Arsenal hoping Atletico Madrid block Barcelona move for Julian Alvarez – report | OneFootball

Arsenal are adopting a patient approach in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, hoping Atletico Madrid continue to resist FC Barcelona’s attempts to sign the Argentine striker before making their own move.

Indeed, according to The Times (h/t SPORT), the Premier League club believe they could persuade Alvarez to join them if his dream transfer to Barça ultimately proves impossible.

Arsenal are said to have prepared proposals for both the player and the Rojiblancos, with the aim of completing a swift deal in August should circumstances change.

For now, however, everything hinges on whether Alvarez is willing to intensify his efforts to force Atletico into negotiations with Barcelona.

Mikel Arteta’s priority target

Much like Hansi Flick at Barcelona, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has identified Alvarez as the ideal striker to lead his team’s new-look attack.

Mikel Arteta wants Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Despite repeated attempts from both the manager and sporting director Andrea Berta, the Premier League champions have so far been unable to convince the Argentina international to even consider their project.

The striker’s priority remains unchanged. His ambition is to join Barcelona, and Arsenal are aware they must wait to see whether that move collapses before they have a realistic chance.

Despite the current setback, the club have not seriously pursued alternative targets, believing the situation could still swing in their favour later in the window.

A player-plus-cash proposal

Arsenal’s plan would include Viktor Gyokeres, who joined the club last summer for around €64 million but has yet to fully establish himself.

The Swedish forward is currently valued at more than €50 million, and Arsenal could add a substantial cash payment that would take the overall package close to €100 million, including performance-related bonuses.

Such a proposal is believed to appeal to Atletico, with Diego Simeone said to be an admirer of Gyokeres.

Alvarez remains firm on wanting to join Barcelona. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Despite preparing their strategy, Arsenal have no intention of opening formal negotiations until Alvarez’s representatives indicate that the player is ready to explore alternatives.

At present, there has been no such indication. The 26-year-old remains focused on Barcelona, and attention is now turning to whether he will make another public statement expressing his desire to move to Camp Nou.

Atletico remain firm

Atletico Madrid have already instructed Alvarez to report for pre-season training on 10 August, and there are no signs that the striker intends to refuse to return.

Instead, he is expected to seek another meeting with club officials in an attempt to reopen discussions over his future.

Barcelona, meanwhile, remain firm. Club officials insist their offer will not be increased and have already communicated that it has an expiry date.

As that deadline approaches, Atletico continue to maintain their stance and have yet to respond to the proposal.