Arsenal hold new talks with Atletico Madrid over deal for Barcelona target Julian Alvarez | OneFootball

Barcelona want to sign Julian Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid are determined to make it as difficult as possible for them. Los Colchoneros have assured that a deal will not be done with their La Liga rivals, which has left the Catalans at a disadvantage against the likes of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, both of whom have also shown significant interest in the Argentina international.

Of last season’s two Champions League finalists, it is Arsenal that are most interested in Alvarez, whom they see as an upgrade on current striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Premier League champions have a good relationship with Atleti due to their sporting department being led by Andrea Berta, who was previously sporting director at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, and according to Luca Bendoni (via CaughtOffside), the two clubs have held new talks over a deal for the 26-year-old striker.

Atleti want to keep Alvarez, but if they are to sell, their preferred destination would be Arsenal. However, the report notes that there is a significant gap in valuation between the two clubs, meaning that Barcelona can relax a little bit more.

Barcelona already have Alvarez alternative lined up

Although Arsenal are perhaps better-placed to sign Alvarez in terms of actually being able to agree a deal with Atleti, Barcelona known that the player’s preference is to join them. They will launch their latest offer next week, and while there is confidence that things will go in their favour, it is not the end of the world if they miss out.

Sporting director Deco has already started lining up alternatives, one of which has been described as “exciting”. Thus, Barcelona will be more relaxed if they fail to agree terms with Alvarez as they know that regardless, they will be able to secure the services of an acceptable Robert Lewandowski replacement.