Arsenal's Pursuit of Julián Álvarez: The Transfer Saga Continues

Arsenal refuse to give up on Julián Álvarez – even if the player’s heart seems set on Barcelona.

The Premier League champions have tracked the Atlético Madrid forward all summer, with FourFourTwo reporting that Álvarez’s preference is to stay in La Liga rather than return to England, and that a move to Barça remains his dream.

Spain insists the story isn’t over.

England calling

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Álvarez’s future is expected to be resolved “in the coming hours”, with the indication that England is now the likeliest destination. Atlético are said to be “pushing” the 26-year-old towards north London and a move to Arsenal over a rival option.

Álvarez has been open about his situation. Earlier in the summer he said “the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream,” after Real Madrid reportedly saw a £129 million bid rejected by Atlético.

Since then, Mikel Arteta has stepped in personally. The Arsenal manager has called Álvarez to sell his project, yet the former Manchester City forward is still understood to be holding out for Barcelona.

London talks, multiple moving pieces

Atlético sporting director Mateu Alemany is currently in London to negotiate with Chelsea over striker Nicolas Jackson. Sport Witness report that Álvarez’s name could also be on the agenda during that trip, with Arsenal exploring whether a deal is possible.

The Gunners sit at the centre of a wider striker carousel. Viktor Gyökeres has been linked with Barça, while Gabriel Jesus is also believed to be on the Catalan club’s shortlist. FourFourTwo understands Arteta is ready for the possibility that no new forward arrives at the Emirates this summer, despite the noise.

Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly rejected an approach from Galatasaray. There is also said to be interest from Arsenal in Victor Osimhen, although that situation remains distant and complex.

Other targets have already slipped away. Arsenal are not involved in the Bradley Barcola chase, and moves for Vinícius Jr and Morgan Rogers have collapsed – Vinícius extending his contract at Real Madrid and Rogers opting to join Chelsea in a British record transfer.

The offer on the table

Sport Witness relay that Arsenal’s proposal to Atlético for Álvarez stands at “€80m plus Viktor Gyökeres”, with the Argentine told he could double his salary at the Emirates and take on a central role under Arteta.

If he agrees, Álvarez could be used off the left in place of Martinelli or as a central striker competing with Kai Havertz. That choice may hinge on who leaves London Colney before the window shuts.

For now, Arsenal wait, Barcelona dream, and Atlético push. The clock is ticking on one of the summer’s most tangled transfer sagas.