Atletico Madrid set Arsenal deadline over Julian Alvarez transfer

Atletico Madrid have given Arsenal until Sunday to discuss a possible move for Argentina international Julian Alvarez, according to Sky Sports.

The Spanish club’s deadline is intended to give Arsenal the opportunity to make a formal approach for the forward. If they do not act, Alvarez is expected to remain with Atletico.

Sky Sports reports that Arsenal’s position has not changed. The Premier League club believe a deal for Alvarez is unlikely and will only open negotiations if the player shows serious interest in becoming part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.

People close to the situation in Spain also understand that the longer the uncertainty continues without a clear decision from Alvarez, the more likely it is that he will stay at Atletico Madrid.

The summer transfer window is due to close on Tuesday, 1 September.

Alvarez is one of Arsenal’s options for strengthening their attack after Atletico Madrid rejected the possibility of selling their forward to Barcelona. The Spanish club have also previously turned down a formal offer from their city rivals Real Madrid for the player.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone confirmed that Alvarez would miss the club’s La Liga meeting with Sevilla in the third round of the season after the forward had been absent from training for three days.

Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in the summer of 2024. His contract runs until the summer of 2030 and includes a release clause worth up to €500m.

The 25-year-old has made 44 appearances for Atletico this season, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists.

Since arriving at the club, Alvarez has played 101 matches for Atletico, scoring 46 goals and setting up 17 more. The Argentina international has quickly become an important attacking player for Simeone’s side, but his future has remained the subject of transfer speculation as the deadline approaches.

Arsenal’s interest comes as they continue to assess attacking options, while Atletico’s refusal to sell to Barcelona and Real Madrid underlines the club’s determination to retain the player unless a serious opportunity emerges.

For now, the decision rests on whether Arsenal are prepared to move formally and whether Alvarez makes clear that he wants to join Arteta’s squad. If neither happens before Atletico’s deadline, the expectation in Spain is that the forward will continue at the Metropolitano.