Arsenal Julian Alvarez transfer hopes remain complicated despite Atlético Madrid refusing to sell their striker to Barcelona, with Gabriel Martinelli’s proposed £50million departure potentially giving Mikel Arteta greater flexibility to pursue another attacker.
Barcelona remain Álvarez’s preferred destination, but Atlético do not want to strengthen a domestic rival. That impasse leaves Arsenal watching closely, although neither an agreement nor a change in the player’s preference has been confirmed.
Sky Sports examined whether Álvarez could still join Arsenal on Tuesday, with Spanish journalist Rubén Uría discussing the circumstances surrounding the Argentine’s future.
Arsenal are NOT currently hopeful of getting Julian Alvarez before September 1 & are certainly not currently expecting it to happen at the Emirates. [@SkySportsLyall @rubenuria] ❌🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/lTvXb0VjD2
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) August 25, 2026
Arsenal Julian Alvarez interest meets Barcelona obstacle
Álvarez has made little secret of his desire to leave Atlético, previously stating that the best thing for everyone is a transfer.
However, his ambition to join Barcelona does not align with Atlético’s determination to prevent that move. A transfer outside Spain would avoid strengthening another La Liga contender, although Atlético have not indicated they are ready to sanction an Arsenal deal.
Fabrizio Romano previously reported that Arsenal discussed Álvarez with Atlético director Mateu Alemany, but the proposed price and the striker’s reluctance to return to England remained obstacles.
ReadArsenal previously reported that Álvarez had started reconsidering Arsenal’s project, although Barcelona continued to represent his preferred destination.
Martinelli agreement changes Arsenal’s attacking situation
Arsenal’s interest comes as their forward line undergoes another significant change.
Arsenal have agreed a deal worth more than £50million with Al Hilal for Gabriel Martinelli, although the Brazilian must still settle personal terms before the transfer can proceed.
That potential sale would generate significant funds and remove another established attacking option. Christos Tzolis has already arrived, but Martinelli’s departure would leave Arteta weighing whether further reinforcement is required across the frontline.
Sky Sports identifies Álvarez as Arsenal’s leading attacking target, while Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız faces uncertainty after suffering a foot injury.
Gabriel Jesus future adds another complication
Any move for Álvarez could also influence Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal will only consider a Gabriel Jesus departure if they identify a suitable replacement, with Napoli among the clubs previously monitoring the Brazilian.
Selling Martinelli and Jesus without bringing in another forward would leave Arteta with fewer alternatives during Arsenal’s Premier League title defence.
For now, Atlético’s Barcelona stance gives Arsenal a possible opening, but Álvarez must still decide whether he would consider the Emirates. Until that changes, interest should not be confused with an imminent transfer.
Arsenal agree record £50m Gabriel Martinelli deal with Al Hilal
Arsenal agree record £50m Gabriel Martinelli deal with Al Hilal
Arsenal face Kenan Yildiz injury setback as Martinelli exit advances
Arsenal face Kenan Yildiz injury setback as Martinelli exit advances