Julian Alvarez transfer decision leaves Arsenal facing summer wait

Atletico Madrid have told Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Julian Alvarez that the Argentina forward will not be allowed to leave during the current season.

According to TEAMtalk, the Spanish club have ruled out a move in the January transfer window, bringing months of speculation over the 27-year-old’s future to an end.

Arsenal had closely monitored Alvarez throughout the summer as uncertainty grew over his position at the Metropolitano Stadium. The forward had shown a strong desire to leave Atletico Madrid, with Barcelona understood to be his preferred destination.

Atletico, however, remained completely opposed to selling Alvarez to their direct Catalan rivals. Despite that firm stance, the club unexpectedly proved more open to discussions with Arsenal.

Secret talks were held in London with Andrea Berta, during which Arsenal explored the prospect of bringing the World Cup winner back to England. The Premier League club also maintained regular contact with Alvarez’s representatives.

Arsenal were aware that Barcelona remained the player’s first choice. Although a move to north London was considered possible, Alvarez did not push strongly for the transfer to be completed during the summer window.

The club continued speaking to those around the player even after the transfer window closed, hoping he would become more receptive to another destination in January. That appeared to be happening, with Alvarez reportedly becoming more open to leaving for a different club and Arsenal emerging as one of the leading contenders.

Atletico’s decision has now forced Arsenal to consider alternative ways of strengthening their attack. Their admiration for Alvarez remains, but any attempt to sign him will have to wait until the summer.

The situation also has implications for Viktor Gyokeres. Any potential departure for the Arsenal forward now appears more likely to be considered only during the summer transfer window.

Paris Saint-Germain have also been pursuing Alvarez over a long period and must accept that he will remain unavailable for now. Their interest was seen as particularly relevant after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suffered the injury that ended his season.

However, sources within Paris Saint-Germain say Luis Enrique has no desire to sign a player solely as a temporary replacement for the Georgia international. As a result, Kvaratskhelia’s absence would not have changed the club’s position on Alvarez.