Arsenal could provide Julián Alvarez with a route out of Atlético Madrid, with the Argentina striker’s future unsettled after the Spanish club ruled out negotiating with Barcelona.
Atlético are understood to be prepared to do business with Arsenal, but want a fee of about €150 million (£128 million) for the 26-year-old. The Gunners have maintained a long-standing interest in Alvarez and are monitoring the situation closely.
Alvarez’s preferred destination is Barcelona, but Atlético’s board has unanimously backed the decision not to negotiate with the Catalan club. The Madrid side said Barcelona had failed to meet its requirements and that there would be “zero consideration” of a transfer to the club.
Barcelona’s offer, reported to be worth €100 million and payable in instalments, was rejected. Atlético’s stance has left Arsenal as the most credible alternative should Alvarez decide that he must leave Madrid.
The striker’s position became more complicated after he missed several training sessions and was left out of the squad for Saturday’s match against Sevilla. Manager Diego Simeone said Alvarez had been unwell.
Alvarez subsequently returned to group training on Sunday, easing immediate concerns over his absence but doing little to settle the transfer speculation surrounding him.
Simeone has attempted to keep the relationship from deteriorating, saying he would “do everything” possible to make Alvarez feel important when he returned to work with the squad.
Any move to Arsenal would require the player’s approval, as well as agreement over a fee which would make Alvarez one of the most expensive signings in Premier League history. For now, his choice appears to be between remaining at Atlético or accepting a move to north London rather than joining Barcelona.
