Atlético Madrid are trying to sign Julián Álvarez to a new contract after Arsenal made a €100m bid for him last year.
That’s according to journalist Rubén Uría recounts it on his YouTube channel, ‘El club Uría’. Estadio Deportivo relay his comments.
The newspaper reports that Atlético are pushing ahead with an effort to sign Álvarez to a new deal. Mateu Alemany is spearheading the talks and has already made an initial offer to the player and his agent.
That, the newspaper explains, is an effort to deter potential suitors such as Arsenal and Barcelona.
Arsenal interest
This is where Uría comes into the mix. He reports that Álvarez had the opportunity to leave Atlético last summer. His 29 goals in 54 games led Mikel Arteta’s side to pursue him, but Atlético refused to negotiate.
“The English club offered him a five-year contract worth €12 million net per season,” explained the journalist.
“Arsenal made Atlético de Madrid an offer of €100 million plus €20 million in bonuses for Julián Álvarez during the Club World Cup. The club said no, stating that Julián Álvarez was not for sale.”
That interest has not gone away, though. While Atlético have made it clear they don’t want to sell, the Gunners still like the Argentine. That’s even though he keeps turning them down as well.
“Arsenal remains interested in the player, and as of February 16th, Julián Álvarez doesn’t want to go to the English team or return to the Premier League,” he added.
“As far as I know, no candidate for the Barcelona presidency has spoken with Julián Álvarez or met with him. And Paris Saint-Germain has inquired about the striker again this winter transfer window.”
Arsenal and Chelsea battle
This latest from Uría is the latest about Arsenal’s interest in Álvarez over the last few weeks. Sport Witness covered their interest last summer, and it has re‑emerged in recent weeks.
Earlier this month a report named Arsenal as the main favourite for the striker. That was followed by a report stating they were prepared to break the bank, alongside Chelsea.
Then it was stated that Chelsea were quietly preparing a huge bid for Álvarez this summer. It seems they could be ready to compete with the Gunners.
For now, Álvarez seems happy in Spain. But Atlético are clearly panicking and want to tie down the 26-year-old just in case.