Arsenal could receive renewed encouragement in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez after Barcelona were fined by the Spanish Football Federation following a complaint from Atletico Madrid.
The Catalan club have been ordered to pay €602 (£503) after Atletico accused them of approaching the Argentina international without first providing written notification.
The sanction, imposed under Article 133 of the federation’s regulations, follows a prolonged transfer dispute between the Spanish rivals.
Atletico also submitted a complaint to FIFA, although football’s international governing body determined that the matter fell outside its jurisdiction.
Barcelona pursued Alvarez throughout the summer transfer window, but Atletico refused to negotiate his departure to their La Liga rivals.
The 26-year-old had expressed his desire to join Barcelona during the 2026 World Cup, creating uncertainty over his future at the Metropolitano.
However, Atletico maintained their position despite Barcelona’s interest, leaving Alvarez at the club beyond the summer deadline.
Arsenal were also heavily linked with the former Manchester City forward and explored the possibility of bringing him back to the Premier League.
Atletico were more receptive to negotiating with Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain than allowing Alvarez to join Barcelona.
The Gunners nevertheless struggled to convince the striker to consider a move to England, with his preference remaining a transfer to the Camp Nou.
Barcelona’s punishment now provides another reminder of the strained relationship between the Spanish clubs, potentially strengthening Arsenal’s position if they revive their interest.
However, the modest fine does not prevent Barcelona from pursuing Alvarez again, and there is no indication that Arsenal have submitted a fresh offer.
Atletico also remain reluctant to lose the World Cup winner, whose existing contract runs until June 2030.
The forward has meanwhile begun rebuilding his relationship with Atletico supporters after receiving criticism for publicly expressing his desire to leave.
He scored the winning goal against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, extending his scoring run to two consecutive matches.
Alvarez subsequently apologised to supporters, acknowledging that his earlier comments had been poorly received.
His recent performances have helped ease tensions, although uncertainty surrounding his long-term future could resurface in subsequent transfer windows.
Arsenal’s interest reflects their desire to strengthen their attacking options after failing to secure the Argentine’s signature during the summer.
The latest development could therefore keep Alvarez on their recruitment radar, but any renewed pursuit would depend on Atletico’s willingness to negotiate and the player’s openness to leaving Spain.