Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez
Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez
Fabrizio Romano has important news regarding Arsenal's pursuit of Julian Alvarez and told GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness whether the Atletico Madrid forward could arrive at the Emirates before the transfer window slams shut.
Alvarez is at the top of Mikel Arteta's wishlist heading towards next Tuesday's deadline day, but the Argentine forward has been pushing to join Barcelona. A move to Camp Nou has been firmly ruled out by his employers, who have insisted they are the victims in the transfer saga.
An untenable situation has occurred at the Riyadh Metropolitano, and Atleti fans have booed Alvarez after learning of his desire to join Barca. While the Spanish giants are refusing to sell him to their rivals, they are open to doing business with Arteta's Premier League champions.
Romano: Arsenal Meet With Atletico Madrid For Alvarez
Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez
Alvarez could make a return to the English top flight and become the North Londoners' new number nine. The problem is that they have yet to get the green light from the former Manchester City star.
Romano delved into Alvarez's situation by revealing that a meeting had taken place between Arsenal and Atletico last Friday. He said on GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness podcast:
"I think Arsenal's strategy is very clear, and it's been clear now for almost one week, since last Friday, there was a meeting in London between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, and Arsenal are very clear on their position. They would be ready to do business with Atletico Madrid. The two clubs also share a very good relationship. So, financially, my understanding is that Arsenal would be ready to try and ready to reach an agreement with Atlético Madrid. So that would still require a negotiation."
Alvarez has four years left on his contract at Atleti, having joined Diego Simeone's side from City in August 2024 for £82 million. He's been one of the best forwards in La Liga since then, finding the back of the net 49 times in 107 games across competitions.
Romano suggested that the only obstacle standing in Arsenal's way is convincing Alvarez to join:
"My expectation is for an agreement club-to-club to happen if Julian Alvarez decides to open doors. As of now, this could change any minute. But as of now, as of today, there is still no indication from Julian Alvarez, his agents, his family to change his mind and then go to Arsenal. So Arsenal are waiting."
Alvarez spent two seasons at City but opted to leave to take on a more prominent role at Atleti rather than serve as backup to Erling Haaland. He performed well during his time in the Premier League and is a player Arteta views as the missing piece in his attack.
Arsenal transfer targets
Julian Alvarez - Player wants Barcelona
Arsenal Premier League Fixture List
Arsenal Premier League Fixture List
Why Alvarez is Reluctant to Join Arsenal
Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez on the bench looking glum
Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez on the bench looking glum
Alvarez's isn't hesitating over a move to Arsenal because of his connection to City or his preference to join Barca. That's according to Spanish outlet Diario Sport (via Barca Blaugranes), which claims that he wishes to remain in Spain for family reasons.
The Argentine's family lives in the country, and if he returns to England, they will be unable to join him. Brexit laws mean some of his relatives, including his parents, wouldn't be able to return to English shores with the striker.
Alvarez's wife is able to return with him if he does accept a move to the Emirates, but his extended family will have difficulty following them. It's why Arteta and Andrea Berta have struggled thus far to persuade the 2022 World Cup winner to join the Gunners.
The Atleti forward now has a decision to make with such little time left in the transfer window. He can either stay at the Metropolitano and try and make amends with the club and its fans or join the North Londoners and leave his family at least temporarily.
Mikel Arteta Arsenal manager
Mikel Arteta Arsenal manager