Arsenal’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez just got a lot more complicated. Sky Sports have delivered a significant update on the saga, revealing that the Atletico Madrid striker isn’t currently keen on a move to England or France.
That’s a blow for the Gunners, who’ve made Alvarez their top attacking target this summer.
Alvarez Wants to Stay in Spain
According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, Alvarez’s priority is to remain in Spain. Barcelona is his dream destination. His family are also settled in the country and have no desire to relocate, which creates an obvious hurdle for Arsenal.
The 26-year-old made his feelings public during the World Cup. After Argentina’s win over Austria, he told reporters he’d already spoken with the club.
“I spoke with the people at Atletico I needed to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream,” Alvarez said.
He didn’t name Barcelona directly. But every major outlet, from ESPN to Fabrizio Romano, has confirmed that the Catalans are his preferred choice.
So Why Should Arsenal Still Have Hope?
Here’s where it gets interesting. Atletico Madrid don’t want to sell to Barcelona. Or Real Madrid, for that matter. They’ve already rejected a massive €150 million bid from Real and have publicly stated they won’t strengthen a direct La Liga rival.
That stance opens a door for clubs outside Spain. And Arsenal are first in line.
TEAMtalk reported that Atletico have made it clear to Alvarez’s camp they’re prepared to sanction a move to the Gunners. The Independent added that Arsenal are pushing to finalize a deal before pre-season training begins on July 20.
Here’s what Arsenal have working in their favour:
- Atletico are privately willing to sell abroad if Alvarez formally requests a transfer
- Competition from PSG has cooled, with Arsenal seen as frontrunners among non-Spanish clubs
- Arteta views Alvarez as his ideal striker, someone who presses, scores, and can play multiple roles
- Arsenal already know the player from his time at Manchester City, so there’s familiarity with the Premier League
Alvarez delivered 20 goals and nine assists across 49 appearances last season. Diego Simeone himself called him one of the top five players in the world. That kind of output and reputation doesn’t come cheap.
Reports suggest Atletico want upwards of £100 million. Arsenal, on the other hand, don’t want to exceed £90 million. That gap will need closing.
Barcelona Aren’t Going Away
Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the club’s interest publicly.
“We’ve made an offer, but it’s not an open-ended offer, it’s not an unlimited offer,” Laporta told reporters.
That offer sits at just over €100 million, with reports from Sport suggesting Barcelona are preparing to raise it to around €130 million after the World Cup concludes. Atletico, though, have demanded €150 million in cash with no player exchanges or deferred payments.
It’s a standoff. And while Atletico refuse to budge with Barcelona, the clock is ticking.
Arsenal’s summer window has already produced signings like Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier. But landing Alvarez would be a statement of intent from the Premier League champions. His arrival could reshape the attack, particularly with questions still surrounding Viktor Gyokeres’s form and Gabriel Jesus’s long-term future at the club.
The reality is messy, though. Alvarez wants Barcelona. Barcelona want Alvarez. Atletico won’t sell to Barcelona. Arsenal want Alvarez. Atletico will sell to Arsenal. But Alvarez isn’t sure about England.
Something has to give. And with pre-season days away and the World Cup nearing its conclusion, this saga is about to reach a critical juncture. Can Arteta’s project and Arsenal’s financial muscle convince a player whose heart is currently in Catalonia? That’s the million-pound question — or rather, the hundred-million-pound one.
