Arsenal continue to be linked with Julian Alvarez, with Mikel Arteta believed to be a huge fan of the Argentina international
22:22, 20 Aug 2026Updated 23:11, 20 Aug 2026
Julian Alvarez is training with Atletico Madrid, but wants to join Barcelona during this transfer window(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez has reportedly turned down the chance to join Arsenal because he only wants a move to Barcelona.
Reports in Spain claim their directors agreed to start negotiations for a transfer to the Gunners, but not to their La Liga rivals. Atletico are said to have acknowledged that the situation in Spain’s capital is unsustainable, apparently making them willing to open talks with Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta is believed to be a huge fan of the Argentina international from the latter’s time at Manchester City. Alvarez, since leaving the Premier League, has become one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe.
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Mundo Deportivo claims that Atletico selling to Arsenal would solve the problem of replacing him before the transfer window closes. That is because Diego Simeone would reportedly accept Viktor Gyokeres as a replacement for Alvarez.
However, any deal for the Sweden international seems a non-starter so long as there remains a reluctance from the Argentine to make a Premier League return. Alvarez appears only to want Barcelona.
The Catalan club, though, is exactly where Atletico do not want to sell him. Their chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin’s pride is on the line when it comes to denying them business.
He claims to have a good personal relationship with Joan Laporta, saying earlier this summer: “I explicitly asked him to desist, making it clear that Julian is not for sale,” adding: “They know full well that Julian Alvarez will not be playing for Barcelona next season.”
However, their reported willingness to do business with Arsenal suggests their not-for-sale stance is wavering. Barcelona have also yet to sign an alternative, and could start this season with Anthony Gordon playing as their centre-forward.
They have still not signed a replacement for Robert Lewandowski. Alvarez appears to be their only target up front.
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Arsenal are also not necessarily in any position to sign the Argentina international right now, even if he wanted to join. They would have to make a significant sale, such as Gabriel Martinelli, to afford the cost of signing Alvarez.
The Gunners can also register only one more non-homegrown player if they choose to include all 16 current squad members who meet that criterion. Notably, Ezri Konsa is homegrown, so the impending signing would not preclude any further additions.
Victor Osimhen is another name Arsenal are linked to. Alvarez apparently saying no will only increase that speculation concerning the Nigeria international.