Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez
Clubs that spend months insisting a player is not for sale sometimes soften their stance after a hostile home reception. Formal negotiations that begin in the final week of the window still require agreement on a substantial fee. Players who prefer a different destination face a narrowing set of options as time runs out.
Record-breaking outlays become possible when outgoing sales generate funds. Long-standing admirers who can meet the asking price stay in the race when domestic rivals are ruled out. Impasse situations often produce late movement once public pressure mounts.
READ MORE: Julian Alvarez drops huge hint on next club
Atletico Madrid have given Arsenal the green light to begin talks over Julian Alvarez. The Spanish club are now willing to discuss a sale at £128million, the same figure they rejected from Real Madrid in June.
The change in stance follows Alvarez being heavily booed and whistled by Atletico fans on Sunday when he made his first appearance since publicly stating he wished to leave. The Athletic, relayed by The Standard, reports that Atletico have acquiesced after previously treating the forward as untouchable.
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Alvarez’s clear preference remains Barcelona, but Atletico are unwilling to sell to their La Liga rivals and the Catalan club have given up on the move. That leaves the Argentina international with a choice between staying under Diego Simeone or joining Arsenal.
A deal at £128million would make Alvarez Arsenal’s record signing, surpassing the £105million paid for Declan Rice. The Gunners are looking to sell Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal for more than £50million to help balance the books. Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres have also been discussed as possible makeweights.
Alvarez signed for Atletico two years ago in a deal worth over £80million and has a €500million release clause. He previously won two Premier League titles and the Champions League with Manchester City.
Supporters will note the significant development with caution. The fee remains extremely high and the player’s first-choice destination is still Barcelona. Further updates are expected if formal negotiations advance before the window closes on 1 September. Arsenal face Aston Villa at the weekend as they continue their title defence.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta
Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes