Arsenal’s long-term admiration for Julián Álvarez may finally have a realistic route to becoming something more.
According to fresh reports from Spain, Atlético Madrid have no intention of selling the Argentine to Barcelona, viewing the Catalan giants as a direct domestic rival. However, the same reports suggest they would be far more open to negotiating with Arsenal should the Gunners make a serious approach.
That subtle difference could prove significant.
Álvarez, currently valued at around €100million by Transfermarkt, has long been admired across Europe thanks to his relentless work rate, tactical intelligence and ability to play across the front line. While Atlético remain under no pressure to sell, Arsenal would at least appear to have a conversation available to them that Barcelona do not. It is anticipated though that Atletico would be looking for more than that, probably in excess of £100million (120million euros).
The obvious question, however, is where Álvarez would fit – especially at that expense.
Arsenal already possess two senior centre-forwards in Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz, while Gabriel Jesus is widely expected to leave before the transfer window closes. Even then, it would be difficult to imagine Mikel Arteta keeping Gyökeres, Havertz and Álvarez all satisfied with minutes across a demanding campaign.
One solution that has already begun to surface is a potential player exchange involving Gyökeres moving in the opposite direction. Such a deal would undoubtedly divide opinion among Arsenal supporters. Gyökeres remains a somewhat polarising figure despite his goalscoring pedigree, while Álvarez has proven himself at the very highest level with both Manchester City and Argentina.
There is also another factor to consider.
Following Leandro Trossard’s move to Beşiktaş, Arsenal are now actively searching for a new left-sided attacker. While both Álvarez and Gyökeres have occasionally operated from the left during their careers, neither is a natural winger, making it difficult to see either filling the vacancy on a regular basis.
Instead, Arsenal’s recruitment team still appear more likely to splash on a specialist wide player. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola continue to be heavily linked, while Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis remains another intriguing option.
For now, any move for Álvarez remains speculative rather than imminent. But the latest update is an encouraging one for Arsenal supporters. Atlético Madrid may have slammed the door shut on Barcelona, yet they appear willing to leave it open for Arsenal should the Gunners decide this is the summer to make their move.
If Arsenal genuinely believe Álvarez is the final piece of Arteta’s attacking puzzle, they may have been handed an opportunity few expected to arise.