![\"Julian](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1_Real-Sociedad-v-Atletico-de-Madrid-Copa-Del-Rey-Final.jpg\")
<\/p>\nArsenal and Barcelona have both been linked with Julian Alvarez during this summer window, but Atletico Madrid are reluctant to sell the Argentina international<\/p>\n
11:45, 21 Aug 2026Updated 12:32, 21 Aug 2026<\/p>\n
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Arsenal transfer target Julian Alvarez wants to sign for Barcelona from Atletico Madrid(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Barcelona are reportedly preparing an offer to sign Lautaro Martinez<\/a> from Inter<\/a> as an alternative to Julian Alvarez<\/a>.<\/p>\n Arsenal<\/a> are also linked with the Argentina international, whom Mikel Arteta<\/a> is believed to be a big fan of the player after the former’s time at Manchester City. Alvarez, however, apparently has his heart set on signing for the Catalan club this summer.<\/p>\n Atletico<\/a> continue to block a move to their La Liga rivals Barca, though, which is said to have left them moving for other options as they enter this season without a recognised centre-forward. Martinez is now seemingly emerging as a possibility.<\/p>\n Countdown to Kickoff: The Essential 26\/27 Sky Sports Bundle<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a351<\/p>\n \u00a335<\/p>\n Sky<\/p>\n Get the deal here<\/a><\/p>\n Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026\/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.<\/p>\n This introductory offer saves \u00a3384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.<\/p>\n El Chiringuito<\/a> claim Barcelona<\/a>‘s head coach, Hansi Flick, and sporting director, Deco, are very keen on signing Alvarez’s international team-mate. The latter is said to have met with their football co-ordinator, Bojan, and Martinez’s agent, Alejandro Camano, in Madrid last week.<\/p>\n The reporting adds that they have effectively already reached an agreement in principle with the player on a contract. An opening offer from Barcelona will apparently not exceed \u00a386million (\u20ac100m).<\/p>\n However, much like Atletico, Inter are not keen on selling their striker, who also captains the Milanese club. Gazzetta dello Sport<\/a> stresses that they are not contemplating his departure.<\/p>\n Fans in Madrid, however, are making their feelings known about Alvarez, displaying several signs around the club’s Sports City that say “JULIAN OUT” and have his shirt number 19 crossed out. Supporters shared similar sentiments before yesterday’s La Liga opener against Malaga.<\/p>\n A banner unfurled earlier in the week read: “Julian, thank you for the respect you are having for us, a**hole. Barca and your circle have deceived you like a capricious child. Our Atleti above all.”<\/p>\n Alvarez was not in the matchday squad at Metropolitano Stadium last night. He has not featured for Atletico at all since last season.<\/p>\n All the best news, features, updates and analysis from Tom Canton and more straight to your Inbox!<\/p>\n Yours in just two simple steps.<\/p>\n Head THIS WAY<\/a>Enter your email and hit Subscribe.<\/p>\n Mundo Deportivo<\/a> claim that Atletico acknowledge that the situation is becoming increasingly untenable<\/a> and are apparently open to negotiating a deal with Alvarez. Viktor Gyokeres<\/a> could even end up replacing the Argentina international, with Diego Simeone said to be open to having him.<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1787269211_875_0_Untitled-July-27-2026-at-095123-9jpeg.jpg\"\/)
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