A sporting director has discussed Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, who was targeted by Arsenal during the summer transfer window
Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid
Arsenal targeted Julian Alvarez during the summer transfer window(Image: Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Barcelona chief Deco has ruled out the club targeting Julian Alvarez, giving Arsenal a clear run at the Atletico Madrid striker. The Argentine was the subject of a summer-long transfer saga but ultimately remained with Diego Simeone’s side.
The former Manchester City star previously expressed his desire to join Barcelona this summer. Atleti were unwilling to sell the 26-year-old to their La Liga rivals, with the forward’s future scrutinised throughout the transfer window.
Arsenal were among the teams interested in Alvarez but could not finalise a deal for the Argentina international, with Barcelona instead snapping up Gabriel Jesus from the Gunners. While Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta chose not to bring in another marquee forward, the club have received a boost after Barcelona sporting director Deco ruled out reviving their pursuit of Alvarez.
The Catalan club submitted a bid but were informed by Atleti that no deal would be done. Alvarez’s club issued a public statement outlining their refusal to negotiate with the La Liga champions, leading Deco to consider other targets.
Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit in Lisbon, Barcelona’s sporting director said: “Julian is in the past, we have to look ahead, and we are happy with the rest of the squad. I hope he is doing well too and helping his club, that’s what it comes down to. I mean, there are many deals and many signings that simply don't work out for us.
“The idea has always been to bring in a mobile number nine capable of linking up with teammates, and Julián was one such player. It didn't work out; we made an offer. The club always maintained they wouldn't sell him, so we have to look for other solutions.”
Alvarez has made four appearances for Simeone’s side this term, with his gradual return impacted by injury. Deco insisted that Barcelona’s recent deployment of Raphinha as a striker has not been caused by the club’s failure to sign Alvarez, having seen veteran forward Robert Lewandowski leave at the end of last season.
“The Julian situation has nothing to do with Raphinha,” Deco added. “This season, a player left, someone who is, for me, a unique kind of number nine; the best number nine there is: Robert Lewandowski. Robert gave everything for Barça and we won titles, but the time had come for change, and he needed this too.”
Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid
Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in 2024(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Arsenal welcomed several summer signings but chose not to snap up another striker after missing out on Alvarez. The club’s patient approach could potentially reap rewards in the future, with Barcelona quickly moving on to other targets, giving the Gunners a green light to continue chasing the Atleti star’s signature.
“Gabriel Jesus wasn't in the plans, as we were unaware of his situation; there was a lot of talk about him potentially renewing his contract,” Deco said of Barcelona’s deal with Arsenal. “Once we decided that signing Julian was impossible, we began looking for solutions, and Gabriel was the perfect fit for us. So, the underlying idea didn't change; the goal was always to find a player with that same profile.
“He’s a top player. He wasn’t playing many matches at Arsenal. Sometimes, when you make a change, new motivation, new club, new teammates, it’s significant for Gabriel, and we’re happy to have him.”
Arsenal sold the Brazilian forward for £8.6million, ending his four-year stint with the club. The 29-year-old has scored twice in four appearances for Hansi Flick’s side.
Meanwhile, Alvarez will be eager to get back to his best for Atleti after the international break, following a stop-start beginning to the new campaign. The World Cup winner has scored 49 goals in 110 games since joining the Spanish side in 2024.