Arsenal Refuse to Give Up on Julian Alvarez as Barcelona Face Transfer Competition
Arsenal have not abandoned their pursuit of Julian Alvarez despite growing belief that the Argentine striker’s preferred destination is Barcelona.
The Premier League giants remain convinced they can still change the situation and are preparing another attempt to sign the Atletico Madrid forward before the new season begins.
According to reports from Spain, Barcelona currently hold the advantage because Alvarez has made it clear that joining the Catalan club is a major ambition of his.
However, Arsenal believe the situation remains open, especially because Atletico Madrid may prefer a Premier League sale over strengthening a domestic rival.
Alvarez’s Barcelona Dream Creates Atletico Problem
Alvarez’s future became one of the biggest transfer stories after he publicly expressed his desire to achieve a personal dream during the World Cup group stage.
Although the 26-year-old did not directly mention Barcelona, it quickly became understood that the Argentine’s ambition was to wear the Blaugrana shirt.
Those comments reportedly damaged his relationship with Atletico Madrid, who have continued to insist that they do not want to negotiate with Barcelona.
However, keeping an unhappy player at the club could become increasingly complicated, especially if a major offer arrives.
Atletico Prefer Arsenal Deal Over Barcelona Transfer
From Atletico’s perspective, selling Alvarez to Arsenal would be a much more attractive outcome than allowing him to join Barcelona.
The Madrid club would avoid strengthening a direct La Liga competitor while still receiving a significant financial return.
That belief has encouraged Arsenal to continue pushing for a deal.
The North London club are preparing another approach and believe they can convince both Atletico and the player before the transfer window closes.
Arsenal Have Already Made Major Attempts
This is not the first time Arsenal have tried to sign Alvarez.
During the previous summer transfer window, the Gunners reportedly submitted a huge proposal worth €100 million plus €20 million in potential bonuses.
Atletico immediately rejected the approach and refused to negotiate, instead attempting to secure Alvarez’s future with an improved contract.
However, those plans did not fully materialise after Atletico invested heavily in other areas of their squad.
Arsenal returned with another attempt during the winter transfer window, despite completing the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, but once again received a negative response.
Why Arsenal Still Believe They Can Win the Race
Despite previous failures, Arsenal remain confident because of several important factors.
One major reason is manager Mikel Arteta’s admiration for Alvarez.
The Arsenal boss has followed the striker closely for years and has detailed knowledge of his qualities through his strong connections within Pep Guardiola’s coaching network.
Another key figure is sporting director Andrea Berta.
Berta previously worked at Atletico Madrid and played an important role in bringing Alvarez to the Spanish club in 2024 despite interest from other European giants.
Arsenal believe his relationship with the player and understanding of Atletico’s negotiating position could become valuable during future discussions.
Barcelona Set Transfer Deadline
Barcelona remain confident despite Arsenal’s continued interest.
President Joan Laporta has reportedly made it clear that the club’s offer will not remain available forever.
The Catalan giants do not want negotiations to continue throughout the entire summer and have already started considering alternative options if Atletico refuse to cooperate.
However, Barcelona believe Alvarez’s personal preference could ultimately decide the outcome.
The club understands that the striker does not currently see a return to the Premier League as his priority after his previous spell with Manchester City.
Alvarez Transfer Battle Set for Final Stages
The battle for Julian Alvarez is far from over.
Arsenal have financial power, Atletico have the advantage of controlling the player’s contract, but Barcelona possess something equally important: the striker’s desire to join them.
With all three clubs holding different advantages, Alvarez’s future could become one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer.