Julian Alvarez’s family ties in Spain weigh against Arsenal transfer

Julian Alvarez is resisting a move to Arsenal partly because he wants to remain close to his family in Spain, according to a report in Argentina.

The Atletico de Madrid forward is also determined to pursue a move to Barcelona this summer, where he would have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his idol Lionel Messi.

Atletico are not currently prepared to let Alvarez join Barcelona, while they are understood to be showing greater flexibility over the possibility of a transfer to Arsenal, who are also interested in signing the Argentina international.

That has raised questions over why Alvarez would reject a return to England if Arsenal represent the only realistic alternative to staying at Atletico de Madrid.

According to Argentine journalist Veronica Brunati, who is close to the Atletico player, the reasons are not solely sporting. She said that after Alvarez’s spell at Manchester City, “the residence permits of some members of his family expired after about two years. His parents, for example, had to leave England or look for another immigration route.”

Alvarez currently lives in Spain with most of his family, including his siblings, and wants to preserve that arrangement.

His preference for Barcelona is therefore based on more than the prospect of playing for the club where Messi made his name. There is also a personal consideration behind his desire to remain in Spain.

Brunati’s comments, reported by Mundo Deportivo, also described the practical difficulties Alvarez faced during his time at Manchester City. Finding accommodation for relatives and friends was a significant logistical challenge because of the time limits imposed on visitors.

The player wants to live alongside his family, but that has become considerably more difficult in the United Kingdom because of stricter immigration rules introduced after Brexit.

Spain offers greater flexibility in that regard. Options include residence rights for family members of European Union citizens where an individual holds dual European nationality, as is the case for many Argentinians, as well as family-reunification permits and long-term residence arrangements.

There are also visas that allow multiple entries and longer stays, particularly for citizens of South American countries.

The report suggests Alvarez’s decision is being shaped by a combination of sporting ambition and family circumstances. Barcelona remains his preferred destination, but Atletico are under no obligation to facilitate that move and may consider Arsenal a more acceptable option if the player is to leave.

Alvarez joined Atletico after leaving Manchester City and has become one of the club’s most prominent attacking players. Any decision over his future will therefore involve both the player’s wish to continue his career in Spain and Atletico’s position on offers from interested clubs.

For now, Barcelona is described as Alvarez’s dream destination, while Arsenal’s interest represents a possible route back to the Premier League. However, his family’s ability to live with him appears to be a significant factor in determining which option he will accept.