Arsenal's Pursuit of Julián Álvarez Continues Despite Barcelona Interest
Arsenal refuse to give up on Julián Álvarez – even if the player’s heart seems set on Barcelona.
The Premier League champions have tracked the Atlético Madrid forward all summer, pushing hard to bring him back to England. FourFourTwo understands, though, that Álvarez’s own preference remains La Liga, with a move to Barça viewed as his dream scenario.
Spain insists the story isn’t over.
Reports there suggest Arsenal are still very much in the running and that a switch to north London is growing more likely as the window ticks towards its close. Spanish outlet Sport has gone as far as claiming Álvarez’s future “will be decided in the coming hours, and all signs point to England”, with Atlético said to be “pushing” him towards N5 over a direct rival.
Earlier in the summer, the 26-year-old made his stance clear: “the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream.” Real Madrid reportedly tested Atlético’s resolve with a £129 million offer, only to be knocked back by their city neighbours.
Since that rejection, Mikel Arteta has stepped in personally. The Arsenal manager has phoned Álvarez in an attempt to sell the project and the role he could play at the Emirates. For now, though, the former Manchester City forward is thought to be fixated on Barcelona.
There is another twist. Atlético sporting director Mateu Alemany is currently in London to negotiate a deal with Chelsea for striker Nicolas Jackson. Sport Witness report that Álvarez’s situation could also be on the agenda during that trip, with Arsenal ready to pounce if the door opens.
Arsenal’s attacking plans are tangled in a wider European striker saga. Viktor Gyökeres is now being linked with Barça. Gabriel Jesus is also said to be on the Catalan club’s shortlist. That dynamic could yet drag the Gunners deeper into the market or leave them standing pat.
FourFourTwo understands Arteta is braced for both outcomes. He is prepared for the possibility of going through the rest of the window without signing another forward if the right deal does not materialise.
Around him, the dominoes keep wobbling. Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly turned down an offer from Galatasaray. Victor Osimhen is said to be on Arsenal’s radar. Pursuits of Bradley Barcola, Vinícius Jr and Morgan Rogers have already faded: Barcola is not being chased, Vinícius extended his stay in Madrid, and Rogers chose Chelsea in a British record transfer.
According to Sport, relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal’s concrete proposal for Álvarez stands at “€80m plus Viktor Gyökeres”. The package on the table would allow the Argentine to “double his salary at the Emirates and have a key role under Mikel Arteta.”
If Arsenal do get him, the tactical possibilities are obvious. Álvarez could step straight into Martinelli’s berth on the left, driving inside from the flank. He could also operate as a central striker, offering a different profile to Kai Havertz through the middle.
What happens next will hinge on more than just money. It will depend on Atlético’s stance, Barcelona’s room to manoeuvre – and whether Álvarez is willing to trade his dream of the Camp Nou for a starring role in north London.
