**_BBC_ reporter Guillem Balague has emphatically denied claims attributed to him that Julian Alvarez wants to join Arsenal.**
Various social media accounts spread false rumours stating that Balague had confirmed the Argentinian’s interest in a switch to the Emirates, but posting on his X account, Balague said:
> @DeadlineDayLive I didn’t say that
>
> — Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) [October 7, 2026](https://x.com/GuillemBalague/status/2107905031793963257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
It puts to bed any suggestion that Alvarez has made a definitive decision on his future. The former Manchester City player has previously blocked a move back to England, having held out for Barcelona during the summer transfer window.
Alvarez is changing agents
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While it is not the case that the 26-year-old is ready to join Arsenal, there are signs that the player is still angling for a departure from Atletico Madrid. There is usually a transfer on the horizon if a player switches representation, and it looks like that is happening with Alvarez.
The forward has been represented by Fernando Hidalgo since he became a professional footballer, but he has decided to part ways with his long-time agent after a difficult summer where his move to Barca failed to transpire.
It is believed that Alvarez could link up with the agency that manages Manchester City’s Enzo Fernandez, which is headed up by Javier Pastore.
Will Arsenal try to make a move for him in January?
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Unless Alvarez actually has a change of heart about returning to the Premier League, it’s likely that the Gunners will move on to alternatives as they seek to strengthen their forward line.
The two main targets are believed to be Bournemouth’s [**Junior Kroupi**](https://goonernews.com/blog/arsenal-transfer-news-junior-kroupi-3/) and Brentford’s Kevin Schade.
Out of the two, Kroupi is the most similar to Alvarez, preferring to be deployed as a striker, whilst being capable of playing out wide if needed. The Frenchman is expected to cost in excess of £80m.