Arsenal has received encouragement regarding a potential deal for Julian Alvarez before the transfer window closes. The Premier League champions are actively pursuing the forward, who has also garnered interest from Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid has set a valuation of €150m (£128.4m) for Alvarez. The London club is reportedly attempting to negotiate this price down. The club’s ownership is said to be willing to back a significant move for the right player, similar to their approach with Vinicius Junior.
Alvarez’s long-standing preference has been to remain in Spain and join Barcelona. However, Atletico Madrid has maintained a firm stance against selling him to their Catalan rivals. This position has reportedly led to some reassessment from the 26-year-old player.
During Atletico Madrid’s recent draw with Villarreal, Alvarez was booed by his own supporters after entering the game. His name was booed when the team was announced, and the jeers continued when he came onto the pitch in the 66th minute. After the 2-2 home league draw, Alvarez left the field alone, while his teammates stayed to applaud the fans.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, is reportedly keen to sign a left-sided attacker to finalise the champions’ summer transfer business. Alvarez has been identified as a primary target, following Vinicius Junior. Arteta is understood to have a specific role in mind for the Argentine forward, valuing his technical abilities and mobility in attack.
Despite the fan reaction, signing Alvarez is still considered challenging due to several obstacles. His desire to join Barcelona remains a significant factor, and Atletico Madrid continues to resist selling him, especially to Barcelona, but also to the Premier League champions or PSG.
Transfer complexities and player preferences
Arsenal has been working on a potential transfer for Alvarez for several months, with efforts dating back to last season. The club believes Alvarez could be an excellent fit for Arteta’s requirements. The fee and negotiations with Atletico could potentially be eased if players like Viktor Gyokeres or Gabriel Martinelli were included in any deal.
The future of Gabriel Martinelli is uncertain, as he was not included in Arsenal’s squad against Coventry City, and there is reported interest from Al Hilal. Arsenal is also considering Kenan Yildiz as an option, although Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has indicated the club is calm about Yildiz remaining in Turin.
Reports from July suggest Alvarez’s family wishes to stay in Spain, and the player’s long-term ambition has been to play for Barcelona. Atletico Madrid has previously accused the Catalan club of a “relentless smear campaign” regarding the forward.
Atletico Madrid stated on X that they have been subjected to a campaign involving “calculated leaks, fake news, constant disrespect,” and “propaganda machine inventing little stories.” They also mentioned “phone calls before head-to-head clashes,” while asserting they would not have a vice president of referees on their payroll or rely on political favours to register players.
Impact of fan reaction on potential moves
The booing of Alvarez by Atletico Madrid supporters on Sunday does not necessarily mean a move to Arsenal is imminent. The club’s stance remains firm against selling him. However, Arsenal is expected to keep the door open for a deal until the September 1 deadline.
Arsenal is reportedly content with their current squad, demonstrated by their 3-0 victory against Coventry. However, the club is in a position where only top-tier signings like Alvarez would significantly enhance their team. Some pundits believe that acquiring Alvarez could elevate Arsenal to Champions League winners.
The Premier League champions are facing a crucial final week in the transfer window. Arsenal could also consider letting Gabriel Jesus leave if a replacement, such as Alvarez, is secured. The transfer window closes on September 1.
Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid’s manager, commented on Alvarez’s situation, stating that club officials informed him that the club decided Alvarez should not be near the stands and fans. Simeone added that the decision was made to keep him separate from the rest of the team, directing him to the locker room instead.
With just over a week left in the transfer window, Barcelona is also expected to continue their efforts to test Atletico’s resolve regarding Alvarez.
Arsenal has shown they are ahead of rivals with an opening night victory, with summer signing Christos Tzolis and Martin Odegaard adding to their attack. Meanwhile, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham dropped points over the first weekend, and Enzo Maresca noted his Manchester City team is still a “work in progress” after their comeback win over Bournemouth.
The transfer window is set to close on September 1.
Source: independent.co.uk