Arsenal are interested in Atletico Madrid and Argentina forward Julian Alvarez this summer, but face significant competition from Barcelona.
10:12, 13 Jul 2026
Julian Alvarez celebrates after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland.
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Arsenal are keen on signing Julian Alvarez in the summer transfer window.(Image: Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has told Atletico Madrid that there will be a deadline for the offer for Julian Alvarez, a development that could help Arsenal complete a transfer.
The Gunners are in a transfer race with Barcelona and Real Madrid for the forward this summer. Although all three are likely to face resistance from Atletico, who are reluctant to sell.
Alvarez himself has confirmed that he wants to leave the Spanish club this summer. But he reportedly has a release clause of €500 million (£432m) in his Atletico contract.
Barcelona are said to have made a cash-plus-player offer to the club, including Ferran Torres, but that has been rejected. It’s reported that Atletico are now refusing to negotiate with Barcelona , after releasing public statements over the matter.
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Giving the latest update on the situation, Laporta told AS : "Obviously, we aren't going to dance to anyone else's tune; we are going to set the pace ourselves.
“That offer is not open-ended, and we will announce in due course how long we intend to keep it on the table.
"We made the offer with the aim of signing a player who appeals to both the coach and the sporting management. It is a very substantial offer, but it won't remain valid indefinitely.
"I was very clear the last time I spoke with Miguel Ángel Gil Marín (Atletico CEO). Initially, there was some confusion regarding the offer we had made; I clarified the situation, but we haven't made any further progress since then."
Alvarez is currently in North America, representing Argentina at the World Cup. His extra-time goal against Switzerland helped the nation to book their place in the semi-final, where they will play England on Wednesday night.
Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland.
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Julian Alverez scored in Argentina's 3-1 win over Switzerland in the World Cup.(Image: Kyle Rivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
With the stand-off appearing to continue between Barcelona and Atletico, Arsenal could take advantage. The Independent reports that the Gunners want to get a deal for Alvarez done quickly as they prepare for pre-season.
Alvarez himself is said to be open to a move to the Emirates Stadium, although his preference is to remain in Spain with either Barcelona or Real Madrid. With the latter appearing to have cooled their interest, and the former threatening to walk away from the deal, it leaves Arsenal with a potential free run.
One problem for the Gunners could be the valuation difference. It’s reported that while Arsenal are willing to pay up to £90 million, Atletico are looking for a fee of more than £100 million.
Speaking about his future, Alvarez said: “The best thing for me is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream.
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“I don’t want to hide or act like I don’t want to be clear. I try to be honest. I spoke to Atletico people and I think the best for everyone involved is for me to leave."
As well as Alvarez, Arsenal have shown transfer interest in both Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi. The future of the players is likely to become clearer at the end of the World Cup as they return from international duty.
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