Argentina star Julian Alvarez looks set to leave Atletico Madrid this summer as Barcelona eye a transfer for the forward who Arsenal also hold an interest in
18:30, 28 May 2026Updated 18:30, 28 May 2026
Julian Alvarez
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Julian Alvarez looks to be on the move this summer(Image: Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez's representative met with Barcelona transfer chief Deco ahead of a possible Atletico Madrid exit, as time looks to be running out for Arsenal to make a move for the star forward. Fernando Hidalgo and former Chelsea midfielder Deco discussed what strategy could persuade Atleti to part ways.
Barcelona are expected to table an offer soon, following the summit that also saw Juanma Lopez in attendance, per reports in Spain. They could be a key figure in any successful back-and-forth, having played for Atletico for a decade before becoming an agent.
Alvarez is claimed to have told his current side that he is happy at the club following a season where he recorded 20 goals and nine assists in 49 appearances. But that proclamation came with a caveat he would like a move to Barcelona, should the possibility arise.
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It appears that the Catalan club want to tie up a deal before the World Cup, and could cost around £87million for his services. Alvarez moved to Spain's capital in an £81m deal from Manchester City in 2024.
Deco is hopeful of getting a deal over the line for Alvarez before the start of the World Cup, and wants to complete two deals before the tournament kicks off in North America. Anthony Gordon, another player linked to Arsenal, is set to be announced as the club's newest signing in the coming days.
Diego Simeone refused to be drawn on transfer speculation over Alvarez's future, but is said to prefer a swift resolution so that his preparations for next season are not disrupted.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid
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Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid(Image: Getty)
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"That's not a question for me, it's a question for Julian," the Atletico boss said. "He's old enough to know what he's going to do, and I imagine he'll have made up his mind by now."
Prior to the Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal, the striker gave little away of his own thoughts. "I try not to pay too much attention to what they say, because the truth is that new things come up every week," he said
He added that he cannot "come out to clarify or deny everything that comes up all the time."
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The Gunners will have little time to convince Alvarez of a return to the Premier League if Barcelona can convince Atletico to part ways with the 26-year-old Argentina international.
Arsenal plan to strengthen their squad off the back of winning the Premier League title and also have interest in Aston Villa star Mogan Rogers. The Gunners are able to move for high-profile targets in the coming months but will require summer sales too.
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