A big development has emerged in Arsenal's pursuit of Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez during a training session of Atletico de Madrid ahead of the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match against Villarreal CF at Ciudad Deportiva Wanda Atletico de Madrid on August 22, 2026, in Madrid, Spain.
Arsenal are still pursuing Julian Alvarez(Image: Getty )
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Arsenal’s pursuit of two elite forwards made headlines this weekend. After ending their 22-year Premier League trophy drought last term, the north Londoners appear to be on course for another stellar season.
They began the 2026/27 campaign by blowing away Manchester City in the Community Shield earlier this month. Mikel Arteta’s men then sent out a clear message by dismantling Coventry City in their Premier League opener last Friday, making it two 3-0 victories from their first two competitive fixtures of the campaign.
Having already boasted a strong enough squad to reach the Champions League final last term while challenging for the league, Arsenal made a clear effort to strengthen this summer through the transfer market. Sporting director Andrea Berta successfully brought in five players worth a combined £200million - and the Gunners have been rewarded with stellar performances.
Julian Alvarez meeting held
Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal officials met with Atletico Madrid in London on Friday over a potential deal for Alvarez. The Argentine forward is widely reported to be Arteta’s dream signing this summer but several obstacles have prevented the Gunners from getting their man up to now.
The 26-year-old is desperate to leave Atletico but has always been clear that his preference is to sign for Barcelona. Atletico, meanwhile, insist they will not sell their talisman to a La Liga rival, and would demand a substantial club record-breaking fee from Arsenal if the player even agrees to join the north Londoners.
Romano has now detailed the talks that unfolded between Atleti and Arsenal late last week, stating that Alvarez hasn’t rejected the English champions despite wanting Barcelona. Arsenal are said to be respectful of that fact and know any deal would be expensive.
The Italian journalist claims Arsenal made it clear they want to be kept updated by both the club and player on any changes in the next seven days before the window shuts, so that they can re-enter negotiations if an opportunity presents itself. Amid his stand-off with club bosses, Alvarez was included in Diego Simeone’s squad to face Villarreal on Sunday.
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Kenan Yildiz rumours shut down
TURIN, ITALY - MAY 17: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and ACF Fiorentina at Allianz Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Filippo Alfero - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
Kenan Yildiz is not for sale this summer(Image: Filippo Alfero - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal’s hunt for a marquee forward signing has also led them to pursue Yildiz, though their hopes of bringing in the Juventus talisman have now reportedly ended. The Turkey international, 21, is said to be another one of Arteta’s dream acquisitions and has been a long-term target.
The Gunners are even understood to be willing to pay £85m for his services. But Juventus are in a strong position, given Yildiz only signed a four-year contract extension in February.
Manager Luciano Spalletti has now thrown cold water on the growing rumours surrounding Yildiz’s potential move to north London. "I am perfectly relaxed, because dealing with Yildiz is easy for me,” Spalletti said at a press conference held ahead of Juventus’ Serie A opener at Frosinone on Sunday.
"They can offer whatever they like, I want Yildiz here and will always put him on the field. He's a perfect lad to talk to, he's mature, and knows he doesn't need to rush anything.
"His future is already important staying at Juventus, not because there are other clubs who want to spend €100m for him. We are all convinced that we can show the total potential of Kenan, and he is a potential phenomenon of football. The fans are convinced too."
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