Arsenal have been given encouragement in the race for Julián Álvarez, with fresh reporting that the Atlético Madrid striker has rejected a renewal and could leave this summer.
As covered here previously, Arsenal have already been placed among the firmest suitors for Álvarez.
The strongest claim around their interest remains the reported €100m plus €20m (£85m + £17m) package Atlético Madrid rejected, which put Arsenal ahead of English competitors in terms of visible financial intent.
Now according to Spanish outlet Sport, Álvarez has become increasingly clear about wanting to leave Atlético Madrid. They say the Spanish club already know his decision and are waiting for an official offer before opening negotiations.
Arsenal have spoken to his camp
Sport state that Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have both spoken to Álvarez’s entourage. The two clubs have also made clear they have the financial strength to face the operation, provided the player gives his approval in the coming weeks.
That keeps Arsenal firmly in the picture, even if the report insists the player’s preference currently points towards Barcelona.
The problem for Barcelona is the cost. Sport say they would not be willing to go above €100m (£85m). Atlético, meanwhile, would only be ready to start negotiating from €150m (£128m).
Bolavip Argentina, however, says the club have already communicated a minimum figure of €120m (£102m).
Either way, that gap is huge and gives Arsenal a clear reason to remain attentive. If Barcelona cannot reach the level required, the Gunners are one of the clubs with the resources to make Atlético think.
Arsenal have already been credited elsewhere with a major proposal worth €100m plus €20m (£85m + £17m). Atlético rejected that, but this latest report suggests the landscape may be changing.
The Argentine report also states Atlético Madrid have internally accepted the situation may now be irreversible and want a quick resolution to avoid dragging the saga through the entire transfer window.
According to the Bolavip, the Spanish club want clarity as soon as possible so they can focus on signing a replacement and continuing their squad planning for next season’s Champions League campaign.
Atlético stance softens around huge fee
Atlético’s official position remains firm. Sport say the club deny speaking to anyone about a transfer and point to Álvarez’s contract until 2031. They also insist his release clause stands at €500m (£426m).
Still, the same report claims Atlético would not block a summer exit if the conditions are right. Their aim would be to secure the biggest sale of the transfer window.
That is even more important after Antoine Griezmann’s exit. Atlético did not want to lose ‘the new face of their club’, but Sport say Álvarez’s will has created a complicated scenario.
Diego Simeone also fuelled the uncertainty after the final league match against Villarreal.
“It is not a question for me, it is a question for Julián,” he said when asked about the forward’s future.“He is old enough to know what he is going to do, and surely he will have his decision, I imagine, made.”
Barcelona route gives Arsenal hope
Julián Álvarez has reportedly refused to sign an extension, making his preferences clear internally before leaving for the World Cup. Sport say he did that to give Atlético enough time to work on a possible exit.
The Argentine would like to leave properly, through an agreed transfer that benefits all parties. He remains grateful to Atlético for the investment they made in him.
Barcelona had considered reducing the cost by including a player in the deal. Ferran Torres was one idea, but he does not want to leave the Camp Nou.
Sport adds that Ronald Araujo and Fermín López could fit Atlético’s needs, although neither wants to become part of the operation at this stage.
The Argentine reporting adds more context here as well. They state Barcelona sporting director Deco has already held several conversations with Fernando Hidalgo, the striker’s representative.
Bolavip still places Barcelona as the player’s preferred destination, with PSG also strongly positioned. Arsenal are framed slightly differently there, with the report referencing claims from the UK that the Gunners are expected to intensify their involvement once the season officially ends.
So Álvarez may prefer Barcelona, but both reports make clear why that route is blocked for now. If the striker gives his approval to other options, Arsenal’s financial muscle could become a decisive factor.