Julian Alvarez
Madrid, Spain – September 27, 2025: La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid played in the Spanish capital. Atletico Madrid players. Football derby. EA Sports League.
Arsenal are still keen on signing Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez this summer amid Barcelona’s concrete attempts.
The striker’s wish is to join Barcelona amid interest from Arsenal and others. He has requested to leave and the La Liga winners have gone public about their desire to sign him.
Last week, Sport Witness relayed news that Mikel Arteta and Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta are attempting to convince the Argentina international.
Barcelona, who offered €100m, believe this is higher than the fee proposed by Premier League winners.
Arsenal remain attentive
ESPN Argentina, relayed by La Razón, claim the 26-year-old wants to leave the Madrid club this summer.
He will go on a break after losing the World Cup final to Spain on Sunday. The striker may not return to Atlético Madrid for pre-season as a pressure tactic to force a transfer.
La Razón share their own update, explaining Diego Simoene’s side haven’t responded to this threat yet, because it’s only a suggestion for now. However, the conflict between the parties could escalate if there’s no solution in the coming weeks.
Barcelona and Arsenal are watching. Although his preference is to join Hansi Flick’s side, the Gunners are still attentive.
The north London club have better finances to carry out the big signing if Los Rojiblancos open the door for his exit.
Atlético’s stance could favour Arsenal
Marca state the English champions have the money to reshape their squad, something they haven’t done so far this summer.
The Emirates club are keen on Julián Álvarez, and he wants to leave Atlético Madrid.
He aims to join Barcelona, but the Madrid club publicly said he won’t move to the Camp Nou. The newspaper claims ‘the Arsenal option is another possibility’.
Given the player’s wish to leave, Marca insist ‘negotiations and an agreement with the Gunners are possible’.
This will only take place if the South American gives his approval to the Arsenal move.
Key transfer points
Arsenal still keen even though Álvarez favours Barcelona
Gunners have funds to carry out big signing
Atlético rule out sale to Hansi Flick’s side
Emirates move is an option, agreement with Arsenal possible
📉 Gabriel Jesus | Arsenal reduce asking price to £20m ➡️ Still not low enough https://t.co/E6kiulTJyH #afc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 17, 2026