Julian Alvarez (19) of Atletico de Madrid before the game; Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain, La Liga Football, Atletico Madrid versus Villareal; Atletico Madrid versus Villareal.
Julian Alvarez is still trying to force a move to Barcelona from Atletico Madrid (Credits: Cobos/Action Plus/Shutterstock)
Mikel Arteta is facing up to the prospect of another summer rejection with Julian Alvarez remaining steadfast in his desire to join Barcelona.
Arsenal remain keen to sign a superstar forward this summer and are making space in their squad by sanctioning the sale of Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal.
The Gunners expect to generate at least £50million once the Brazil international’s departure is confirmed and that would go around halfway to raising the funds necessary to pull off an unlikely deal for Alvarez.
Arteta has already seen the likes of Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior evade his clutches over the course of the last two months, while Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola is understood to prefer a move to Liverpool.
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Reports over the course of the weekend suggested Alvarez has softened his stance towards Arsenal after he was jeered by his own fans during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Villarreal.
But Arteta now appears primed for another disappointment with El Chiringuito claiming Alvarez opted against picking up the phone when the Arsenal boss attempted to make personal contact in an attempt to persuade him to join the Premier League champions.
With the funds available and KSE prepared to back their manager, Arsenal have the wherewithal to meet Atletico’s demands, but the player is said to remain fixated on the idea of Barcelona.
MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 23: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on August 23, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 23: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on August 23, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Atletico, for their part, remain adamant they will not sell to their Spanish rivals and, as such, expect the player to be reintegrated into Diego Simeone’s first team squad should he opt against joining Arsenal.
That prospect looks a remote one at present given the damage Alvarez’s conduct has caused with his behaviour leading former France international Christophe Dugarry to brand him ‘an idiot’.
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Dugarry told RMC: ‘The player and his entourage are idiots. How can you declare ‘I want to leave the club’? Is he stupid, or what?
‘The best way to leave isn’t to do that. Shut up, be modest, be intelligent in your communication. Didn’t you see what happened with Griezmann? Don’t you know your management? Don’t you know your fans?
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dennis Agyeman/Shutterstock (17066782o) Julian Alvarez during the training day of Atletico de Madrid at Ciudad Deportiva Wanda Atletico de Madrid on August 12, 2026, in Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain. Training day of Atletico de Madrid, Majadahonda, Spain - 12 Aug 2026
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dennis Agyeman/Shutterstock (17066782o) Julian Alvarez during the training day of Atletico de Madrid at Ciudad Deportiva Wanda Atletico de Madrid on August 12, 2026, in Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain. Training day of Atletico de Madrid, Majadahonda, Spain - 12 Aug 2026
‘A player who wants to leave should be allowed to leave. After that, it creates more problems than anything else. I also believe that there needs to be respect on both sides.
‘The first thing to do when you want to try and reach an agreement is not to spit on your fans, on your club.
‘The way you’re doing it, you’re completely off base and you’re going to get it back in your face.
‘That kid’s going to have to work hard. He’s put a ball and chain on his ankle and it’s going to be difficult to turn things around. What a huge mistake!’