REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo
Julian Alvarez has already made his decision over a potential move to Arsenal after Atletico Madrid reportedly agreed to sell the Argentina international to the Premier League club.
Alvarez has enhanced his status as one of the world’s best forwards since leaving Manchester City for Atletico in 2024.
The South American netted 36 goals in 103 games for Man City, winning two Premier League titles in the process, but decided to leave the Etihad Stadium in order to become first choice striker under Diego Simeone in the Spanish capital.
In 106 games for Atletico, Alvarez has scored 49 goals. He bagged 29 goals in 57 games during his debut campaign at the Metropolitano Stadium before hitting 20 in 49 matches last term.
His eye-catching performances have left him high on several top European clubs’ summer transfer wish-lists.
Barcelona met with Alvarez’s representatives in May, per ESPN, after being informed the Argentine preferred a move to Camp Nou over Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.
Atletico subsequently accused Barcelona of a “relentless smear campaign” in their pursuit of the 26-year-old World Cup winner.
Atletico Open to Selling Alvarez to Arsenal
Reuters/Paul Childs
While Atletico remain determined not to sell Alvarez to a direct La Liga rival, they are now open to selling the player to Premier League champions Arsenal, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Atleti fans made their feelings clear towards Alvarez during a recent 2-0 win over Malaga. The striker was omitted from the matchday squad amid the ongoing transfer controversy but still received hostile chants from the club’s supporters.
In response, Atletico boss Simeone told reporters, per GOAL: "I have great respect for our people. We are open - as we always say - to specific possibilities. You know this after 15 years, I always say that until the window closes, I am open to anything that might happen. That doesn't mean I'm talking about any specific individual, is that clear?"
Meanwhile, eye-opening images comparing Alvarez’s 2026-27 pre-season photo to 2024-25 and 2025-26 have gone viral on social media.
Alvarez Not Interested in Arsenal Move
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Despite the fact the relationship between unsettled Alvarez and Atletico is currently on the rocks, Alvarez has no desire to join Arsenal, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The report says Alvarez will only leave Atletico for his “dream” destination: Barcelona.
It seems the Argentine - who has an astronomical €500 million release clause - is determined to link up with his former Man City teammate Rodri at Camp Nou before the transfer window closes.
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It remains to be seen whether a move to Arsenal will become more appealing to Alvarez the closer we edge to the September 1 deadline day.
Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz are currently Arsenal’s first-choice forwards, but Alvarez would have the potential to be a game-changing signing for the Gunners.