With Julian Alvarez being linked with a move to Arsenal among many others, the ex-Manchester City forward's club Atletico Madrid have seemingly imposed a hard deadline
Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid and Declan Rice of Arsenal FC battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 5, 2026 in London, England
Julian Alvarez featured against Arsenal three times in the Champions League(Image: 2026 DeFodi Images)
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Atletico Madrid have urged Arsenal transfer target Julian Alvarez to make a decision on his future before the start of the new La Liga campaign. It's understood the Gunners have registered their interest in the World Cup winner ahead of the summer transfer window.
Alvarez, 26, has also been linked with moves to Chelsea, Barcelona and this weekend's Champions League final opponents Paris Saint-Germain. His long-term prospects at the Wanda Metropolitano appear uncertain, with Atletico boss Diego Simeone openly admitting he believes the Argentine has already made up his mind.
Furthermore, it has been claimed Atletico have made it clear to Alvarez they have no desire to be left in transfer limbo on 14th or 15th August, when the new La Liga season kicks off. This date effectively serves as a hard-deadline for Arsenal to firm up their pursuit of the former Manchester City forward.
Speaking on Radio Marca, Spanish journalist Roberto Gomez claimed the Spanish giants have already delivered a stark warning to Alvarez and his camp. Gomez said: "Atlético de Madrid has issued an ultimatum to Julián Álvarez."
In a message that appears to be directed just as much at Arsenal as at the striker himself, Gomez added: "If you have an offer, make it now. Don't wait here until August 14th or 15th at midnight."
Speaking to Movistar, Simeone gave a characteristically blunt response when quizzed about Alvarez's future. The Argentine said: "It's not a question for me, it's a question for Julian. He's old enough to know what he's going to do, and I imagine he's already made his decision."
Back in April, he also said: "I'm not inside Julian Alvarez's head. It's normal that an extraordinary player like Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona. It's normal because he's very good."
Julian Alvarez centre-forward of Atletico de Madrid and Argentina reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 5, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Alvarez has been told to make a decision on his future as soon as possible(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Alvarez joined Atletico from City two seasons ago for approximately £81.5m, and has since racked up 49 goals and 17 assists in 106 appearances across all competitions for Simeone's outfit.
According to Marca, Alvarez has already turned down an £8.63m contract extension and has no desire to prolong his stay at the club. However, prising him away could prove tricky, with his current deal running until 2030.
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, poses for a photo with the Premier League Trophy after their team's victory in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026 in London, England
Arsenal will be even more appealing if they can win the Champions League this weekend(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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To further complicate matters, his Atletico contract contains a £431.6m buyout clause, though should the Spanish club decide to cash in, the actual transfer fee, while still substantial, would be considerably lower.
Marca have also reported Alvarez has his heart set on a switch to Barcelona, yet with the Catalan giants frequently struggling to fund major transfers, it could prove a tall order for Hansi Flick's side to land the South American.
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