Atletico Madrid prefer to sanction Julian Alvarez’s move to Arsenal despite the prolonged interest from Barcelona, according to Spanish publication Sport (page 16).
The Argentina international has made it clear that he wants to leave Atletico this summer. He is eyeing a dream move to Barcelona, but Diego Simeone’s side have no plans to negotiate.
The Madrid outfit are disappointed with Barcelona’s regular contact with the player’s entourage, and the Blaugrana can only sign him by triggering his £431 million release clause.
On the other hand, Atletico are more than willing to sell Alvarez to Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain. The club would ideally prefer to do business with the Gunners in the transfer window.
Sport claim that the Spanish giants have proposed a player-plus-cash deal. They have reportedly requested £52m plus Viktor Gyokeres to permit Alvarez’s move to north London.
As things stand, Arsenal have ‘paused’ their pursuit of the World Cup winner, knowing that he is holding out for a move to Barcelona.
Arsenal could return for Alvarez later this summer
Alvarez signed for Atletico from Manchester City in the summer of 2024. He has netted 49 goals and provided 17 assists from 106 appearances in all competitions thus far.
The Argentine had an average La Liga campaign last term, with only 12 goal involvements, but stepped up in the Champions League, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists.
Alvarez is a big-game player and would provide a solid attacking upgrade for Arsenal, given he can operate as a centre-forward, a second striker, as well as from either wing.
Despite his desire to join Barcelona, Alvarez has not closed the door on the Gunners. He is prepared to consider a move to Arsenal if the Blaugrana can’t secure his transfer.
Still, we don’t believe the Gunners should sign him at the expense of Gyokeres, who had a fabulous second half to his debut season, where he started to find his feet.
The Swedish striker netted 14 of his 21 goals after the turn of the year, and he produced a superb display against Atletico in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final.
Gyokeres showed his physical presence upfront and bullied Atletico’s defence. Simeone watched him in close quarters and believes he would suit the club’s current playing style.
In our view, Arsenal must not contemplate parting ways with Gyokeres. If an opportunity opens to land Alvarez, they should rather spend a club-record fee on the 26-year-old.
Alvarez, described as ‘world-class‘ by FIFA.com, could cost the Gunners as much as £129m, given that Atletico’s rivals Real Madrid failed with a similar transfer proposal this month.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com