Julian Alvarez leaves Arteta’s Arsenal approach unanswered as Barcelona await Atletico U-turn

Reports in Spanish media have sparked fresh debate over Julian Alvarez’s future after the Argentina forward reportedly failed to answer a personal phone call from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

The call was said to be an attempt by Arteta to persuade Alvarez to join Arsenal and buy into the club’s sporting project. His decision not to respond has been interpreted by some as a sign of disrespect, while others believe it reflects his determination to play for Barcelona.

The revelation was made by Josep Pedrerol on the Spanish television programme El Chiringuito. According to Pedrerol, Arteta contacted Alvarez directly, but the Atletico de Madrid striker did not pick up.

Pedrerol also claimed that Barcelona remain hopeful of completing a deal for the player. The Catalan club reportedly believes Miguel Angel Gil Marin, Atletico’s chief executive, could eventually reconsider his firm opposition to selling Alvarez and agree to a transfer.

Barcelona’s confidence is understood to come from the belief that the club is Alvarez’s only preferred destination.

🚨 EXCLUSIVA de @jpedrerol 🚨💣 “ARTETA called JULIAN… and HE DIDN’T EVEN ANSWER THE PHONE.” 💣 “Barca trust that Gil Marin will swallow his pride… and sell Julian to them.”

The latest claims add another chapter to one of the most closely watched transfer sagas in Spanish football. Alvarez has previously made clear that he wants to leave Atletico de Madrid, but the club’s leadership has rejected that possibility.

Gil Marin has repeatedly stated that Atletico will not sell their forward regardless of the size of any offer. He has also said the club has already turned down lucrative proposals and insists Alvarez is not available for transfer.

The Atletico executive has criticised Barcelona’s handling of the situation as well. He accused the Catalan club of showing a lack of respect towards Atletico and argued that Barcelona had attempted to use media pressure to push the deal through.

Barcelona, however, continue to monitor developments. The club are hoping Atletico’s position changes before the transfer window closes, while relying on Alvarez’s reported desire to wear the Barcelona shirt.

For now, Atletico’s public stance remains unchanged, with the Madrid club insisting that the Argentina international is not for sale. Arsenal’s approach has added another possible route to the story, but Alvarez’s unanswered call to Arteta has instead been presented as further evidence of his preference for Barcelona.