Arsenal still hope to beat Barcelona to the transfer of Julian Alvarez – report | OneFootball

According to SPORT, Arsenal have not given up on signing Julian Alvarez despite the Argentine striker making it clear that Barcelona remains his preferred destination.

The 26-year-old forward changed the course of his future during the group stage of the World Cup when he publicly admitted his desire to fulfil his “dream”. While he did not directly name Barcelona, it has become clear that the Argentine wishes to join the Catalans.

Those comments significantly strained his relationship with Atletico Madrid and, although the Spanish club continue to insist they have no intention of negotiating with the Catalans, keeping the striker beyond this summer now appears increasingly difficult.

That situation has encouraged Arsenal to revive their long-standing interest.

Atletico open to Premier League deal

As per the report, from Atletico’s perspective, selling Alvarez to England would be a far more attractive option than strengthening a direct domestic rival.

For that reason, Arsenal believe they still have a genuine opportunity to complete the transfer.

Arsenal remain intent on signing Alvarez. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As such, the North London club are preparing another approach before the start of their pre-season, convinced there is still room to convince both Atletico and the player.

This is far from Arsenal’s first attempt to sign the Argentine. Last summer, during the Club World Cup, the Gunners submitted an offer worth €100 million plus €20 million in bonuses.

Atletico refused to even enter negotiations and instead promised the player an improved contract, although those plans were never fully realised after the club invested heavily elsewhere in the squad.

Arsenal returned during the winter transfer window, even after completing the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, only to receive the same response.

Why Arsenal still believe

Despite those previous setbacks, Arsenal continue to see reasons for optimism.

One is Mikel Arteta’s admiration for the player. The Arsenal manager has long rated Alvarez and benefits from strong relationships with members of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff, giving him a detailed understanding of the striker’s qualities.

Another important figure is sporting director Andrea Berta. The Italian previously worked at Atletico Madrid and played a major role in convincing Alvarez to join the Spanish club in 2024 despite significant interest from PSG.

Barcelona remain confident. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Arsenal believe his relationship with the player and his knowledge of Atleti’s negotiating stance could prove valuable once again.

Barcelona’s deadline

Perhaps Arsenal’s biggest ally is time. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has repeatedly stressed that the club’s offer will not remain on the table indefinitely.

The Blaugrana are unwilling to allow negotiations to drag on throughout the summer and have already begun evaluating alternative options should Atletico refuse to negotiate.

Barcelona, however, firmly believe that they are in pole position to sign the Argentine international. The Catalans understand that Alvarez has no desire to return to the Premier League after his spell at Manchester City between 2022 and 2024.

Inside the club there is confidence that his desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt will ultimately carry significant weight, even if Atletico continue to resist a sale.