Arsenal’s hopes of signing Julian Alvarez have suffered a major setback after David Ornstein revealed that the Atletico Madrid striker has told Mikel Arteta he does not want to move to the Emirates Stadium.
Alvarez has been one of the most talked-about players of the summer transfer window, with his future at Atletico Madrid uncertain amid an increasingly tense stand-off. The Argentina international has reportedly been keen on a move to Barcelona, but Atletico have firmly closed the door on a transfer to their La Liga rivals.
Arsenal had emerged as a potential alternative destination, with the Premier League champions understood to be prepared to negotiate with Atletico over a deal for the 26-year-old forward.
However, Ornstein has now delivered a significant update on the situation, revealing on TNT Sports that there is currently only a “low chance” of Alvarez joining Arsenal.
Ornstein said on TNT Sports: “There is a low chance that Julian Alvarez comes to ARSENAL.
“He’s spoken to Mikel Arteta and said he doesn’t want to come. That could change, but it’s NOT developing.
“If they don’t get him, maybe they stick with what they’ve got.”
Alvarez’s preference for Barcelona has complicated matters further. Atletico have publicly rejected the possibility of selling him to the Catalan club, creating an unusual situation in which the striker’s preferred destination appears unavailable.
The former Manchester City forward has also been left out of Atletico’s squad for their latest fixture against Sevilla, adding further uncertainty to his immediate future. He has scored 49 goals and provided 17 assists in 107 appearances for the Spanish side since moving to Madrid in 2024.
For Arsenal, the latest development leaves Mikel Arteta facing a difficult decision in the final days of the transfer window.
Ornstein suggested Alvarez remains the club’s target, but warned that Arsenal could ultimately decide against pursuing another striker if they cannot convince the Argentine to make the move.
ARSENAL may therefore have to stick with their current attacking options unless Alvarez changes his stance.
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