Arsenal has become the sole route Atlético Madrid are willing to allow Julián Álvarez to take this summer, as the Spanish club continues to completely shut the door on their striker’s potential move to Barcelona.
Mario Cortegana of The Athletic reported that Atlético expressed readiness to consider an offer from Arsenal following contacts between the parties last week, though they remain waiting for a clear change in the player’s stance before turning interest into decisive negotiations.
Atlético’s management wants around €150 million to approve selling Álvarez to Mikel Arteta’s side, while refusing to discuss any offer from Barcelona regardless of its value, fearing they would hand a direct La Liga rival one of the team’s most potent weapons.
This stance comes despite the painful scene the Argentine experienced during the 2-2 draw with Villarreal, where he was subjected to jeers and insults when his name was announced, followed by renewed hostility during warm-ups and upon his substitution in the 66th minute, before leaving alone for the dressing room by club decision for his protection.
Argentine reports spoke of Álvarez and members of his family in tears after the match, reflecting his difficult emotional state and the collapse of his relationship with Atlético fans. However, the board has not softened in the face of these developments, leaving him with two choices: stay or accept a move to a destination that does not bolster a domestic competitor.
As for the player, he continues to reject Arsenal and has no desire to return to England, nor has he shown enthusiasm toward Chelsea following their recent interest. His position has remained unchanged since declaring his desire to “fulfill his dream” of wearing the Barcelona shirt and no other club.
Barcelona plan to maintain pressure and attempt a move until the final moments of the transfer window, relying on Álvarez’s desire and the growing rift inside Atlético. Nonetheless, the capital club’s insistence on preventing his move to Spotify Camp Nou, combined with the massive price tag set for an external sale, makes the deal exceptionally complex.
