Atlético Madrid has reportedly set a deadline for the resolution of Julián Álvarez’s transfer situation, with a decision sought by Friday. The club’s stance is that they will not engage in negotiations with Barcelona for the player, a position reiterated in recent meetings aimed at addressing the situation.
Reports suggest that Barcelona would need to make an offer of around €150m to change Atlético Madrid’s position. However, there is a belief within both Atlético Madrid and Arsenal that the Spanish club currently lacks the financial capacity to meet such a valuation.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Álvarez
Arsenal has continued its efforts to sign Álvarez, despite his stated ambition to join Barcelona. The English club perceives that the situation could evolve in their favour as the transfer window progresses. A potential advantage for Arsenal is the possibility of including other players in a deal.
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has expressed a desire to strengthen his team’s attack. Players such as Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus are understood to be of interest to the Madrid side, and a swap deal involving Gyokeres, potentially alongside a financial fee, could facilitate an agreement for Álvarez. One report indicates that an agreement between the clubs might already exist, with only the player’s consent pending.
While Álvarez initially preferred to remain in Spain, citing lifestyle and family reasons, as well as the stature of Barcelona, his view on a move to Arsenal is understood to have softened. He has reportedly been informed that Arsenal would deploy him in his preferred position and build their attack around him, following a season where he was used in an “unusual role” by Simeone.
Recent reports suggest that Arsenal has received a “green light” to sign Álvarez for a fee of £111m. This development comes amid claims that Gabriel Martinelli is nearing an exit from Arsenal, which could provide a boost to the club’s transfer funds. Journalist Nicolo Schira has indicated that a move for Martinelli to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League is in its final stages for €60m, with a contract until 2030 worth €20m per year.
Transfer market activity and financial considerations
So far this summer, Arsenal has been active in the transfer market, spending over £200m to acquire players including Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Piero Hincapie, Christos Tzolis, and Illan Meslier. Despite these significant signings, the club is reportedly still seeking further reinforcements, particularly in attacking positions, potentially for a left-winger or another striker.
Álvarez, who joined Atlético Madrid from Manchester City, has been identified as a top target for Barcelona to replace Roberto Lewandowski. However, Atlético Madrid has consistently made it clear they do not intend to sell him to a direct rival within LaLiga. This stance has reportedly opened the door for Arsenal, with some suggestions that they are currently Álvarez’s only viable option, provided he is willing to join them over Barcelona.
An Argentinian outlet, BolaVIP, claims that Diego Simeone has given approval for Atlético Madrid to sell Álvarez, while reaffirming that a move to Barcelona remains off the table. The same report indicates that Atlético Madrid would accept 130 million euros (£111m) for the player. The report clarifies that Barcelona is effectively out of the running, significantly reducing Álvarez’s options. If Arsenal is prepared to meet the asking price, Álvarez could depart Atlético Madrid after two years at the club.
Atlético Madrid is pushing for a resolution to Julián Álvarez’s transfer situation by Friday.
Source: independent.co.uk