Álvarez wants only Barcelona. Arteta reportedly heard “no”

Julián Álvarez still wants to join Barcelona. That is the easy part of the operation. Atlético must also agree to sell him there, which they have publicly refused to do, while Barcelona are completing the arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal. Mikel Arteta tried to convince the Argentine to return to England, but according to The Guardian, he was informed that the striker wants only Barça.

ARTETA MADE A PERSONAL ATTEMPT

Arsenal did not limit their interest to enquiries through intermediaries. According to the latest report, Arteta spoke directly to Álvarez last week and tried to convince him of the project being built at the Emirates Stadium.

The response offered the London club little encouragement. The Argentine is understood to have said that he does not want to return to the Premier League and remains focused on a move to Barcelona.

This was not an official statement from the player or a public admission from Arteta. The information was reported by The Guardian, while David Ornstein had previously discussed contact between the pair. Arsenal currently regard the transfer as unlikely and are not prepared to begin formal negotiations without a clear indication that Álvarez wants to join them.

ARSENAL HAVE ROOM, BUT NOT PERMISSION

The London club have created financial and squad space for further business. Arsenal have agreed deals to sell Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Fábio Vieira for a combined fee of more than £70 million.

Arteta wants another forward and views Álvarez as a player capable of raising the team’s level. The problem is fairly fundamental: the player does not see himself in London.

Arsenal still hope the 26-year-old could change his mind before the transfer window closes. It is difficult, however, to build such an expensive operation around the hope that he might wake up with a sudden affection for north London.

ATLÉTICO WILL OPEN ONLY ONE DOOR

From Atlético’s perspective, the situation is exactly the opposite. The Madrid club may be willing to deal with Arsenal, but have categorically rejected the possibility of selling Álvarez to a direct La Liga rival.

Miguel Ángel Gil Marín publicly insisted that Atlético would not negotiate with Barcelona “under any circumstances”. He added that if the forward ultimately decides to leave, the club will look for an alternative solution—but it will not be a move to the Camp Nou.

Álvarez has therefore found himself in a peculiar trap. He can remain at a club he would like to leave or move to a team he does not want to join. The only club he has chosen is also the only one Atlético refuse to negotiate with.

GABRIEL JESUS DOES NOT END THE STORY

Barcelona have agreed a deal with Arsenal for Gabriel Jesus, but English reports suggest that this does not definitively end their interest in Álvarez. The Brazilian is expected to provide an immediate solution, while the Argentina international remains the dream target for the attack.

None of that brings the transfer close to completion. Atlético have not changed their official position, Barcelona have not agreed a fee and Álvarez remains under contract in Madrid. There is no agreement between the clubs—only a very clear preference from the player.

Barcelona therefore have something Arsenal lack: the player’s approval. Arsenal may possess what Atlético want: the money and an acceptable negotiating route. Atlético, meanwhile, hold the only thing that truly determines the outcome—the player’s contract.

Everyone has one part required to complete the transfer. Unfortunately, none of the parts fit together.