Arsenal consider record move for Julian Alvarez as Barcelona preference complicates transfer

Arsenal are preparing to make a major move for Atletico de Madrid striker Julian Alvarez during the final week of the summer transfer window, but will first wait for a positive indication from either the player or the Spanish club that a deal could be negotiated.

Sources told ESPN that Alvarez is Arsenal’s leading attacking target. The Premier League club are monitoring developments closely as the Argentina international’s desire to leave Atletico has become increasingly complicated by the club’s determination to keep him and its reluctance to sell him to a direct rival in La Liga.

A significant obstacle for Arsenal is Alvarez’s preference to join Barcelona. Sources in Spain indicate that the striker would rather remain in the Spanish league than return to the Premier League.

Atletico’s refusal to sell Alvarez to Barcelona has nevertheless created an opportunity for Arsenal. The north London club could become an alternative destination if the Spanish side decides it is willing to consider his departure, with manager Mikel Arteta keen to strengthen his attack before the transfer window closes.

Arsenal are understood to be prepared to exceed the club-record £105m they paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023. Atletico could demand about €150m before agreeing to let Alvarez leave.

Any potential move comes against the backdrop of growing tension between Alvarez and Atletico supporters. The striker was heavily booed during his side’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal, both when his name was announced before kick-off and when he came on as a substitute in the 66th minute.

Alvarez did not join his team-mates in greeting the supporters at the end of the match. Instead, he left the pitch, a decision that prompted further speculation about his future at the club.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone later revealed that the club’s management had decided to keep the player away from the stands. Simeone said officials had informed him that Alvarez should not be near the supporters, adding that the club had chosen to separate him from the rest of the team and send him directly to the dressing room.

The Argentine forward’s relationship with the club and its supporters is therefore central to the next stage of the transfer situation. Atletico continue to hold the decisive position, while Alvarez’s wishes will also be crucial in determining whether negotiations can begin.

Arsenal are ready to act if either side provides the signal they are waiting for. The club are monitoring the situation and could submit a substantial offer, potentially surpassing the fee paid for Rice, if the circumstances open the way for talks.

For now, however, the move remains dependent on Atletico changing its position and on Alvarez indicating that he would consider Arsenal despite his reported preference to stay in Spain and join Barcelona.