Álvarez Turns to Arsenal After Barcelona Door Closes
Julián Álvarez is considering a move to Arsenal after accepting that his dream of joining Barcelona this summer has ended. The Argentina forward missed Atlético Madrid’s training session on Wednesday due to illness, though the absence comes at a sensitive moment with the transfer window closing next Tuesday.
According to reports, Álvarez has now opened his mind to the North London club for the first time. This represents a significant shift in the forward’s thinking after months of focusing on a Camp Nou switch. Arsenal have pursued the striker for over a year and have intensified their approach as the Barcelona route closed, though no agreement currently exists between the clubs.
Atlético’s Hardline Barcelona Stance
Atlético maintain there is “zero percent” chance of Álvarez joining Barcelona, describing the stance as a matter of dignity rather than finances. The club publicly rejected a €100 million bid from Barcelona three months ago, and Blaugrana president Joan Laporta has confirmed no improved offer will follow.
Relations between player and club have shown strain in recent days. During last weekend’s match against Villarreal, Álvarez left the pitch before his teammates reached the dressing room. Manager Diego Simeone confirmed the move was intended to shield the player from the Frente Atlético ultras. His family also broke from routine by not attending the fixture, fuelling speculation about his desire to leave.
The Arsenal Challenge
While no deal is agreed, one reporter suggests the clubs may have discussed a framework potentially worth around €150 million. Such a fee would set a new outgoing record for Atlético. However, any transfer depends entirely on Álvarez personally sanctioning the move.
The timeline presents significant obstacles. Atlético would need to identify and secure a replacement before the window shuts on Tuesday, leaving minimal time to complete such a complex operation. With illness keeping him from training on Wednesday, the World Cup winner faces a narrow window to decide whether to push for the Arsenal switch or attempt to rebuild relationships in Madrid.