6 Jun 2026 17:01 BST |
5 min read
A massive update on the future of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has emerged amid the ongoing battle between Arsenal and Barcelona for his signature.
The Argentina international is preparing for his second World Cup, having won his first in 2022. Despite his focus being entirely on the biggest tournament in sports, his club future is one of the most hotly debated topics in Spain.
Alvarez has reportedly grown frustrated with Atleti’s lack of competitiveness when it comes to challenging for the biggest honours in football, and he is looking to leave the club this summer.
Arsenal, Barcelona, PSG and others have been in contact with the forward’s entourage for months, dating back to at least January. Because the saga has already been rumbling on for some time, Atleti have grown increasingly annoyed.
Last week, things came to a head. Barcelona’s very public pursuit of Alvarez culminated in a reported €100 million bid for the 26-year-old. This offer was rebuffed by Atleti, who subsequently took to social media to ridicule and accuse Barcelona of lying.
Barcelona move off the table – for now
The relationship between the two clubs, which was already tense prior to last week, is totally shattered now. Discussions over Alvarez, led by intermediaries due to the strained relations, are at a “complete standstill,” as per Cadena SER.
This is a problem for Alvarez because it is understood that he wants to join Barcelona. However, it is believed that he will not actively agitate for a transfer. The report states that it “doesn’t seem likely – given his calm demeanour – [that Alvarez will] force a move away from Atletico de Madrid.”
For now, a transfer looks out of the question, but Barcelona remain intent on striking a deal for the striker. A thaw in relations may yet be possible, even if there are currently no active negotiations due to Atleti’s “inflammatory” social media response.
The Madrid club are bullish about their chances of keeping the Argentine. Planning for next season is in full swing, and Alvarez is at the centre of their project. Several transfers are in the process of being finalised with the intent of gunning for major silverware next term.
What about Arsenal?
Barcelona are not the only club mentioned in the report. The Spanish outlet also addresses Arsenal’s interest in Alvarez, with the Gunners keen to further bolster their frontline after acquiring Viktor Gyokeres last year.
FootballTransfers understands that Alvarez would not be signed as an outright replacement for the Sweden international, who had a mixed first season at the Emirates. Instead, Arsenal are planning to use the Atleti striker on the left of their front three.
Because of the current Cold War between Atleti and Barca, Arsenal are described as “the only realistic option” for Alvarez in the transfer market at present. Surprisingly, there is no mention of PSG, whose admiration for the 26-year-old is well-documented.
While this should be an encouraging update for the Gunners, there is one major problem. Widespread reports in Spain have insisted that Alvarez has no interest in returning to England after his stint at Man City. This is once again corroborated.
“The player isn’t considering it,” the report states. “Julian doesn’t want to go to London.” As a result, “key intermediaries in the deal say the situation is very complicated and that, as things stand, the most likely scenario is that the Argentine will stay where he is next season.”
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