Julian Alvarez has revealed that he wants to leave Atletico Madrid, putting clubs interested in signing him such as Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain on red alert
DALLAS, UNITED STATES - JUNE 22: Julian Alvarez of Argentina during the World Cup match between Argentina v Austria at the Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Dallas United States (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez is on Arsenal's radar(Image: Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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Arsenal have been given a major boost in the race to sign Julian Alvarez, with Atletico Madrid refusing to sell him to Barcelona. Alvarez, 26, has confirmed that he wants to leave Atletico this summer, dropping a bombshell following Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday.
The striker has been Barca's top target since Robert Lewandowski's departure was confirmed, but their opening bid of £87m was flatly rejected. Atletico followed up by making a series of angry posts on social media, slamming Barcelona for 'calculated leaks, fake news and constant disrespect'.
Real Madrid also made a cheeky £129m offer which was turned down. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo now report that Atletico are flat-out refusing to sell to Barcelona.
Diego Simeone's side plan to deal with the former Manchester City star's future after the World Cup. If Alvarez still wants to leave, Atletico would consider selling him to either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain.
It's claimed elsewhere that Atletico are interested in Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres. That could lead to a swap deal and give the Gunners the edge over PSG.
Alvarez had been tight-lipped on his future until Monday. "I want to fulfill my dream," the 24-year-old told reporters. I spoke with the people at the club I needed to speak with. The best thing for my future is a transfer."
In response, Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin expressed his disappointment in Alvarez's comments and confirmed that Atletico will lodge a complaint with FIFA about Barcelona. "It wasn't the right day to make such statements; it was a day for [Lionel] Messi and the Argentine national team, not Julian," Gil Marin told EFE.
"Julian has a dream [to sign elsewhere], but we Atletico fans have dreams, too. It is true that he has spoken to us, but it is also true that he is fully aware of our position because we have been very clear: Atleti do not want to transfer him. He is a great player and we are very proud that he plays for us."
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 22: Julian Alvarez #9 of Argentina speaks to the media after the team's victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez wants to leave Atletico Madrid(Image: Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Gil Marin went on to claim: "Barca are disrespecting us. They think they can walk all over us and that we are weak and stupid, but in reality, they are showing the world a way of acting which defines them.
"They lie to us, to the player, to the media... they even lie to their own supporters. They try to make everyone believer they can do a deal that in reality they are not capable of doing,
"This isn't the first time Barca have acted like this, and the football world is well aware of it. Last year they did something very similar with Nico Williams and Athletic Club.
"Our responsibility is to defend the interests of Atletico Madrid. That is why we are going to lodge a complaint with FIFA against Barca for negotiating with a player under contract during the protected period."
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