Arsenal on red alert as Julian Alvarez expected to issue transfer statement

23 Jul 2026 12:00 BST |
4 min read

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Barcelona are “convinced” Julian Alvarez will publicly express his desire to join them this summer, according to reports in Spain.

Widespread reports understand Barcelona have made Alvarez their top target ahead of the 2026-27 La Liga season.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has said the club have made an undisclosed offer for Alvarez, which has been rejected by Atletico Madrid.

The two clubs have been embroiled in a war of words over Alvarez, with Atletico insisting the Argentina international is not for sale.

Diego Simeone’s side also turned down a €150million (£130m) offer for Alvarez from city rivals Real Madrid in June.

However, speaking to reporters at the World Cup, Alvarez revealed in June that he wants to leave Atletico in order to “fulfil his dream”.

While the 26-year-old did not publicly express his wish to join Barcelona, widespread reports claim Hansi Flick’s side are his preferred destination – not Arsenal.

BBC Sport understands the Premier League champions have a long-standing interest in Alvarez, who is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world.

But now Spanish outlet Diario AS claims Barcelona are expecting Alvarez to put the pressure on Atletico by making a fresh plea to leave the club.

Former Manchester City forward Alvarez is contracted to Atletico until 2030 and has a reported release clause worth €500m (£426.8m).

When asked about his future following Argentina’s 2-0 group-stage win over Austria at the World Cup, he said: “I spoke with the people I needed to speak with [at Atletico], and the best thing for everyone is a transfer.

“I want to fulfil my dream. It’s ‌not the time ‌to talk about this, but I also can’t ‌hide it. I try to be an honest person.”

Barcelona are seeking a replacement for striker Robert Lewandowski after he left following the expiration of his contract.

The Poland legend, 37, has since joined Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire on a free transfer.

Arsenal meanwhile missed out on their primary attacking target Morgan Rogers after he joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in a club-record €138m (£117m) deal on Tuesday.

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