Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta contacted Atletico Madrid during the Club World Cup last year to sign Julian Alvarez, according to reports in Spain.
Eldesmarques claim that the Gunners were very serious about recruiting the former Manchester City player prior to the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres.
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It is believed they “presented an offer” worth up to €120m (£105m), including bonuses, for Alvarez, but the proposal was ultimately rejected.
The interest did, however, unsettle the player. There were demands for a new contract, but Atletico were not willing to table one, which led to a “tense” situation between the two parties.
A line of dialogue was eventually reestablished but there are still concerns that Alvarez may look to leave the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the near future.
Arsenal are “still interested” in the striker
It was confirmed by ESPN last month that the Gunners remain keen on recruiting the Argentinian international.
However, Eldesmarques claim that, while Mikel Arteta’s side are “still interested” in Alvarez, the player himself isn’t looking to return to the Premier League.
Could Alvarez move to another team?
Barcelona have been mentioned as Alvarez’s preferred destination, but it doesn’t appear to be a realistic possibility. Firstly, the La Liga champions don’t have the funds to match the type of bid Arsenal reportedly made last summer.
Secondly, it is claimed that Barca haven’t even contacted the 26-year-old or his entourage, which suggests that any proposal from the Catalan club is a long way off.
Atletico are still keen on keeping Alvarez, and they are trying to persuade him to stay with a contract extension. He is not minded to put to paper at the moment, so this is a transfer story that may heat up the closer we get to the summer transfer window.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here