Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez continues to be linked with a summer move to Arsenal as he looks to leave the Spanish club
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez looks on
Arsenal are interested in signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez(Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
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Arsenal-linked Julian Alvarez and his camp have reportedly held a five-hour late-night meeting to discuss his future. It is said that the only two options left for him are to either stay at Atletico Madrid or join the Gunners.
The former Manchester City striker has caught the eye of Mikel Arteta's side as they look to strengthen their attack. Alvarez has confirmed his wish to leave Diego Simeone's team, sparking interest from some of Europe's elite clubs in signing him.
Barcelona approached their La Liga rivals, but Atleti will not sell him to the Catalan giants. Atletico released two public statements in the space of 24 hours reiterating their stance that the Argentine will not be granted his wish to join Barca this summer.
It has put the 26-year-old in a tricky position after being booed by Atleti fans during their 2-2 home draw with Villarreal on Sunday. Spanish media channel SERDeportivos now claim he must either stay put and look to repair his relationship with the club's supporters or return to the Premier League and join Arsenal.
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Atleti director Mateu Alemany was reportedly in London last week, where he is understood to have met with Gunners officials - making clear his side would seek a fee of €150million (£128m).
Alvarez has been absent from Atleti training for three successive days as he looks to resolve his future.
GIRONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 21: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona FC and Atletico de Madrid at Montilivi Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez's future is becoming one of the sagas of the summer(Image: Judit Cartiel, Getty Images)
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Releasing a strongly-worded statement on Thursday, Atleti said: "The members of Atletico Madrid’s Board of Directors have unanimously expressed their full support for the club’s decision not to negotiate the transfer of Julian Alvarez to FC Barcelona. The members of the Board of Directors are aware that:
"Atletico Madrid is open to negotiations that are part of the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs.
"We fully support the position previously communicated by the club that FC Barcelona have not met these requirements and, as a result, there have been no negotiations, nor will there be any negotiations with them regarding the transfer of Julián Alvarez.”
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Manager Simeone has defended Alvarez after he was jeered by sections of the home crowd last weekend.
He said: "We need strikers, good strikers. We have him, and we have to take care of him.
"I think we all need to be united. Julian is with us on the team, and as long as he's here, we're going to support him. We want the best for him because we know what he can contribute.
"It's an uncomfortable situation for everyone, but hopefully it will be resolved and we'll all be happy at the end of the season."