

The third option is Benjamin Šeško, a 23-year-old Slovenian playing for Manchester United. The English club signed him in 2025 for a figure close to 77 million euros and he signed a contract until June 2030. His age fits into a mid-term investment, but his cost and contractual situation make it difficult for Atlético to incorporate him in January without a complex financial operation.

Additionally, Šeško is dealing with a leg injury and his return is expected in January 2027, according to medical information collected by Sofascore. That factor would add uncertainty to an operation that would already be expensive.

What option is more viable if Julián Álvarez leaves?

The three names were mentioned by Cadena SER in August among the alternatives that could be considered in light of a potential exit of Álvarez. This does not mean that there is currently an official list from Atlético or open negotiations for the three players.

In terms of cost and track record, Guirassy could offer a middle ground between scoring experience and investment, while Osimhen would imply a high expenditure and Šeško a future bet with a very high entry price. None of the three operations can be considered underway.

The priority will depend on how the possible movement between the Atlético de Madrid and Arsenal for Martín Zubimendi and Julián Álvarez evolves.

If the exit of the Argentine gains momentum before the January market opens, the sports management will have to decide whether to reinvest the money in a proven scorer or seek a more affordable way to complete Simeone's offensive resources.