Atlético has opened the door for Álvarez
Reports suggested that Julián Álvarez had reached an agreement with Arsenal. After checking the original information, the situation is slightly different — and considerably more absurd. Atlético Madrid are reportedly prepared to negotiate his sale to the London club, but the player has rejected that destination. He still wants Barcelona, the one club Atlético refuse to negotiate with.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Atlético’s hierarchy have changed their position on the Argentine’s future. The club now accept that the situation has become extremely difficult and that continuing together may no longer be realistic. Álvarez can therefore leave, but only if his destination is not Barcelona.
Atlético are willing to hold talks with Arsenal, who have been interested in the striker for several months. That does not mean the clubs have agreed a transfer fee or completed the operation. The significant development is that Atlético are now reportedly prepared to discuss selling their star player.
The problem appeared immediately. Mundo Deportivo claims that Arsenal’s proposal has already reached Álvarez, but the striker does not intend to accept it. The Argentine does not want to return to England after spending two seasons with Manchester City. His preferred destination remains Barcelona.
Atlético have approved a club the player does not want. The player wants a club Atlético will not approve. Barcelona’s role in the process has effectively been blocked at ownership level.
Miguel Ángel Gil Marín previously insisted that Atlético would not accept even €200 million for Álvarez. At the time, the message was that the striker would not be sold under any circumstances. The position has now reportedly become more specific. A sale is possible, provided the buyer is not the club selected by the player.
Álvarez’s situation in Madrid is becoming increasingly uncomfortable. He was omitted from the squad for Atlético’s league match against Málaga. Diego Simeone attributed the decision to a lack of training and continued to describe Álvarez as the best player in his squad. Posters reading “Julián out” have nevertheless appeared near Atlético’s training complex, while sections of the support expressed their anger during the opening game of the season.
The striker had already spoken publicly about his future during the World Cup. Álvarez said that leaving Atlético could be the best solution for both sides. Reports in Argentina and Spain have claimed that the club previously gave him a verbal assurance that he could leave if an acceptable offer arrived. Atlético, however, have no intention of strengthening a direct LaLiga rival.
Viktor Gyökeres could also become part of the operation. Mundo Deportivo reports that Arsenal may be prepared to use the striker in negotiations and that Simeone would accept such a solution. There is still no confirmation of the final package, an agreed transfer fee or a formal deal between the two clubs.
At the same time, Barcelona are reportedly ready to abandon their pursuit of Álvarez for this summer. David Sánchez told Radio MARCA that the Catalan club consider the operation impossible under the current circumstances and have started focusing on other targets. Álvarez could return to the agenda in 2027, but Barcelona are not expected to spend the closing days of this window waiting for Atlético to change their mind.
That helps explain the sudden pursuit of Lautaro Martínez. Unfortunately for Barcelona, Inter have no intention of selling their captain either. The club have moved from chasing a striker whose employers refuse to sell specifically to them to chasing a striker whose employers refuse to sell to anyone.
There is currently no agreement between Álvarez and Arsenal, no officially accepted bid and no confirmed transfer fee. Atlético are reportedly willing to begin negotiations with the London club, but the player continues to reject the move and hold out for Barcelona.
Arsenal have been shown an open door by Atlético. Álvarez has no intention of walking through it. Barcelona, meanwhile, have moved to another door and discovered that Inter have locked that one as well.
Sources: Mundo Deportivo · Reuters · MARCA
